What is the cost to reface kitchen cabinets? The average cost to reface kitchen cabinets in the US typically ranges from $1,000 to $7,000, with most homeowners spending around $4,000. This price can vary based on the size of your kitchen, the materials chosen, and whether you hire a professional or opt for a DIY approach.
Updating your kitchen cabinets can give your entire kitchen a fresh, new look without the massive expense and disruption of a full remodel. Cabinet refacing is a popular option that involves replacing your existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and often applying a new veneer or laminate to the cabinet boxes. This process breathes new life into your cabinetry, making them look brand new again.
This in-depth guide will explore the various factors influencing the kitchen cabinet refacing cost, provide estimated price ranges, and help you determine if refacing is the right choice for your home improvement project.
Deciphering the Cost: What Goes Into Cabinet Refacing Prices?
Several key elements contribute to the overall cabinet refacing cost. When you receive a refacing kitchen estimate, it’s important to know what you’re paying for. These components often dictate the final price tag.
Material Choices: The Foundation of Your Budget
The type of materials you select for your new cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and visible cabinet surfaces significantly impacts the cabinet resurfacing cost.
- Wood Veneers: These are thin slices of real wood applied over the existing cabinet boxes. Popular wood types include oak, maple, cherry, and birch. Veneers offer a natural wood look and feel.
- Cost: Veneers are generally more affordable than solid wood but can be more expensive than laminates or thermofoils.
- Laminates: These are synthetic materials made from layers of plastic bonded together. They are durable, easy to clean, and come in a vast array of colors and patterns, including those that mimic wood grain.
- Cost: Laminates are often a budget-friendly option.
- Thermofoil: This is a vinyl material that is heat-pressed onto a composite wood base. It creates a smooth, seamless finish and is popular for its affordability and resistance to moisture. However, it can be prone to chipping or peeling over time, especially in high-heat areas like near a dishwasher or oven.
- Cost: Thermofoil is typically one of the most economical choices.
- Solid Wood: While full cabinet replacement often involves solid wood, some refacing projects might incorporate solid wood for doors and drawer fronts. This is the most expensive option but offers the highest quality and durability.
- Cost: Significantly higher than veneers, laminates, or thermofoils.
Kitchen Size and Cabinet Quantity
The sheer number of cabinets and drawers in your kitchen directly influences the amount of material needed and the labor involved. A larger kitchen with more cabinetry will naturally have a higher kitchen cabinet refacing cost.
- Small Kitchens: Typically have fewer cabinets, leading to a lower overall cost.
- Medium Kitchens: A moderate number of cabinets, with moderate costs.
- Large Kitchens: More cabinets mean more material, more labor, and a higher refacing kitchen estimate.
When getting quotes, make sure the company is clear about how they price based on the linear footage of your cabinets or the number of doors and drawers.
Labor Costs: Professional vs. DIY
The decision to hire a professional refacing company or tackle the project yourself will have a substantial impact on the final cabinet makeover cost.
- Professional Refacing:
- Pros: Professionals have the experience, tools, and skills to ensure a high-quality, durable finish. They handle all the measuring, cutting, and installation. This saves you time and potential frustration.
- Cons: Labor costs are a significant portion of the total price. You can expect to pay for the expertise and convenience. The average cost of cabinet refacing professionally can be higher due to these factors.
- DIY Refacing:
- Pros: This is the most cost-effective way to reface cabinets, significantly reducing the overall cabinet refinishing vs refacing cost. You save on labor expenses.
- Cons: Requires significant time, patience, and a willingness to learn new skills. Mistakes can be costly, and the final result may not be as polished as a professional job. Tools and materials will still need to be purchased. The refacing cabinets DIY cost can still add up depending on the materials chosen and tools needed.
Hardware and Accessories
The cost to update kitchen cabinets also includes the price of new hardware (knobs and pulls) and potentially new hinges.
- Knobs and Pulls: These can range from a few dollars each for basic options to $20 or more for designer pieces. The number of doors and drawers will determine how many you need.
- Hinges: If your existing hinges are worn or you want a different style (like soft-close), factor in the cost of new hinges.
