How Much Does Cabinet Refacing Cost?
Typical Range:
$4,237 - $10,221
Typical Range:
$4,237 - $10,221
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 3,542 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
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Updated June 29, 2022
Reviewed by Andy Kilborn, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.Cabinet refacing costs $7,229 on average, or between $4,237 and $10,221. Prices depend on your choice of veneer, laminate, or solid wood for the new materials and the quality and design of the hardware.
Refacing is typically 30% to 50% more affordable than replacing semi-custom or custom cabinets. In this informational guide, learn how to break down the total cost to resurface cabinets and the cost factors involved in refacing cabinets.
2022 Notice: Material Prices Are Surging
Demand for siding and other building materials has grown over the past year. And as a result, manufacturers are increasing materials prices. Prices have gone up 5% to 10% this year, and many parts of the country are experiencing long delivery times. If you're planning a building project, we recommend starting as early as possible in the season, preparing for potential price fluctuations, and allowing extra time to order materials.
Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?
Where are you located?
National Average | $7,229 |
Typical Range | $4,237 - $10,221 |
Low End - High End | $1,200 - $16,005 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 3,542 HomeAdvisor members.
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.
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.
Material | Cost |
---|---|
Wood Veneer | $2,500 - $6,000 |
Plastic Laminate | $1,000 - $3,000 |
Rigid Thermofoil Laminate | $1,000 - $3,000 |
Solid and Plywood | $5,000 - $10,000 |
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.
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.
Cabinet refacing costs range anywhere from $150 to $400 per linear foot, depending mainly on the materials' quality.
Material or Design Quality | Total Project Cost* | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
---|---|---|
Laminate | $1,000 – $3,000 | $100 |
High-Quality Veneer | $2,500 – $6,500 | $200 |
Real-Wood Veneer | $6,000 – $14,000 | $455 |
*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.
Here are some elements that can increase or decrease the price of your cabinet refacing project.
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.
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.
If your pro is working in a small kitchen or against tight corners, the job may take longer or cost more.
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.
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 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.
If you’re upgrading your cabinet to include storage separation or new shelving, expect to factor these into the cost.
Total project costs for cabinet refacing range from $4,300 to $15,000. The type of cabinets you choose will impact the price greatly.
Material | Cost |
---|---|
Wood Veneer | $2,500 - $6,000 |
Plastic Laminate | $1,000 - $3,000 |
Rigid Thermofoil Laminate | $1,000 - $3,000 |
Solid and Plywood | $5,000 - $15,000 |
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 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), 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.
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.
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.
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:
Tool | Cost |
---|---|
Miter saw | $50 – $250 |
Brad nail gun | $50 – $300 |
Cordless drill | $50 – $300 |
Circular saw | $60 – $200 |
Caulk gun | $5 – $15 |
Screwdrivers | $10 – $25 |
File | $5 – $10 |
Forstner drill bits | $20 – $60 |
Wood and laminate veneers with matching doors and drawers | $500 – $1,000+ |
Veneer specific tools - scrapers, banders, and trimmers | $200 – $800 |
Hinges, pulls, and accessories | $500 – $3,500 |
Nails, sandpaper, and adhesive | $100+ |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The entire process typically takes a few days when done by a pro.