How Much Does It Cost to Reface Kitchen Cabinets

Are you thinking about giving your kitchen a makeover? While new cabinets can transform the look, they often come with a hefty price tag. The good news is that instead of opting for a complete replacement, you can consider cabinet refacing.

Cabinet Refacing is a cost-effective option. Many homeowners are turning to an alternative solution because they can enjoy the benefits of a fresh and updated cabinet appearance without the extensive work and high costs associated with a total replacement.

In today’s article, we will cover everything from a basic understanding of cabinet refacing to letting you know the cost of kitchen cabinet refacing. At the end, we will also share some smart tips to help you save costs on cabinet refacing.

What is the Process of Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing serves as a middle ground between a full cabinet replacement and a mere exterior update. In this process, contractors remove hardware and cabinet doors. Their focus is to apply a fresh laminate or veneer finish to the exterior, along with replacing drawers, doors, and hardware. Minor repairs are also addressed in this process.

Cabinet refacing allows homeowners to create a completely updated look for nearly half the expense of a total cabinet replacement. This cost-effectiveness makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals. However, it may not be the most suitable option if the existing cabinets are significantly damaged or malfunctioning or if a homeowner desires a complete layout overhaul.

Cabinet refacing focuses on improving aesthetics rather than utility or changing the general design of kitchen cabinets. After completion, a refaced kitchen will have a fresh feel while staying within the original footprint.

What are the Factors to Consider in Calculating the Cost of Cabinet Refacing?

When you are deciding the budget for cabinet refacing, consider the quality of materials, the size of your kitchen or room, and the labor costs in your area.

Quality of Materials

Various options exist for refacing existing cabinets, including laminate, good-quality veneer, and natural wood veneer. Laminate is the most economical option, but it may develop cracks or chips over time. Natural wood veneer is considered the most durable due to its thin layer of actual wood applied to cabinet surfaces. The overall cost depends on the number of cabinets requiring refacing and local labor rates, but here are some general estimates:

1. Plastic laminate: $1,000 to $3,000 in total.
2. High-quality veneer: $2,500 to $6,500 in total.
3. Natural wood veneer: $6,000 to $14,000 in total.
4. Rigid thermofoil laminate: $1,000 to $3,000 in total.
5. Solid wood or plywood: $5,000 to $10,000 in total.

Size of your Kitchen

The size of the kitchen directly impacts the overall cost of cabinet refacing. Larger kitchens naturally have higher expenses compared to smaller ones, and the same principle applies to cabinet refacing projects. 

For a typical full-size kitchen, homeowners can expect to spend approximately $7,000 to 12,000$ to reface almost 30 linear feet of kitchen cabinets. The average cost per linear foot for different cabinet materials is as follows:

Room in Home

Cabinet refacing costs the same regardless of the room type or location. Price variations occur because of the quantity of cabinets and the chosen materials. For instance, an office or bedroom with numerous cabinets may have a similar refacing cost as a smaller kitchen.

Labour and Time

Refacing cabinets is a labor-intensive and challenging process. Contractors need to thoroughly measure both inside and outside dimensions before they have to remove doors and drawers and sand down all visible surfaces. Only after these steps is it possible to apply a new finish and install the replacement of doors, hardware, and drawers. Typically, over half of the total project cost goes to labor, and for more complex projects that require additional time, labor costs will be higher.

Geographic Location

The cost of labor and materials for cabinet refacing can be quite different depending on where you live. Generally, it’s more expensive in big cities compared to rural or suburban areas, and the prices can vary between different cities. Here are some average costs for cabinet refacing in different cities:

Additional Costs & Considerations

Now, if you are on the journey of refacing cabinets, there are other options and considerations to enhance the look of your kitchen or bathroom. While refinishing countertops is a common choice, homeowners might also consider updating certain cabinet accessories, mirrors, or hardware.

