How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets: A Comprehensive Guide to a Stunning Kitchen Cabinet Makeover

Yes, you can reface kitchen cabinets to give your kitchen a beautiful new look without the expense and mess of a full remodel. Refacing involves updating the visible surfaces of your existing cabinet boxes, primarily the doors and drawer fronts, and often applying a new veneer to the cabinet frames. This process is a fantastic way to achieve a stunning kitchen cabinet makeover and dramatically improve your kitchen’s aesthetic.

How Do You Reface Kitchen Cabinets
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Why Choose Cabinet Refacing?

Deciding between refacing vs replacing cabinets is a common dilemma for homeowners. While replacing cabinets offers a complete overhaul, refacing presents a compelling alternative for several reasons:

Cost-Effectiveness: Generally, refacing is significantly less expensive than a full cabinet replacement. You’re keeping the sturdy cabinet boxes, which are often the most costly part of new cabinetry.
Time Efficiency: The process is quicker than a full tear-out and installation of new cabinets. This means less disruption to your daily life.
Less Mess and Disruption: You avoid the dust and debris associated with demolition. The existing cabinet boxes remain in place.
Customization: Refacing allows for a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes for your doors and drawer fronts, enabling a personalized look.
Durability: When done correctly with quality refacing cabinet materials, the finished product can be just as durable and long-lasting as new cabinets.

What Exactly is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing is a process where you update the appearance of your existing kitchen cabinets. It’s not just a coat of paint or a new stain; it’s a more involved update. The core idea is to keep the cabinet boxes (the parts attached to your walls) and replace or cover the visible parts of these boxes and the doors and drawer fronts.

Here’s a breakdown of what refacing typically involves:

New Doors and Drawer Fronts: This is the most significant part of the transformation. You can choose from various styles, materials, and finishes.
Veneering the Cabinet Frames: The visible parts of the cabinet boxes, like the stiles (the vertical pieces between doors) and the frames, are covered with a thin layer of real wood veneer or a durable laminate. This ensures a cohesive look with the new doors and drawer fronts.
New Hardware: While optional, upgrading your knobs and pulls is an easy way to complete the updated look.
Optional Updates: Sometimes, refacing can also include adding new drawer boxes, shelves, or even modifying the layout slightly, though major structural changes are usually beyond the scope of typical refacing.

Exploring Your Refacing Options: Materials and Styles

The beauty of cabinet refacing lies in the vast array of choices available. Selecting the right refacing cabinet materials is crucial for achieving your desired aesthetic and ensuring durability.

Door and Drawer Front Materials

Solid Wood: Offers a classic, premium look and can be stained or painted. Common woods include maple, oak, cherry, and birch. Solid wood doors are durable but can be more expensive.
Wood Veneer: Thin slices of real wood applied to a core material (like MDF or plywood). This provides the look of solid wood at a potentially lower cost and with greater stability, as veneers are less prone to warping.
Laminate: A synthetic material made of plastic. Laminate doors are very durable, resistant to moisture and stains, and come in a huge variety of colors and patterns, including realistic wood grain finishes.
Thermofoil: A vinyl film heated and vacuum-sealed over an MDF core. It offers a smooth, seamless finish and is resistant to moisture. However, it can be susceptible to peeling or scorching if exposed to high heat.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) with Paint: MDF is a stable, smooth material that takes paint very well, providing a uniform, chip-resistant finish. It’s a popular choice for painted cabinets.

Styles of Doors and Drawer Fronts

Shaker: Characterized by a simple, clean design with a flat center panel and a raised frame. This is a highly versatile and popular style.
Slab (Flat Panel): A completely flat door and drawer front, offering a modern and minimalist look.
Raised Panel: Features a center panel that is raised higher than the surrounding frame, adding depth and a more traditional feel.
Recessed Panel: The opposite of raised panel, where the center panel is set lower than the frame. This creates a subtle visual interest.
Beadboard: Features vertical grooves or “beads” on the center panel, adding a touch of cottage or farmhouse charm.

Veneer Options for Cabinet Frames

Wood Veneer: Real wood veneers are the most common choice for covering cabinet frames, matching the species and finish of your new doors for a seamless appearance.
Laminate Veneer: Durable and easy to clean, laminate veneers offer a consistent look and can mimic wood grains or solid colors.

The Cabinet Refacing Process: Step-by-Step

Whether you opt for DIY cabinet refacing or hire professionals for professional cabinet refacing, understanding the steps involved is beneficial.