Scope of Work: Beyond Doors and Drawer Fronts
What is included in the refacing job? Clarify the scope of work with your chosen provider.
- Overlaying Veneer/Laminate: This is the core of refacing. New material is applied to the visible surfaces of the existing cabinet boxes.
- New Doors and Drawer Fronts: This is a standard part of refacing.
- Edge Banding: Often, the exposed edges of the cabinet boxes will have matching edge banding applied for a seamless look.
- New Hardware: Sometimes included, sometimes an extra cost.
- Optional Additions: Some companies offer services like adding new crown molding, decorative trim, or even modifying the cabinet layout. These will increase the cost.
Estimating Your Cabinet Refacing Project: What to Expect
To give you a clearer picture, let’s break down the typical cost ranges for different aspects of cabinet refacing. These are general estimates and can fluctuate significantly.
The Average Cost of Cabinet Refacing
The average cost of cabinet refacing for a standard-sized kitchen typically falls between $3,000 and $7,000. This often includes new cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and the application of a veneer or laminate to the existing cabinet boxes.
However, smaller kitchens might see costs as low as $1,000 to $3,000, particularly if choosing more budget-friendly materials like laminate or thermofoil and opting for a DIY approach. Conversely, larger kitchens, high-end materials, or custom designs could push the price towards $7,000 to $10,000 or more.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Cabinet Refinishing Cost
It’s crucial to distinguish between cabinet refacing and cabinet refinishing.
- Cabinet Refinishing: This process involves sanding down the existing cabinet doors and boxes, then applying a new stain or paint. The original cabinet structure and door style remain the same.
- Refinishing Cost: Generally less expensive than refacing, ranging from $500 to $3,000 for a professional job. DIY refinishing can be even cheaper, potentially under $500 if you already own the tools.
- Cabinet Refacing: This replaces the doors and drawer fronts and covers the cabinet boxes with new material. It fundamentally changes the look and style.
- Refacing Cost: As discussed, typically $1,000 to $7,000+.
The decision between cabinet refinishing vs refacing cost depends on your budget and what you want to achieve. If your cabinets are structurally sound but just need a cosmetic update, refinishing might suffice. If you want to change the style, color, or even the door design, refacing is the better option.
Cabinet Door Replacement Cost
A significant portion of the cabinet refacing cost is the cabinet door replacement cost. This covers the new doors and drawer fronts.
- Laminate/Thermofoil Doors: Can range from $30 to $60 per door/drawer front.
- Wood Veneer Doors: Can range from $50 to $150 per door/drawer front.
- Solid Wood Doors: Can range from $100 to $300+ per door/drawer front.
For a kitchen with 20 doors and 10 drawers, the cabinet door replacement cost alone could be between $900 (budget laminate) and $6,000+ (high-end wood).
Refacing Cabinets DIY Cost: Saving Money, Gaining Skills
For those considering a DIY project, the refacing cabinets DIY cost can be substantially lower. You’re primarily paying for materials and potentially new tools.
- Materials (Veneer/Laminate, Doors, Drawer Fronts): $500 – $3,000+
- Adhesives, Sealants, Primer, Paint/Stain: $100 – $300
- New Hardware: $50 – $300
- Tools (if not owned): Sandpaper, brushes, rollers, utility knife, measuring tape, safety glasses, etc. ($100 – $500+)
Total DIY Cost Estimate: A realistic refacing cabinets DIY cost could be anywhere from $750 to $4,100+, depending heavily on the scale of the project and material choices. This is where you see the biggest difference compared to professional services, as you’re cutting out the labor charges.
Cabinet Makeover Cost: Broader Considerations
When thinking about a cabinet makeover cost, it’s helpful to consider refacing as part of a larger kitchen update. If you’re also changing countertops, flooring, or appliances, factor those costs in. Refacing cabinets is often a strategic way to allocate budget to get the most visual impact for your money.
Get an Accurate Refacing Kitchen Estimate: What to Ask
To ensure you get a precise refacing kitchen estimate, be sure to:
- Get Multiple Quotes: Compare prices from at least three different companies.
- Clarify What’s Included: Ensure quotes detail materials, labor, hardware, and any warranty.
