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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
Cabinet Material |
Average Cost per Linear Foot for Refacing |
Laminate Cabinet |
$100 |
High-Quality Veneer Cabinet |
$200 |
Real-Wood Veneer Cabinet |
$455 |
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.
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.
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:
City |
Average Cabinet Refacing Cost |
Houston, Texas |
$5,890 |
Boise, Idaho |
$2,640 |
New York City |
$7,630 |
Boston, Massachusetts |
$6,740 |
Denver, Colorado |
$5,380 |
Chicago, Illinois |
$7,020 |
Nashville, Tennessee |
$6,420 |
Los Angeles, California |
$8,600 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.