Step 1: Planning and Design

Assess Your Current Cabinets: Check the condition of your existing cabinet boxes. Are they structurally sound? This is crucial as refacing relies on the integrity of the boxes.
Choose Your Style and Materials: Decide on the door and drawer front style, material, and finish. Select the veneer for your cabinet frames. Consider new hardware.
Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements are paramount for ordering new doors, drawer fronts, and veneer. Measure the height and width of each existing door and drawer front. Also, measure the visible frame sections (stiles and rails) that will be veneered.

Step 2: Ordering New Components

Based on your measurements and design choices, order your new cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and veneer. Many companies offer custom-sized components.

Step 3: Preparation

Empty Cabinets: Remove all items from your cabinets and drawers.
Remove Doors and Drawer Fronts: Carefully unscrew and remove all existing doors and drawer fronts. Label each one with its corresponding location (e.g., “Upper Left,” “Drawer 3”) to ensure correct reinstallation. Keep the hinges and screws if you plan to reuse them (though new hinges are often recommended for a fresh look).
Clean Cabinet Frames: Thoroughly clean the exposed cabinet frames with a degreaser to remove any grease, grime, or residue. This ensures the new veneer adheres properly. Lightly sand the frames if necessary.

Step 4: Applying the Veneer (Cabinet Fronts)

This is where the transformation of the cabinet boxes begins.

Measure and Cut Veneer: Measure the areas of the cabinet frames you want to cover (stiles, rails, visible sides). Cut the veneer to size, allowing for a slight overlap.
Apply Adhesive: Apply a strong adhesive (contact cement is often used) to both the cabinet frame and the back of the veneer according to the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions.
Attach Veneer: Carefully align the veneer and press it firmly onto the cabinet frame, starting from one edge and working your way across to avoid air bubbles. Use a smoothing tool or roller to ensure good adhesion.
Trim Excess Veneer: Once the adhesive is set, carefully trim any excess veneer with a sharp utility knife.
Repeat for All Frames: Continue this process for all visible cabinet frame surfaces.

Step 5: Installing New Doors and Drawer Fronts

This is the most visually impactful step.

Attach Hinges: If your new doors didn’t come with pre-drilled hinge holes, you’ll need to drill them. Install the hinges onto the new doors and drawer fronts.
Install Drawer Fronts: Attach the new drawer fronts to your existing drawer boxes.
Hang Doors: Align the doors with the cabinet frames and screw the hinges into place. Adjust the hinges as needed to ensure doors hang straight, are level, and have consistent gaps between them. This might take some patience and fine-tuning.
Install Drawer Pulls/Knobs: Once the doors and drawer fronts are in place, install your new hardware.

Step 6: Final Touches and Cleanup

Clean: Wipe down all new surfaces to remove any fingerprints or dust.
Reinstall Contents: Put your kitchen items back into your beautifully refaced cabinets.

DIY Cabinet Refacing vs. Professional Cabinet Refacing

The decision to tackle DIY cabinet refacing or opt for professional cabinet refacing depends on your comfort level with DIY projects, available time, and desired outcome.

DIY Cabinet Refacing

Pros:

Cost Savings: Significant savings on labor costs.
Personal Satisfaction: The reward of transforming your kitchen yourself.
Control: You have complete control over the process and timeline.

Cons:

Time Commitment: Can be very time-consuming, especially if you’re not experienced.
Skill Required: Requires patience, precision, and some basic woodworking skills. Mistakes can be costly.
Tool Investment: You may need to purchase or rent specific tools.
Potential for Errors: Inaccurate measurements or improper veneer application can lead to a less-than-perfect finish.

Professional Cabinet Refacing

Pros:

Expertise and Experience: Professionals have the skills and knowledge for a flawless finish.
Time Savings: The project is completed much faster.
Quality Assurance: Typically comes with warranties on workmanship and materials.
Less Stress: You don’t have to worry about making mistakes.

Cons:

Higher Cost: The primary disadvantage is the higher overall cabinet refacing cost due to labor.
Less Control: You have less direct involvement in the day-to-day work.

Cabinet Refacing Cost: What to Expect

The cabinet refacing cost can vary widely based on several factors:

Size of Your Kitchen: The number of cabinets and drawers will directly impact the material and labor costs.
Materials Chosen: Solid wood doors and premium veneers will be more expensive than laminate or thermofoil.
Complexity of Cabinet Design: Custom doors or intricate hardware might increase the price.
Labor Costs: If hiring professionals, labor rates vary by region.
DIY vs. Professional: As mentioned, DIY will always be cheaper in terms of total outlay, but factoring in your time is important.

