So, you’re looking to refresh your kitchen without the full upheaval of a complete renovation? How much does it cost to reface kitchen cabinets? Generally, you can expect the cabinet refacing cost to fall anywhere between $4,000 and $12,000 for an average-sized kitchen, but this number can fluctuate based on many factors. Refacing offers a fantastic middle ground between the cost of painting existing cabinets and the much higher expense of full replacement.
This in-depth guide will help you navigate the world of cabinet refacing, providing you with clear insights into the kitchen cabinet resurfacing price, how to get a reliable cabinet refacing estimate, and tips to keep your project within your budget. We’ll explore what influences the cost to reface cabinets, helping you make an informed decision for your home.
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Deciphering the Cost of Cabinet Refacing
When you consider the refacing kitchen cabinets price, it’s essential to break down what’s included. Cabinet refacing isn’t just a lick of paint; it’s a process that involves giving your existing cabinet boxes a brand-new exterior. This typically includes:
- New Doors and Drawer Fronts: This is the most visible change and has the biggest impact on the look of your kitchen. You can choose from various materials, styles, and finishes.
- New Veneer or Laminate for Cabinet Boxes: The exposed sides and faces of your existing cabinet frames (the boxes) are covered with a new material that matches your new doors and drawer fronts. This creates a cohesive, updated appearance.
- New Hardware: This usually includes cabinet knobs and pulls.
The cost of cabinet resurfacing is significantly less than replacing your cabinets entirely, often saving homeowners 30-50%. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for a dramatic kitchen upgrade without the premium price tag. Let’s dive deeper into what drives these costs.
Key Factors Affecting Cabinet Refacing Costs
Several elements will influence your final cabinet refacing estimate. Knowing these will help you anticipate expenses and make wise choices:
Material Choices
The materials you select for your new doors, drawer fronts, and veneers will have a significant impact on the overall kitchen cabinet resurfacing price.
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Wood Types:
- Maple: A popular choice, offering a smooth grain and good durability. It takes stains and paints well.
- Oak: Known for its prominent grain patterns and sturdy nature. It’s often stained to highlight its natural beauty.
- Cherry: Offers a rich, warm color that deepens with age. It’s generally more expensive.
- Hickory: A very strong and durable wood with a distinctive, often dramatic grain.
- Paint-Grade Woods (e.g., Poplar, Birch): These woods are excellent for painted finishes and are usually more budget-friendly.
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Laminate and Thermofoil: These are more economical options than solid wood.
- Laminate: A synthetic material that can mimic the look of wood or offer solid colors and patterns. It’s durable and easy to clean.
- Thermofoil: A vinyl material that is heat-pressed onto a composite board. It offers a seamless, often high-gloss finish and is very affordable. However, it can be susceptible to heat damage and peeling over time.
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MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Often used for painted cabinet doors. It’s stable, smooth, and ideal for painted finishes.
Style and Design of Doors and Drawer Fronts
The complexity of the door and drawer front design will affect the price.
- Shaker Style: A classic, simple design with a flat center panel and a raised frame. It’s a popular and generally cost-effective choice.
- Raised Panel: Features a center panel that is raised or molded. This adds a more traditional and decorative look, increasing the cost.
- Recessed Panel: Similar to Shaker but with a more pronounced inset.
- Beadboard: Features vertical grooves, offering a cottage or farmhouse feel.
- Custom Designs: More intricate designs, special molding, or unique panel configurations will command higher prices.
Cabinet Box Condition and Preparation
Before refacing can begin, the existing cabinet boxes must be in good condition.
- Structural Integrity: If your cabinet boxes are warped, water-damaged, or structurally unsound, they may need repair or reinforcement, adding to the cost.
- Cleaning and Surface Preparation: The surfaces of the existing boxes need to be thoroughly cleaned and degreased for the new veneer or laminate to adhere properly. Significant grease buildup or damaged surfaces might require extra labor.
Hardware Selection
While often included, the quality and style of hinges, knobs, and pulls can add to the cabinet refacing cost.
- Basic Hardware: Standard knobs and pulls are usually included.
- Upgraded Hardware: Choosing premium materials (like brushed nickel, matte black, or designer brands) or more elaborate styles can increase the overall price.
- Soft-Close Hinges: These are a popular upgrade that adds convenience and reduces noise but will increase the cost to reface cabinets.
Size of the Kitchen and Number of Cabinets
Naturally, a larger kitchen with more cabinets will require more materials and labor, leading to a higher overall cabinet refacing estimate. The number of linear feet of cabinet you have will be a primary factor in quoting.
- Small Kitchen: Typically 10-15 linear feet of cabinets.
- Average Kitchen: Typically 20-30 linear feet of cabinets.
- Large Kitchen: Typically 30+ linear feet of cabinets.
Labor Costs
Labor is a significant component of the cabinet refacing cost. This varies depending on your geographic location, the complexity of the job, and the experience of the contractor.
- Local Market Rates: Contractors in high-cost-of-living areas will generally charge more.