1. Countertop Refinishing

If your cabinets are ancient and you’re giving them a makeover, think about updating the laminate countertops, too. Once the cabinets have a new and vibrant finish, the existing countertops may need to be updated. Refinishing countertops, depending on their size and material, typically range from $300 to 500$. In contrast, replacing them can cost significantly more, ranging from $1,875 to $4,350.

2. Hardware Replacements

Changing the knobs or handles of the cabinets is a crucial part of the overall improvement, especially if the existing hardware looks outdated. So, if you want to change the handles or knobs on your kitchen cabinets, it usually costs between $100 and $1,000, depending on the style you pick. For custom or antique hardware, this cost can increase to as much as $10,000.

3. Cabinet Accessories 

To make your kitchen look even better, you can add things like lights under the cabinets (around $300 per light), decorative moulding at the top (costs about $8 to $16 per foot), or glass inserts in the cabinets (around $200 per foot). Also, consider extra features like built-in wine racks, hidden trash cans, or new spinning trays.

4. Cabinet Mirror

If your bathroom has a built-in cabinet mirror, changing it can be a bit tricky because it’s somewhat custom. Typically, you pay between $250 and $900, and that includes the cost of having it installed. The exact price depends on how big the mirror is and what materials are used.

Do You Need a Hand for Cabinet Refacing in Your Kitchen?

If you’re considering giving your kitchen a fresh new look with cabinet refacing, Smart Remodeling LLC is your reliable partner. Our team at Smart Remodeling LLC is dedicated to transforming your kitchen with the highest quality materials and personalized service. Our showroom is located conveniently at 12711 Fuqua St, Houston and offers an expansive array of full lifestyle displays and product samples.

Our expert team, consisting of seasoned craftspeople, designers, and project managers, ensures that your vision comes to life with precision and care. 

We invite you to contact us at sales@smartremodelingllc.com to schedule a complimentary consultation. During this consultation, we’ll discuss your ideas, provide expert advice, and present you with a detailed project proposal.

Is Cabinet Refacing Worth it?

If a homeowner wants to do cabinet refacing, it comes with a cost savings of approximately 40% to 50% of the cost of replacing their current cabinets, especially if they are still in good structural shape. This budget-friendly choice not only gives your kitchen a fresh appearance at a fraction of the cost of a complete replacement but also brings several advantages:

1. Reduced Waste: By avoiding the removal of old cabinet boxes, you contribute to reducing waste in landfills and garbage dumps. Choosing refacing is a more environmentally friendly option.
2. Eco-Friendly: Refacing means fewer trees are cut down to manufacture new cabinet boxes, drawers, and doors. So, this process is a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice.
3. Preservation of Kitchen Layout: Refacing allows you to keep your existing kitchen layout intact, which is particularly beneficial if you are happy with the original arrangement.

Smart Strategies to Cut Costs on Cabinet Refacing

Finding ways to save money on significant home improvement projects is a common goal to stay within budget. Luckily, cabinet refacing is already a cost-effective option compared to replacement. Check out these tips for further cost savings on cabinet refacing:

1. Get quotes from at least three reliable companies to compare prices and services.
2. Check if you can purchase hardware at a lower cost from a local hardware store rather than through the installer.
3. Consider choosing a more affordable material than solid wood for the refacing.
4. Avoid adding extra features like glass inserts or under-the-cabinet lighting, which can increase costs.
5. Assess if you genuinely need a glaze for appearance enhancement or if a standard finish will be enough.
6. Compare door styles to find an option that fits your budget while aligning with your desired overall design.
7. Avoid soft-close doors if they aren’t essential, as they can add significant costs without essential benefits.
8. Ask for available discounts, such as military, senior, teacher, or first responder discounts.
9. Check if there are discounts for multiple jobs in the neighborhood; this is especially relevant if neighbors are also considering cabinet refacing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as you weigh the costs of refacing your kitchen cabinets, it’s crucial to balance your immediate budget with your long-term goals for your home. Quality materials and professional installation may represent a higher upfront cost, but they can offer better durability and satisfaction in the long run. The key is to find a solution that aligns with both your aesthetic vision and your financial constraints.