- Ask About Material Thickness and Quality: Not all veneers or laminates are created equal.
- Check for Hidden Fees: Ask about any potential extra charges.
- Request References or View Portfolios: See examples of their work.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Update Kitchen Cabinets
Beyond the core components, other variables can influence the overall cost to update kitchen cabinets through refacing.
Complexity of Cabinet Design
- Simple Flat Doors: Generally less expensive to produce and install.
- Raised Panel or Shaker Style Doors: Can add to the cost due to more intricate design and manufacturing.
- Custom Designs: Bespoke door styles or intricate drawer front details will command higher prices.
Visible vs. Non-Visible Surfaces
Most refacing projects focus on the visible exterior surfaces of your cabinet boxes (the “skins”). However, if you want the interior sides of cabinets that are visible from the side to also be covered, this will add to the material and labor cost.
Installation Time and Labor Rates
The time it takes to complete the job is directly tied to labor costs. A simple refacing job might take a few days, while a complex one could take a week or more. Labor rates vary by region, with metropolitan areas typically having higher costs than rural areas.
Brand and Quality of Materials
Premium brands or higher-quality materials will naturally cost more. For example, a thicker, more durable laminate might cost more upfront but offer better longevity.
Kitchen Layout and Accessibility
- Difficult-to-Access Cabinets: Corners, or cabinets above refrigerators, might require more time and effort to reface, potentially increasing labor costs.
- Specialty Cabinets: Things like appliance garages or corner lazy Susans might have unique refacing requirements.
The Cabinet Door Replacement Cost: A Deeper Dive
As mentioned, the cabinet door replacement cost is a significant portion of the total. Let’s look at this in more detail.
How Doors are Priced
Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are typically priced per piece. The price is determined by:
- Material: Solid wood, veneer, laminate, thermofoil.
- Style: Shaker, flat panel, raised panel, custom.
- Size: Larger doors and drawer fronts will cost more.
- Construction: Framed vs. frameless construction can influence how the fronts are made.
- Edge Profiling: The type of edge detail on the doors.
Table: Estimated Cabinet Door Replacement Cost (Per Piece)
| Material | Style | Estimated Cost Per Door/Drawer Front |
|---|---|---|
| Thermofoil | Flat Panel | $30 – $50 |
| Laminate | Flat Panel | $40 – $60 |
| Wood Veneer | Shaker Style | $60 – $120 |
| Wood Veneer | Raised Panel | $80 – $150 |
| Solid Wood | Shaker Style | $100 – $180 |
| Solid Wood | Raised Panel | $120 – $250+ |
Note: These are estimates and can vary widely based on manufacturer, specific design, and finish.
What About Drawer Boxes?
Refacing usually only covers the drawer fronts. If your drawer boxes are in poor condition, you might need to consider replacing them or reinforcing them separately. This would add to the overall cabinet makeover cost.
Cabinet Refinishing vs. Refacing Cost: Making the Right Choice
Deciding between cabinet refinishing vs. refacing cost is a common dilemma for homeowners.
When Refinishing Makes Sense:
- Existing Doors are in Good Condition: If the doors are structurally sound and you like the style, refinishing is a great option.
- Budget is Very Limited: Refinishing is almost always cheaper than refacing.
- Desire for a Different Color/Stain: If you simply want to change the color but not the style.
- DIY Inclination: Refinishing can be a more manageable DIY project for many than full refacing.
When Refacing is the Better Investment:
- Outdated Door Styles: If your current cabinet doors look dated or you want a completely new look (e.g., moving from traditional to modern).
- Damaged Doors/Drawer Fronts: If the existing doors are warped, chipped, or significantly worn.
- Desire for a Seamless Finish: Refacing with veneers or laminates can cover imperfections on the existing cabinet boxes.
- Long-Term Value: Refacing often provides a more dramatic and potentially higher-value update to your kitchen.
Refacing Cabinets DIY Cost: A Closer Look at Savings
The allure of refacing cabinets DIY cost savings is strong. Let’s break down what a DIY project typically involves:
The Process:
- Measure Everything: Accurately measure all cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and visible cabinet box surfaces.