- Contractor Experience: Highly reputable and experienced contractors may command higher rates, but often deliver superior quality and reliability.
- DIY vs. Professional Installation: While refacing doors and drawer fronts can be a DIY project for the handy homeowner, applying veneer to cabinet boxes requires skill and precision. Professional installation ensures a flawless finish and often comes with a warranty. The cabinet refacing vs replacing cost calculation needs to factor in the value of your time and the risk of error if you attempt it yourself.
Average Costs for Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:
| Kitchen Size | Estimated Refacing Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small Kitchen | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Average Kitchen | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| Large Kitchen | $8,000 – $15,000+ |
Note: These are average figures. The actual refacing kitchen cabinets price can be higher or lower depending on the specific choices and circumstances.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacing Cost: A Comparative Look
Many homeowners grapple with the decision between refacing and replacing their kitchen cabinets. Here’s a comparison to help you weigh your options:
| Feature | Cabinet Refacing | Cabinet Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally 30-50% less than replacement. | Higher investment, often double or triple the cost of refacing. |
| Time | Quicker process, often completed in a few days to a week. | Can take several weeks due to demolition, ordering, and installation. |
| Disruption | Minimal. You can often still use your kitchen during the process. | Significant disruption. Kitchen may be unusable for an extended period. |
| Cabinet Boxes | Existing boxes are retained and resurfaced. | Entire cabinets, including boxes, are removed and replaced with new ones. |
| Customization | Limited to door/drawer front styles and finishes that match existing boxes. | Full customization of style, material, layout, and features. |
| Structure | Relies on the existing, potentially older, cabinet box structure. | All-new, modern cabinet construction. |
| Durability | Depends on the quality of materials used and the condition of original boxes. | Typically higher, with modern materials and construction methods. |
| Environmental | More eco-friendly as it reduces waste by reusing existing cabinet boxes. | Creates more waste due to demolition and disposal of old cabinets. |
The cabinet refacing vs replacing cost is a significant factor. If your existing cabinet boxes are in good shape and you like the current layout, refacing is often the more economical and less disruptive choice. The average cost to reface cabinets is considerably lower than the average cost to replace kitchen cabinets.
Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Cost: A Different Approach
It’s important to distinguish between cabinet refacing and kitchen cabinet refinishing cost.
- Refinishing: This typically involves cleaning, sanding, staining, and applying a new protective finish to your existing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and boxes. It’s a way to change the color or sheen without replacing any components.
- Refacing: This involves applying new doors, drawer fronts, and veneers to your existing cabinet boxes.
The kitchen cabinet refinishing cost is generally lower than refacing, ranging from $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the size of your kitchen and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. However, refinishing doesn’t change the style or profile of your doors, and the quality of the finished product heavily relies on the skill of the person doing the work. If your doors are damaged or you want a new style, refacing is the better option.
Getting a Reliable Cabinet Refacing Estimate
To get an accurate cabinet refacing estimate, follow these steps:
- Measure Your Cabinets: Accurately measure the width, height, and depth of all your cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Also, measure the linear footage of your cabinet boxes that will need new veneer.
- Decide on Materials and Styles: Research different wood types, laminate options, door styles, and hardware. Have a clear idea of what you want before contacting contractors.
- Contact Multiple Contractors: Get at least three detailed quotes from reputable cabinet refacing companies or general contractors who specialize in this work.
- Ask for Detailed Quotes: Ensure each quote clearly outlines:
- The scope of work (what’s included).
- The specific materials to be used (doors, drawer fronts, veneer type).
- The style and finish of the new components.
- Hardware allowance or selection.
- Labor costs.
- Timeline for completion.
- Warranty information.
- Check References and Reviews: Look for customer reviews and ask for references from past clients.
A good contractor will be transparent about all costs and provide a comprehensive cabinet refacing estimate after visiting your home to assess the project.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Refacing Your Kitchen Cabinets
If you’re working with a tighter budget, here are some excellent tips to help manage your cabinet refacing cost:
1. Choose More Economical Materials
- Opt for Laminate or Thermofoil: These synthetic materials are significantly cheaper than solid wood but can offer a stylish and modern look. They are also very durable and easy to maintain.
- Select Paint-Grade Wood: If you love the idea of wood but want to save money, choose woods like poplar or birch. They are less expensive than cherry or maple and provide a smooth surface that takes paint beautifully. You can achieve a high-end look with a good quality paint finish.
2. Stick to Simpler Door Styles
- Shaker Style Doors: The simple, clean lines of Shaker doors are timeless and generally less expensive to produce than doors with more complex profiles or raised panels.
3. Keep Existing Cabinet Box Structures Intact
- The beauty of refacing is that you keep your existing cabinet boxes. Ensure they are in good condition, as major repairs can add unexpected costs to your cabinet refacing estimate.
4. Shop Around for Hardware
- While new hardware is a great way to update the look, the cost can add up. Look for hardware sales, consider less expensive finishes, or purchase hardware separately from a retailer known for good value. Some companies offer a basic hardware allowance in their quote, which you can upgrade from if you choose.