Average Cost Breakdown (Estimates)

Factor	Low-End Estimate (DIY-Friendly)	Mid-Range Estimate (Professional)	High-End Estimate (Premium Materials)
Materials Only (DIY)	$1,000 – $3,000	–	–
Doors & Drawer Fronts	$1,500 – $4,000	$3,000 – $7,000	$5,000 – $10,000+
Veneer & Adhesives	$200 – $500	$500 – $1,000	$800 – $1,500
Hardware (Optional)	$100 – $300	$300 – $700	$500 – $1,500+
Professional Labor	–	$2,000 – $5,000	$4,000 – $8,000+
Total Estimated Cost	$1,300 – $3,800 (DIY)	$5,800 – $13,700 (Pro)	$10,300 – $21,000+ (Pro)

Note: These are general estimates and can vary significantly.

Cabinet Resurfacing vs. Refacing: Clarifying the Terms

Sometimes, people use “resurfacing” and “refacing” interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference:

Cabinet Refacing: As detailed above, this involves replacing doors and drawer fronts and applying veneer to the existing cabinet frames. It’s a more comprehensive update.
Cabinet Resurfacing (or Refinishing): This typically refers to cabinet refinishing techniques like sanding down the existing finish, repairing damage, and applying a new stain or paint. It’s essentially a renewal of the existing surfaces, rather than replacement of key components. While it can revitalize cabinets, it doesn’t change the style or material of the doors themselves.

If your goal is a dramatic style change or updating worn-out doors, refacing is the way to go. If your cabinets are structurally sound but the finish is tired, resurfacing (refinishing) might be a more appropriate and cost-effective option.

Refacing Cabinet Materials: Choosing Wisely

The durability and aesthetic appeal of your refaced cabinets will heavily depend on the refacing cabinet materials you select.

Door and Drawer Fronts:

Solid Wood: Offers timeless beauty and can be sanded and refinished again in the future. Maple and cherry are popular for their smooth grain and paintability. Oak has a prominent grain pattern.
Veneered Plywood/MDF: These offer the look of real wood with enhanced stability. The veneer is a thin layer of hardwood glued over a core. This is a great option for a balance of look and price.
Laminate: Extremely durable and low-maintenance. Ideal for busy kitchens. Available in a vast array of colors and finishes, including realistic wood grains.
Thermofoil: Offers a smooth, consistent finish and is resistant to moisture. However, it can be sensitive to heat and may peel or discolor over time if exposed to high temperatures near ovens or dishwashers.

Veneer for Cabinet Frames:

Wood Veneer: Typically matches the species of your new doors (e.g., maple veneer for maple doors). It’s applied using adhesives and carefully trimmed.
High-Pressure Laminate (HPL): A very durable and impact-resistant option. Often used in commercial settings but also excellent for residential cabinet frames.

Tips for a Successful Kitchen Cabinet Makeover

Regardless of whether you are doing DIY cabinet refacing or hiring experts, a few tips can ensure your kitchen cabinet makeover is a success.

Budget Wisely: Factor in all potential costs, including materials, hardware, tools (if DIY), and professional labor (if applicable). Get multiple quotes if hiring professionals.
Prioritize Quality: Invest in good quality refacing cabinet materials. Higher quality doors and hardware will look better and last longer.
Consider Your Kitchen’s Style: Choose materials and styles that complement your overall kitchen decor and your home’s architectural style.
Don’t Skimp on Preparation: Thoroughly cleaning and preparing the existing cabinet boxes is crucial for good adhesion of the new veneer.
Test Adhesives: If doing DIY, test adhesives on scrap pieces before applying them to your cabinets to ensure proper bonding.
Take Your Time with Door Installation: Proper alignment and adjustment of doors and drawer fronts make a huge difference in the final appearance.
Update Hardware: New knobs and pulls can significantly enhance the look and feel of your refaced cabinets.

