How much is it to reface kitchen cabinets? Refacing kitchen cabinets typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000 for a standard-sized kitchen. This price can vary widely based on the materials chosen, the size of your kitchen, and the complexity of the job.
Thinking about a kitchen makeover? You might be considering new cabinets, but have you thought about cabinet refacing cost? It’s a fantastic way to refresh your kitchen’s look without the hefty price tag and disruption of a full replacement. This guide will dive deep into everything you need to know about the refacing kitchen cabinets expense, helping you make an informed decision.
Deciphering the Cost of Cabinet Refacing
The cost to reface cabinets is generally less than a full cabinet replacement, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all figure. Several factors influence the final price, from the size of your kitchen to the materials you select for your new cabinet fronts. Let’s break down the key elements that contribute to the overall cabinet refacing quotes.
Factors Influencing Cabinet Refacing Prices
When you get cabinet refacing quotes, you’ll notice the prices can differ quite a bit. This is due to a range of variables.
- Kitchen Size: The number of cabinets you have is a major driver of cost. A larger kitchen with more cabinets will naturally cost more to reface than a smaller one.
- Materials Used: The type of material for your new doors, drawer fronts, and veneers plays a significant role. Options range from budget-friendly laminates to premium hardwoods.
- Labor Costs: The skill and experience of the professionals doing the work will impact the price. Local labor rates also vary.
- Scope of Work: Are you just replacing doors and drawer fronts, or are you also refacing the visible sides of the cabinet boxes? This extra work adds to the cost.
- Hardware: New hinges, drawer pulls, and knobs are often part of the refacing process and can add to the expense.
- Additional Features: If you’re adding decorative elements like molding, glass inserts, or custom finishes, expect the cost to increase.
Average Cabinet Refacing Price: A General Overview
While a precise figure is elusive without specific details, the average cabinet refacing price for a mid-sized kitchen often falls in the range of $5,000 to $10,000. However, for more extensive projects or higher-end materials, this can easily climb to $15,000 or more.
Table: Estimated Cabinet Refacing Costs by Kitchen Size
| Kitchen Size | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Medium | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Large | $8,000 – $15,000+ |
Note: These are estimates and can fluctuate based on the factors mentioned above.
Comprehending Cabinet Refacing Materials Cost
The heart of cabinet refacing lies in the new doors, drawer fronts, and veneers. The cabinet refacing materials cost can vary dramatically.
Door and Drawer Front Materials
- Laminate/Melamine: These are often the most budget-friendly options. They offer a wide variety of colors and wood-grain patterns. They are durable and easy to clean.
- Cost: $50 – $150 per door/drawer front
- Thermofoil: This is a vinyl film heat-fused onto a core material (usually MDF). It’s seamless and comes in many styles, but can be susceptible to heat damage.
- Cost: $75 – $200 per door/drawer front
- Veneer: Thin sheets of real wood applied over the existing cabinet boxes. This gives the look of solid wood at a lower cost.
- Cost: $100 – $250 per door/drawer front (for cabinet boxes)
- Solid Wood: Options like maple, cherry, oak, or painted MDF offer a premium look and feel. These are the most expensive but also the most durable and aesthetically pleasing.
- Cost: $150 – $400+ per door/drawer front
Veneers for Cabinet Boxes
Veneers are applied to the visible exterior surfaces of your existing cabinet boxes (the “carcasses”). These are typically thin sheets of wood or laminate.
- Wood Veneers: Real wood veneers will match the style of your new solid wood doors, providing a cohesive look.
- Laminate Veneers: A more budget-friendly option that still offers a clean, updated appearance.
The cabinet refacing materials cost for veneers can add a significant portion to the overall price, especially if you’re covering many exposed cabinet sides.
Cabinet Refacing vs Replacing: Making the Right Choice
It’s crucial to weigh cabinet refacing vs replacing when planning your kitchen renovation. Both have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your budget, desired outcome, and the condition of your existing cabinets.
Cabinet Refacing Advantages
- Cost Savings: Generally, refacing is 30-50% cheaper than a full replacement.
- Less Disruption: The existing cabinet boxes stay in place, meaning less mess, less demolition, and quicker installation.
- Eco-Friendly: You’re reusing the existing cabinet structure, reducing waste.
- Faster Completion: The process is usually quicker than a full replacement.
- Updated Look: You can achieve a dramatically different aesthetic with new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.
Cabinet Replacement Considerations
- Structural Issues: If your current cabinet boxes are damaged, warped, or poorly constructed, replacement is the only viable option.
- Layout Changes: If you want to reconfigure your kitchen layout, add or remove cabinets, or change cabinet sizes, you’ll need to replace them.
- Higher-End Materials: If you’re set on very specific, high-end materials that aren’t compatible with refacing, or if you want custom cabinet boxes, replacement is the way to go.
- Full Customization: New cabinets offer complete customization of dimensions, internal features, and finishes.
Table: Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement Comparison
| Feature | Cabinet Refacing | Cabinet Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower (50-70% of replacement) | Higher |
| Disruption | Minimal; existing boxes remain | Significant; demolition and new installation needed |
| Time | Shorter installation time | Longer process |
| Waste | Less; reuses existing boxes | More; old cabinets are discarded |
| Customization | Limited to doors, drawers, and finishes | Full customization of size, layout, and features |
| Structural | Relies on existing box integrity | New, potentially stronger boxes |
The Process of Cabinet Refacing
What exactly happens when you reface kitchen cabinets? It’s a multi-step process designed to give your kitchen a new look.