5. Consider a Partial Reface
- If your budget is extremely tight, you might consider refacing only the most visible cabinet doors and drawer fronts, or perhaps just the base cabinets. This is not ideal for a uniform look but can be a compromise to achieve a fresh feel in certain areas.
6. DIY Certain Aspects
- Remove Doors and Drawer Fronts: You can often save on labor by removing your existing doors and drawer fronts yourself and sending them to the refacing company for new finishes.
- Install New Hardware: Installing knobs and pulls is a relatively easy DIY task that can save you money on labor costs.
- Painting Existing Boxes (Carefully): If you are very handy and have the time, you could consider painting the existing cabinet boxes yourself if they are in good condition. However, achieving a professional, durable finish can be challenging. Ensure you use high-quality primers and paints specifically designed for cabinets. This would reduce the need for new veneers on the boxes, lowering the overall cabinet refacing cost.
7. Get Multiple Quotes and Negotiate
- Always get quotes from at least three different reputable companies. Compare not only the price but also what is included. Sometimes, there is room for negotiation, especially if you are flexible with your timeline or are getting a larger job done.
8. Look for Package Deals or Promotions
- Some refacing companies offer package deals or seasonal promotions. Keep an eye out for these to potentially reduce the overall refacing kitchen cabinets price.
9. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
- While saving money is important, don’t sacrifice quality entirely. Investing in durable materials and a reputable installer will ensure your refaced cabinets look great and last for many years, providing better long-term value. A cheap kitchen cabinet resurfacing price might mean lower quality materials that don’t hold up.
The Refacing Process: What to Expect
When you choose to reface your kitchen cabinets, the process typically unfolds like this:
- Consultation and Measurement: A professional will visit your home to measure your existing cabinets, discuss your design preferences, and provide a detailed cabinet refacing estimate.
- Door and Drawer Front Creation: Based on your selections, new doors and drawer fronts are custom-made in a workshop. This usually takes several weeks.
- Preparation of Existing Boxes: While your new components are being made, the contractor may prepare your existing cabinet boxes by cleaning them thoroughly and making any necessary minor repairs.
- Installation: Once the new doors and drawer fronts are ready, they are installed on your existing cabinet boxes. The exposed surfaces of the cabinet boxes are then covered with matching veneer or laminate. New hardware is installed.
- Cleanup: The installers will clean up the work area and remove all debris.
The entire process is generally much quicker and less disruptive than a full cabinet replacement. The cabinet refacing cost reflects the craftsmanship and materials involved in transforming the appearance of your kitchen.
Is Cabinet Refacing Right for You?
Cabinet refacing is an excellent option if:
- You like the current layout of your kitchen.
- Your existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound and in good condition.
- You want a significantly updated look without the high cost and disruption of full replacement.
- You’re looking for a cost-effective way to increase your home’s value.
If your cabinet boxes are severely damaged, if you want to reconfigure your kitchen layout, or if you desire completely custom cabinetry from the ground up, then full replacement might be a better investment. However, for many homeowners, the cost of cabinet resurfacing offers the perfect balance of affordability and aesthetic improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Refacing
Q1: How long does cabinet refacing typically take?
A1: The process usually takes anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the job, and the contractor’s schedule. The longest part is often the creation of the new doors and drawer fronts, which can take several weeks.
Q2: Can I reface my own cabinets?
A2: While you can purchase doors and drawer fronts and apply veneer yourself, it requires precision and specific tools for a professional finish. Many homeowners opt for professional installation to ensure the best results. If you’re very handy, you might tackle the veneer application, but it’s a challenging DIY project.
Q3: What’s the difference between refacing and refinishing?
A3: Refacing involves replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and applying new veneers to the cabinet boxes. Refinishing involves sanding, staining, and sealing the existing doors, drawer fronts, and boxes. Refacing offers a more dramatic transformation and style change.
Q4: Will refacing change the functionality of my cabinets?
A4: Refacing primarily changes the appearance. While you can upgrade hardware and hinges (like adding soft-close mechanisms), the internal layout and drawer slides of your existing cabinet boxes remain the same.
Q5: Is refacing as durable as new cabinets?
A5: The durability depends heavily on the quality of materials used and the installation. High-quality refacing with solid wood doors and durable veneers can be as durable as new cabinets. The longevity also depends on the condition of the original cabinet boxes.
Q6: Does the cabinet refacing cost include new countertops?
A6: Typically, no. Countertop replacement is a separate project and cost. While it’s a good time to consider new countertops if your budget allows, don’t expect them to be included in your cabinet refacing estimate.
Choosing to reface your kitchen cabinets is a smart way to achieve a beautiful, updated kitchen without the hefty price tag of a full remodel. By carefully considering your material options, styles, and getting multiple quotes, you can effectively manage the cabinet refacing cost and enjoy a refreshed kitchen that perfectly suits your taste and budget.