- Order Materials: Purchase new doors, drawer fronts, and veneer/laminate sheets.
- Prepare Existing Cabinets: Clean and degrease cabinet boxes thoroughly. Lightly sand surfaces for adhesion.
- Apply Veneer/Laminate: Carefully apply the chosen material to the cabinet boxes, ensuring a smooth, wrinkle-free finish. This is a critical step.
- Install New Doors/Drawer Fronts: Attach new hardware and hang the new doors and drawer fronts.
- Install New Hardware: Attach knobs and pulls.
Potential Pitfalls of DIY Refacing:
- Inaccurate Measurements: Leading to ill-fitting doors or wasted material.
- Poor Application of Veneers/Laminates: Bubbles, wrinkles, or uneven adhesion can ruin the look.
- Hinge Alignment Issues: Ensuring doors hang straight and close properly.
- Time Commitment: This is not a weekend project for most. It can take several days or even weeks, depending on your skill level and available time.
- Tool Costs: If you don’t have the right tools, their purchase can add significantly to the DIY cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is cabinet refacing worth the cost?
A1: For many homeowners, cabinet refacing is a worthwhile investment. It offers a significant aesthetic upgrade at a lower cost and with less disruption than full cabinet replacement. If your existing cabinet boxes are in good condition, refacing can provide a like-new appearance for about 50-70% of the cost of new cabinets.
Q2: How long does cabinet refacing typically take?
A2: Professional cabinet refacing usually takes anywhere from 3 to 5 days, depending on the size of your kitchen and the complexity of the job. A DIY project could take longer, potentially a week or more.
Q3: Can I reface my own cabinets?
A3: Yes, it is possible to reface your own cabinets if you are handy, patient, and have the right tools. However, it requires precision in measuring and careful application of materials to achieve a professional-looking finish.
Q4: What is the difference between cabinet refacing and refacing cabinets?
A4: These terms are often used interchangeably. “Cabinet refacing” generally refers to the process of replacing doors and drawer fronts and applying new material (like veneer or laminate) to the existing cabinet boxes. “Refacing cabinets” is simply another way to say the same thing.
Q5: How do I get a refacing kitchen estimate?
A5: To get a refacing kitchen estimate, contact local cabinet refacing companies or contractors. Be prepared to provide details about your kitchen size and desired materials. They will typically schedule an in-home consultation to measure and provide a detailed quote.
Q6: What materials are typically used for cabinet refacing?
A6: Common materials include wood veneers, laminates, and thermofoils. Wood veneers provide a natural wood look, while laminates offer durability and a wide range of design options. Thermofoil is a budget-friendly vinyl option.
Q7: Does cabinet refacing include new hinges?
A7: This varies by company and quote. Some refacing packages include new hinges, while others offer them as an upgrade. It’s essential to clarify this in your refacing kitchen estimate.
Q8: Is cabinet resurfacing the same as refacing?
A8: While related, “cabinet resurfacing” can sometimes refer to painting or staining existing cabinets without replacing doors and drawer fronts. However, in the context of refacing, “resurfacing” often refers to applying new veneer or laminate to the cabinet boxes, which is a key part of the refacing process.
Q9: How much does cabinet door replacement cost on its own?
A9: The cabinet door replacement cost can vary greatly depending on material and style. Expect to pay anywhere from $30-$50 for laminate or thermofoil doors to $100-$250+ for solid wood doors, per piece.
Q10: How much does a cabinet makeover cost?
A10: A cabinet makeover cost can range from $500-$3,000 for refinishing to $1,000-$7,000+ for refacing, depending on the scope and materials used.
Conclusion: Weighing the Cost and Value
Refacing kitchen cabinets offers a compelling middle ground between the expense of full cabinet replacement and the limited impact of a simple paint job. By understanding the factors that influence the kitchen cabinet refacing cost – from material choices and kitchen size to labor rates – you can make an informed decision.
Whether you opt for professional service or embrace a DIY approach to manage the refacing cabinets DIY cost, the result can be a dramatically transformed kitchen that feels brand new, without breaking the bank. Always obtain detailed quotes and ask clarifying questions to ensure you get the best value for your home improvement investment.