- Assessment and Design: A professional will assess your existing cabinets and discuss your desired style, materials, and finishes.
- Door and Drawer Front Fabrication: New doors and drawer fronts are custom-made to fit your existing cabinet openings.
- Preparation of Existing Boxes: The cabinet boxes are cleaned, and any necessary repairs are made.
- Veneering: If you opt to reface the visible cabinet box exteriors, thin veneers are expertly applied.
- Installation: New doors, drawer fronts, and hardware (hinges, knobs, pulls) are installed.
- Finishing Touches: Any final adjustments or cleanup are completed.
The Cost of Cabinet Door Replacement
Sometimes, you might only need to replace your cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and not reface the entire cabinet box. The cabinet door replacement cost is a subset of the overall refacing cost.
- Doors Only: If your cabinet boxes are in excellent condition and you don’t mind the existing exterior finish, you can simply replace the doors and drawer fronts. This is the most cost-effective way to update your kitchen’s appearance.
- DIY vs. Professional Installation: You can save money by measuring and installing the doors yourself, but professional installation ensures a perfect fit and finish.
Factors Affecting Cabinet Refacing Quotes
When you’re shopping for cabinet refacing quotes, it’s important to compare apples to apples. Understand what’s included in each estimate.
What’s Typically Included in Refacing Quotes?
- New cabinet doors and drawer fronts in your chosen material and style.
- New veneer for the visible exterior surfaces of the cabinet boxes.
- New hinges and drawer slides (often soft-close).
- New knobs or pulls.
- Professional installation.
- Cleanup and removal of old doors/drawers.
What Might Increase Your Cabinet Refacing Expense?
- Refacing Interior Surfaces: If you want to reface the inside visible edges of the cabinet openings, this is an additional cost.
- Custom Finishes: Specialty paints, glazes, or distressed finishes will add to the expense.
- Decorative Elements: Adding crown molding, light valances, or decorative hardware will increase the overall cost.
- Structural Modifications: If any cabinet boxes need minor structural reinforcement or modification, this will be an extra charge.
- Extended Warranties: Some companies offer extended warranties on their work or materials for an additional fee.
Is Cabinet Refacing Worth the Investment?
The question of whether how much does kitchen cabinet refacing cost is “worth it” depends on your goals.
When Cabinet Refacing Makes Sense
- Budget Constraints: You want a significant kitchen upgrade without the expense of full replacement.
- Good Cabinet Structure: Your existing cabinet boxes are sturdy, well-made, and in good condition.
- Desire for a Quick Refresh: You need to update your kitchen’s appearance relatively quickly and with minimal disruption.
- Environmental Concerns: You prefer a more sustainable option by reusing existing cabinet structures.
When to Consider Full Replacement
- Poor Cabinet Condition: Your current cabinets are damaged, warped, or made from low-quality materials.
- Need for Layout Changes: You want to alter the kitchen’s footprint or cabinet configuration.
- Desire for Advanced Features: You want custom interior organizers, specialized drawer systems, or completely new cabinet box construction.
Tips for Getting the Best Cabinet Refacing Quotes
To ensure you get accurate and competitive cabinet refacing quotes, follow these tips:
- Get Multiple Quotes: Aim for at least three detailed quotes from reputable companies.
- Be Specific: Clearly communicate your desired materials, finishes, and any special requests.
- Review Inclusions: Carefully examine what each quote includes. Are hardware, installation, and cleanup itemized?
- Check References and Reviews: Look for companies with a proven track record and positive customer feedback.
- Ask About Warranties: Inquire about warranties on both materials and labor.
- Understand the Contract: Read all terms and conditions before signing anything.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Refacing
Here are some common questions people have about refacing their kitchen cabinets.
Q1: How long does cabinet refacing typically take?
The actual installation process for cabinet refacing usually takes anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the size of your kitchen and the complexity of the job. The fabrication of new doors and drawer fronts can take several weeks before installation begins.
Q2: Can I reface any type of kitchen cabinet?
Generally, yes. Cabinet refacing works well for most solid wood or wood-composite cabinets. However, if your existing cabinets are particleboard with a cheap laminate that is peeling, refacing might not be a good option as the underlying material may not hold up well.
Q3: What is the difference between refacing and refinishing cabinets?
- Refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts and applying new veneer to the exposed cabinet box exteriors.
- Refinishing (or painting/staining) involves sanding down the existing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and boxes, then applying a new paint or stain. Refinishing is typically less expensive than refacing but offers a less dramatic transformation and is more about changing the color of existing surfaces.
Q4: Will refacing my cabinets increase my home’s value?
Yes, a kitchen remodel, including cabinet refacing, can significantly increase your home’s resale value. A refreshed, modern kitchen is a major selling point for potential buyers.
Q5: How do I maintain refaced cabinets?
Maintenance is usually simple. For wood doors and veneers, use a soft, damp cloth and mild soap, then dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners or excessive moisture. For laminate or thermofoil, follow the manufacturer’s specific cleaning recommendations.
Refacing your kitchen cabinets is an excellent way to achieve a beautiful, updated look without the significant cost and hassle of a full replacement. By carefully considering the factors involved and getting detailed cabinet refacing quotes, you can transform your kitchen and enjoy a refreshed space for years to come.