Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Cost

When it comes to giving your kitchen a fresh, new look, cabinet refacing is a popular, cost-effective option. Unlike a full cabinet replacement, refacing involves updating the visible parts of your cabinets while keeping the existing structure. In fact, as of 2024, a kitchen cabinet refacing project costs as much as 78% less than a full replacement project, on average. Additionally, homeowners can expect to recoup around 70% to 80% of their investment in cabinet refacing when they sell their home. This comprehensive cost guide will walk you through everything you need to know about kitchen cabinet refacing costs, and whether the project is the right move for you.

Average Cost to Reface Cabinets

The average cost to reface cabinets typically ranges between $4,000 to $9,500. The national average project cost is around $6,750, or $100 to $250 per linear foot. The exact total cost can vary based on the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, and labor costs in your area. This process can give your kitchen a complete makeover at a fraction of the cost of new cabinets.

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Factors that Impact Cabinet Refacing Costs

Keep in mind that each kitchen cabinet refacing project is a little bit different. Several factors can affect the total cost of your cabinet refacing project:

• Size and Number of Cabinets: The more cabinets you have, the higher the cost. Price is often calculated by linear foot.
• Material Quality: The type of veneer, laminate, or wood you choose for the refacing project can significantly impact the price.
• Hardware Replacement: Adding new knobs, pulls, or hinges will increase the cost.
• Complexity of Design: More intricate designs and custom features like glass inserts or elaborate patterns will add to the cost.
• Geographical Location: Labor and material costs can vary significantly depending on where you live.

Cabinet Refacing Cost by Linear Foot

Pricing cabinet refacing by linear foot is a common method used by professionals. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $250 per linear foot. This pricing method helps provide a more customized estimate based on the actual size of your kitchen.

Cabinet resurfacing costs by linear foot can vary based on cabinet material and quality, style, finishing, hardware, cabinet condition, and more. For example, if you are refacing basic laminate cabinets with a simple design and minimal hardware changes, the cost should fall around $100 per linear foot or less. On the other hand, if you are refacing custom solid wood cabinets with ornate detailing and higher end hardware, the cost to reface the cabinets can exceed $250 per linear foot.

Cabinet Refacing Cost by Kitchen Size

Remember that the larger your kitchen is, the more linear feet of cabinets will need to be refaced. Your project cost will ultimately depend on how many cabinets you are refacing, total.

Small kitchen

A small 100 square foot kitchen should have about 10 to 20 linear feet of cabinets. You could expect the cabinet refacing to cost between $1,000 and $5,000.

Mid-size kitchen

A mid-size 200 square foot kitchen should have about 20 to 30 linear feet of cabinets. You could expect the cabinet refacing to cost between $2,000 and $7,500.

Large kitchen

A large 400 to 600 square foot kitchen should have 30 to 70 linear feet of cabinets. You could expect the cabinet refacing to cost between $3,000 to $15,000 or more.

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Cabinet Refacing Cost by Material

The material you choose for refacing your cabinets plays a significant role in the overall cost. Higher-end materials such as solid wood will cost more to reface, while more basic materials like laminate or wood veneer will cost on the lower end. Below you will find a breakdown of cabinet refacing costs by material.

Laminate

Refacing laminate cabinets is cost-effective and available in various colors and patterns. Laminate tends to be less durable but more affordable to reface, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for an average-sized kitchen.

Wood Veneer

Wood veneer cabinets are more expensive to resurface than laminate but offers a real wood appearance. Refacing prices can range from $2,500 to $6,500.

Solid Wood

The most costly option, solid wood cabinets provide a premium look and longevity. To reface solid wood cabinets, you can expect to pay $4,000 to $9,000 or more.

Cabinet Refacing Labor Cost

Labor costs for cabinet refacing can vary widely based on the complexity of the job and regional labor rates. Generally, labor can constitute 50% to 70% of the total project cost. On average, expect to pay $200 to $500 per linear foot total for professional refacing services.

During cabinet refacing, labor and installation costs you might find on your estimate include:

• Demolition and disposal: Taking off cabinet doors, drawer fronts and hardware. This should cost between $10 and $20 per linear foot.
• Preparation of surfaces: Cleaning, sanding, and preparing cabinet surfaces for refinishing. This should cost between $20 and $50 per linear foot.
• Applying veneer or laminate: Cutting and adhering the new material to cabinet boxes. This should cost between $30 and $60 per linear foot.
• Drawer and Door Installation: Installing new doors and drawer fronts. This should cost between $20 and $40 per door or drawer.
• Hardware installation: Fitting new hinges, handles, and drawer pulls. This should cost between $2 and $5 per piece of hardware, plus $20 to $30 per hour of installation.
• Trim and finishing: Adding molding, trim and finishing touches. This should cost between $10 and $30 per linear foot.
• Additional customizations: If requested, installing items like pull out shelving or custom organizers. This should cost between $50 and $200 per feature, depending on complexity. 

Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement Costs

When deciding between refacing and replacing cabinets, consider both the cost and the desired outcome. The cost to replace cabinets is significantly more expensive, often costing $4,000 to $13,000 or more. Refacing, on the other hand, costs between $4,000 to $9,500 and provides a fresh look at a much lower cost while keeping the existing cabinet structure. Many homeowners save over 70% on the cost of a cabinet refresh project by opting for refacing rather than a full replacement.

Additionally, cabinet refacing can offer a significant return on investment (ROI). While the exact ROI varies, many homeowners recoup about 70% to 80% of the refacing cost in added home value. A modern, updated kitchen can also be a major selling point for potential buyers.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: Cost Considerations

For those considering DIY, the cost can be substantially lower, primarily involving materials and tools. However, mistakes can be costly, and the finish may not be as professional. Hiring a pro guarantees quality but at a higher initial cost. When making this decision, consider your skill level, the complexity of the project, and the value of your time.

Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to transform your kitchen without the hefty price tag of a full renovation. By understanding the factors that impact the cost, you can make informed decisions that suit your budget and preferences. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, cabinet refacing is a worthwhile investment that can refresh your kitchen’s look and add value to your home.

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