How much does cabinet refacing cost?
How much does cabinet refacing cost?
$150 – $450 average cost per linear foot
$5,000 – $13,000 average total cost (100 – 200 SF kitchen)
Average cabinet refacing cost
Cabinet refacing costs $150 to $450 per linear foot or $5,000 to $13,000 total for an average kitchen. Cabinet resurfacing prices depend on the kitchen size, number of cabinet doors and drawers, refacing materials, and if the project includes hardware.
| Kitchen size | Square feet | Average cost to reface |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen | 70 – 100 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Average kitchen | 100 – 200 | $5,000 – $13,000 |
| Large kitchen | 200+ | $9,000 – $22,000+ |
Cabinet refacing updates a kitchen’s look without replacing the cabinet boxes. Refacing involves:
Replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts
Covering the cabinet box exteriors with a new veneer or laminate
Replacing the knobs, handles, drawer pulls, and hinges
Optionally, adding crown molding or under-cabinet lighting
Cabinet refacing is also called resurfacing or a “cabinet makeover.”
In comparison, replacing kitchen cabinets costs $4,500 to $15,000+. Basic stock cabinets costs $100 to $400 per linear foot installed, while custom cabinets cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot.
Cost to reface cabinets per linear foot
Refacing costs start at $80 to $125 per linear foot with laminate materials and go up to $500 per linear foot with solid wood.
| Material | Cost per linear foot | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate / Thermofoil | $80 – $125 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Wood veneer | $100 – $250 | $2,500 – $8,000 |
| Solid wood | $200 – $500 | $5,000 – $16,000 |
To calculate the linear feet needed, measure the cabinet length from one end to the other. Double the measurement for walls with upper and lower cabinets.
Kitchen cabinet refacing cost by material
Laminate / Thermofoil cabinet refacing cost
Laminate cabinet refacing costs $2,000 to $4,000 for an average-sized kitchen. Laminate doors and veneers come in many colors and patterns, including some that mimic the appearance of real wood. Laminate is water-resistant and durable but may chip on impact.
Wood veneer cabinet resurfacing cost
Wood veneer cabinet resurfacing costs $2,500 to $8,000 for an average-sized kitchen. Wood veneer is a thin layer of natural wood sliced from the log in a peeling motion.
Wood veneer is more durable and long-lasting than laminate.
Real / solid wood cabinet refacing cost
Refacing kitchen cabinets with solid wood costs $5,000 to $16,000 on average. This refacing typically involves replacing the cabinet doors with new solid wood doors while covering the cabinet boxes with a thinner wood veneer.
Consider refinishing instead of refacing solid wood cabinets to preserve the natural wood grain.
Cost factors to resurface kitchen cabinets
Fees for resurfacing kitchen cabinets vary according to many cost factors, including local rates for materials and labor.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Refacing materials | $1,500 – $6,500 |
| Refacing labor | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| Total cost | $5,000 – $13,000 |
The following factors affect the cost of refacing:
Materials & quality – Solid wood veneer costs 2 to 4 times more than laminate but is more durable and scratch-resistant.
Kitchen & cabinet size – Costs fall at the highest end of the range for large kitchens with tall or ceiling-height cabinets.
Layout and accessibility – Labor costs increase for kitchens with tight spaces or complex layouts.
Customization – Fees increase for special-order veneers that require more craftsmanship.
Labor cost to resurface kitchen cabinets
Labor to resurface kitchen cabinets costs $3,100 to $6,500 on average, or 50% to 70% of the total project cost. The contractor typically will:
Measure cabinet interiors and exteriors
Remove doors, hinges, and drawers
Sand and prep the exposed surface
Apply new veneers
Install new doors, drawers, and hardware
Cabinet hardware installation
Cabinet hardware costs $6 to $60 per piece with installation, depending on the style and material. Labor costs are cheapest for installing hardware to match the existing hole spacing in the doors and drawers.
Tip: Ask the cabinet refacing contractor if the estimate includes handles and drawer pulls as some companies don’t include these items.
Add-ons, accessories, & upgrades
Consider pairing cabinet refacing with these other add-on projects to save on labor costs:
New adjustable cabinet shelving, pull-out shelves, and in-cabinet organizers increase the project cost but improve the kitchen’s usability.
Under-cabinet lighting costs $200 to $350 per fixture, including labor and materials.
A custom kitchen pantry costs $1,000 to $5,000.
Crown molding costs $210 to $570 with installation in a kitchen.
Backsplash installation costs $200 to $2,000, depending on the tile material and pattern.
Kitchen sink replacement costs $380 to $1,400.
Refacing vs. replacing vs. refinishing cabinets and doors cost
Refinishing cabinets is cheapest, while replacing or refacing cabinets costs more.
| Service | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Refacing cabinets | $5,000 – $13,000 |
|
| Full cabinet replacement cost | $4,500 – $15,000 |
|
| Cabinet door replacement cost | $2,200 – $6,600 |
|
| Cabinet refinishing cost | $1,500 – $4,500 |
|
| Cabinet painting cost | $2,000 – $6,500 |
|
Pros and cons of refacing kitchen cabinets
The pros of refacing cabinets typically outweigh the cons of this project, as shown in this table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
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What is cabinet refacing?
Cabinet refacing is replacing the cabinet exterior surfaces only. Refacing is also called cabinet resurfacing or a “cabinet makeover” and typically involves:
Replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts
Covering the cabinet box exteriors with a new veneer or laminate
Replacing the knobs, handles, drawer pulls, and hinges
Optionally, adding crown molding or under-cabinet lighting
Is it worth it to reface kitchen cabinets?
Cabinet refacing is worth it to update an outdated kitchen's appearance for less than the cost of cabinet replacement. Refacing provides a 60% to 75% return on investment (ROI), depending on the new materials used.
However, refacing may not increase the home's value if the existing cabinet boxes have structural issues, the kitchen layout is inconvenient, or the cabinets lack internal storage features.
When should I reface my kitchen cabinets?
Reface kitchen cabinets when the boxes are in good shape, and you want to update the kitchen’s look while keeping the current layout. Consider cabinet replacement instead if the cabinet boxes are in poor condition or you want to change the layout.
How long does cabinet refacing last?
Refaced cabinet veneers last 15 to 30 years with professional application and proper care.
Frequent temperature and moisture fluctuations may cause the wood or laminate to expand and contract, resulting in cracks or warping. Exposure to water, cooking smoke, and grease dulls the veneer over time.
How long does cabinet door refacing take?
Cabinet refacing takes 2 to 5 days on average, depending on the kitchen size and number of cabinets.
How much does Home Depot cabinet refacing cost?
The cost of cabinet refacing by Home Depot is $7,600 to $23,300 for a 200-square-foot kitchen with up to 27 linear feet of cabinets. Home Depot's cabinet makeover includes:
New doors and hinges
Drawer fronts and glides
Knobs, handles, and drawer pulls
Cabinet box finishing
Optional under-cabinet lighting
Getting estimates for kitchen cabinet refacing
When hiring a cabinet refacing company near you, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates with comparable materials.
Select licensed, bonded, and insured companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Never pay in full before the project starts.
Questions to ask
How many cabinet refacing projects have you worked on?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Do you recommend refacing my cabinets or replacing them, and why?
Which veneer material do you recommend, and why?
Does the estimate include new hardware?
Are fees for old door removal, disposal, and cleanup included in this bid?
How long will the project take?
Do you offer a warranty, and if so, what does it include?