How Much Does Cabinet Refacing Cost?

What Is Cabinet Refacing? 

Cabinet refacing is the process of revamping the cabinets you already have and typically takes a few days when done by a pro. During refacing, a pro will apply new veneers (thin sheets of wood that attach to your cabinet's plywood to upgrade their look) to your cabinet boxes and add new doors to match the revamped exteriors. A pro will usually add new cabinet hinges and hardware during this process, making your cabinets look even more refreshed.

You can choose from many styles and finish options but cannot usually change the layout or structure of the existing cupboards with refacing. Only attempt to reface existing cabinets if the box is in good enough shape to handle the weight of new hardware and doors. Again, a pro can help you evaluate if your current cabinets are ideal for refacing. 

Replacing vs. Refinishing vs. Refacing 

Refacing cabinets, as mentioned above, is the process of upgrading the cabinets you currently own by placing new material over the top surface of the frames and switching out the doors and drawer fronts. In comparison, refinishing cabinets can involve a simple paint job or restaining to change the color and finish. 

Refinishing cabinets typically costs around $1,800 to $4,150. Refacing cabinets is more expensive than refinishing, but both are less costly than replacing cabinets. In comparison, replacing cabinets costs about $1,875 to $9,250. The table below shows cabinet refacing costs by material. 

For many homeowners, refacing cabinets is more ideal. You can choose a higher quality of wood than the original cabinets, which allows you to refinish and repair them more easily later on. The cost to repair cabinets is about $325. 

Cabinet Refacing Costs for Kitchen and Bathroom vs. Office and Dens

When it comes to refacing cabinets, there are no significant cost differences between projects in kitchens and bathrooms or offices and dens. Regardless of location, the type of veneer you choose to use and the number of cabinets you have will dictate the overall price.

Cost to Reface Cabinets per Linear Foot

Cabinet refacing costs range anywhere from $150 to $400 per linear foot, depending mainly on the materials' quality.

*Your exact price will depend on the size of your kitchen, the materials involved, and your location.

To understand options specific to your project and get an accurate estimate, consider getting an in-home consultation from a professional.

Cabinet Refacing Cost Factors

Here are some elements that can increase or decrease the price of your cabinet refacing project.

Material Type

Certain types of material can drive up the cost of your cabinet refacing project, with plastic laminate being on the low end and solid wood and plywood tending to be the most costly.

Size of Your Cabinets

The bigger your cabinets are, the higher the cost will typically be. Use the square foot estimate above to get a ballpark range but then talk to your pro to get a more specific number.

Ease of Access to Space

If your pro is working in a small kitchen or against tight corners, the job may take longer or cost more.

Hardware Replacement

Most cabinet refacing jobs involve adding new hardware. However, if yours is in good enough shape, you can keep what you have now and cut costs.

Countertop Refinishing

Refinishing countertops is a common tagalong project to refacing cabinets if you're doing a kitchen renovation or upgrade. Refinishing countertops costs around $300 to $500, while installing or replacing countertops costs between $1,875 and $4,350. 

Cabinet Accessories

Cabinet accessories like under-cabinet lighting or crown molding may be desirable for some homeowners. Under-cabinet lighting costs $200 to $300 per light for installation and material. Crown molding costs $7 to $16 per linear foot.

New Additions

If you’re upgrading your cabinet to include storage separation or new shelving, expect to factor these into the cost.

Refacing Cabinet Doors by Type 

Total project costs for cabinet refacing range from $4,300 to $15,000. The type of cabinets you choose will impact the price greatly.

Wood Veneers

Wood veneers cost $2,500 to $6,000. They are sheets and strips of thin-wood material applied to exposed surfaces. They come in oak, maple, cherry, birch, walnut, and other wood tones. The cost is 10% to 25% higher than laminates, but they can last for years with minimal care once sealed.

Plastic Laminate

Plastic laminates cost $1,000 to $4,000 and come in a wide variety of solid colors and wood-grain looks. There are two types of laminate. Both are sturdy and have their advantages.

• Low-pressure laminate, also called melamine, has the advantage of being lower in price, but it can chip.

• High-pressure laminate, like Formica, is more water-resistant than melamine.

Rigid Thermofoil (RTF)

Rigid thermofoil (RTF), a particular type of economical laminate, runs from $1,000 to $3,000. RTF is a flexible vinyl molded over medium-density fiberboard. It can be shaped and molded over a range of door styles. It offers the clean look of painted cupboards without brush strokes and can give you the warm look of wood grain without the cost.

Solid and Plywood Doors

Replacing your doors and drawers with solid wood costs $5,000 to $10,000. Your pro will match the doors to the wood veneers on your boxes. Solid wood is a sound investment for many homeowners because you can refinish and repair surface damage.

Cabinet Refacing Costs: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

When it comes to cabinets, refacing is possibly the toughest DIY project to tackle. It takes extreme detail, patience, and experience with a wide range of specialized and expensive tools. Unless you have a week to dedicate to this project and around $2,000 or more in equipment, hiring a local cabinet refacing pro is a better idea.

"Make sure you get several quotes and hire a pro who has proven experience with refacing,” says Andy Kilborn, owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA.

Materials & Tools Needed for DIY Cabinet Refacing

It’s a good idea to consider both cost and time commitment when deciding whether to complete the refinishing project on your own. Depending on the size of the kitchen, your experience level, and the number of people helping, a job like this could take a week or longer.

If you decide to move forward with doing it yourself, you'll need to line up your supplies and equipment. Here are some of the tools you may need:

Benefits of Hiring a Cabinet Resurfacing Pro

Hiring a pro for refacing takes a lot of the stress out of the task. When you estimate the total cost of doing it yourself, you might find that hiring a pro is well worth it.

When hiring a pro, keep in mind the following:

• Your material and style preferences

• The time period in which you need the job done

• The customer reviews for the contractor or pro you've chosen

• Your budget

Communicate your preferences, time frame, and budget, and let your pro upgrade your space, giving you the look you want at the right price.

FAQs

Is it worth it to reface kitchen cabinets?

It is worth it to reface kitchen cabinets if you’re trying to sell a home in a competitive market or want a better-looking kitchen. You’ll get 65% to 75% of your investment back when selling. Homes with updated kitchens and bathrooms—with just cabinet remodels or those with full remodels that include floors and counters—usually sell faster than those with dated looks.

Do cabinet remodel prices cover door and drawer replacement?

You may need to be specific when receiving quotes about cabinet remodels. Since the cost could be thousands more if doors and drawers aren't part of the quote, you could spend way over budget. This is why getting several cabinet refacing quotes is important.

What’s the cost of refacing vs. painting?

Refacing costs about three times as much as the cost of painting a cabinet, but it provides a permanent solution that’s closer to installing an entirely new kitchen.

How can you get an affordable cabinet resurfacing?

Consider refinishing with paint or stain for about one-third the price of refacing. Get multiple quotes and always pick a pro who supports their work and products with a multi-year warranty.

How long does refacing take?

The entire process typically takes a few days when done by a pro.