Refacing vs. Replacing Cabinets: A Deeper Dive

When considering a kitchen cabinet makeover, the decision between refacing and replacing is significant. Here’s a more in-depth comparison to help you decide:

Feature	Cabinet Refacing	Cabinet Replacement
Cost	Generally 40-60% of the cost of new cabinets.	Higher investment, can be 2-3 times the cost of refacing.
Time Involved	Shorter project duration (typically 1-3 weeks).	Longer project duration (typically 3-8 weeks), involving demolition and installation.
Disruption	Less disruptive; existing boxes remain in place.	Highly disruptive; requires complete removal of old cabinets, leading to significant dust and downtime.
Cabinet Boxes	Existing boxes are retained and updated with veneer.	New cabinet boxes are built or purchased, offering a completely fresh start.
Style Options	Limited by the existing box structure, but new doors/drawer fronts offer vast stylistic choices.	Unlimited design possibilities; you can change layout, cabinet depth, and overall structure.
Structural Changes	Generally does not allow for significant structural changes or layout modifications.	Allows for complete customization of layout, cabinet sizes, and configurations.
Material Quality	Relies on the quality of the existing cabinet boxes. If boxes are damaged or poor quality, refacing may not be ideal.	You can choose from a wide range of materials and construction methods for the entire cabinet.
DIY Potential	More feasible for DIYers than full replacement, though still requires precision.	Full replacement is generally a more complex DIY project requiring carpentry skills.
Lifespan	Can last 10-15 years or more with quality materials and installation.	Can last 20+ years, especially with high-quality materials and construction.
When to Choose	When existing cabinet boxes are in good condition, you want a significant aesthetic update without a huge budget, or you want to avoid major construction.	When existing cabinet boxes are damaged, you need to reconfigure your kitchen layout, you want to change cabinet depth, or you desire the highest quality and latest designs without compromise.

Cabinet Refinishing Techniques: An Alternative Approach

While refacing offers a significant update, cabinet refinishing techniques can be an excellent option for cabinets that are structurally sound but have a worn-out finish. This process typically involves:

Cleaning: Thoroughly degreasing and cleaning the cabinets.
Sanding: Removing the old finish down to bare wood.
Repairing: Filling dents, scratches, or gouges.
Staining or Painting: Applying a new stain or paint color.
Sealing: Applying a protective topcoat (polyurethane, varnish) for durability.

Cabinet refinishing techniques do not involve replacing doors or drawer fronts. The cabinet resurfacing is essentially a cosmetic renewal of the existing surfaces. This can be a more budget-friendly option than refacing if the doors themselves are in good condition and style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I reface my cabinets myself?
A1: Yes, DIY cabinet refacing is possible for those with patience and some DIY skills. It involves careful measuring, cutting, and application of veneers and new doors. Many companies offer DIY kits and guidance.

Q2: How long does cabinet refacing typically take?
A2: For professional cabinet refacing, the process usually takes about 1 to 3 weeks from initial consultation to completion, depending on the kitchen size and complexity. DIY can take longer, spread over weekends or evenings.

Q3: What is the average cabinet refacing cost?
A3: The cabinet refacing cost can range from $1,300 to $3,800 for a DIY project with basic materials, to $5,800 to $13,700 or more for professional refacing with mid-range to premium materials.

Q4: Is cabinet refacing durable?
A4: When done with quality refacing cabinet materials and proper installation, cabinet refacing is very durable and can last for many years, similar to new cabinets.

Q5: Do I need to replace my hinges?
A5: It’s often recommended to replace hinges, especially if your current ones are old or worn. New hinges can provide smoother operation and a cleaner look, often included with new cabinet door replacement packages.

Q6: Can I change the style of my doors when refacing?
A6: Absolutely! The primary benefit of refacing is the ability to completely change the style and material of your cabinet doors and drawer fronts, giving you a fresh new look. This is often referred to as cabinet door replacement as part of the refacing process.

Q7: What’s the difference between refacing and resurfacing cabinets?
A7: Cabinet refacing involves replacing doors/drawer fronts and veneering frames. Kitchen cabinet resurfacing (or refinishing) typically means sanding and refinishing the existing surfaces without replacement. Refacing offers a more dramatic style change.

Q8: Can I mix and match materials for my refacing project?
A8: Yes, you can often mix and match. For example, you might choose painted MDF doors with a wood veneer applied to the cabinet frames for a cohesive yet cost-effective look. The cabinet front installation allows for this flexibility.

Q9: Will refacing my cabinets add value to my home?
A9: A well-done kitchen cabinet makeover through refacing can definitely enhance your home’s appeal and value, especially if the kitchen is a key selling point. It offers a significant visual upgrade without the full cost of replacement.

Embarking on a kitchen cabinet makeover through refacing is an exciting project that can dramatically transform your kitchen’s appearance and functionality. By carefully considering your options, choosing the right refacing cabinet materials, and deciding between DIY or professional help, you can achieve a stunning result that you’ll love for years to come.