Refacing kitchen cabinets is a popular way to give a kitchen a fresh look. It is often cheaper than buying all-new cabinets.
Many people choose this option to save money and time. The process keeps the cabinet structure but changes the outside. This can make the kitchen feel new without a full remodel.
Homeowners often ask how much it costs. The price can change based on a few things. Knowing what affects the cost can help with planning.
This blog looks at the cost of refacing kitchen cabinets. It explains what to expect and how to stay within budget.
What Does it Mean to Reface Kitchen Cabinets?
Refacing means changing the outside of your kitchen cabinets without removing the cabinet boxes. It’s a way to make them look brand new while keeping the inside structure. Most of the time, people keep their cabinet boxes and just add new doors, drawers, and surface coverings.
Here’s what usually gets changed during refacing:
- Cabinet doors and drawer fronts
- Veneer or laminate on the outer frame
- New hardware like knobs, pulls, and hinges
The main goal is to get a fresh look without spending as much as you would on a full cabinet replacement.
Average Cost to Reface Kitchen Cabinets
The average refacing kitchen cabinets cost ranges from $4,000 to $9,500 for a typical kitchen. Smaller jobs may cost around $1,500 to $3,000, while larger kitchens or custom jobs can go up to $15,000 or more.
| Kitchen Size | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Small | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Medium | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Large | $7,000 – $15,000+ |
What Affects the Cost of Cabinet Refacing?
Several key factors can raise or lower the total cost of cabinet refacing. These include the size of your kitchen, the number of cabinets, the materials you choose, and the labor charges.
1. Number of Cabinets
The total number of cabinet doors and drawers will affect how much material and labor are needed. Most pros charge per cabinet or by the total linear feet.
- A small kitchen with around 10 cabinet doors will cost much less.
- A large kitchen with 25 or more cabinet doors will be more expensive due to added materials and time.
2. Cabinet Size by Linear Feet
Contractors often measure cabinet refacing jobs in “linear feet,” which refers to the length of cabinetry across your kitchen, both upper and lower cabinets.
Here’s a rough idea:
- 10–15 linear feet: Around $1,000 – $3,000
- 20–30 linear feet: Around $3,000 – $7,000
- 30–40+ linear feet: Around $7,000 – $12,000 or more
The more cabinetry you have, the more you’ll pay overall.
3. Material Choice
Different materials come with different price points. Some look more premium but cost more. Others are simple and budget-friendly.
- Laminate: $80–$120 per linear foot. Affordable and durable.
- Rigid Thermofoil: $100–$150 per linear foot. Smooth, easy to clean.
- Wood Veneer: $90–$150 per linear foot. Gives a real wood look.
- Solid Wood: $200–$400 per linear foot. Most expensive but high quality.
Laminate is great for those on a tight budget. Solid wood gives a high-end finish, but it may not be necessary for everyone.
4. Door and Drawer Style
The style you pick can also affect the price. Some door types take longer to make or install, which adds to labor cost too.
- Slab (flat) doors: $50 – $100 each
- Shaker style: $100 – $150 each
- Raised Panel: $150 – $200+ each
- Glass Front: $200 – $400+ each
Simple styles cost less, while decorative or custom styles raise the price quickly.
5. New Hardware
Many people take this chance to replace knobs, pulls, and hinges. Hardware can seem cheap at first, but it adds up when you need many pieces.
Typical hardware prices:
- Basic knobs: $2 – $5 each
- Premium handles/pulls: $8 – $20 each
- Soft-close hinges: $4 – $15 each
- Hidden or upgraded hinges: $10 – $25 each
If you’re on a budget, consider reusing your current hardware or replacing only a few key items.
6. Labor Costs
Labor is one of the biggest parts of your total bill. It usually makes up 50% to 70% of the total cost.
- Contractors may charge $30–$100 per hour or $100–$250 per linear foot
- Skilled labor is needed to remove old materials, apply new surfaces, and install doors and hardware
- Some pros offer flat rates per cabinet, especially for standard kitchens
Labor costs can vary depending on:
- Where you live (city labor is often higher)
- The contractor’s experience
- How complex your job is (custom work takes longer)
Cabinet Refacing Cost by Kitchen Type
| Kitchen Type | Cost Estimate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Galley Kitchen | $2,000 – $5,000 | Small space, fewer cabinets |
| L-Shaped Kitchen | $4,000 – $8,000 | Medium layout, average cabinet count |
| U-Shaped Kitchen | $6,000 – $10,000 | More cabinets, more materials needed |
| Large Open Kitchen | $8,000 – $15,000+ | High cabinet count, larger size |
What’s Included in a Refacing Project?
A typical cabinet refacing project includes replacing old cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones.
The cabinet boxes stay in place but get covered with a matching veneer or laminate to create a fresh look. New hardware, such as knobs, pulls, and hinges, may also be added.
In some cases, drawer boxes are replaced if needed, but that’s usually extra. The installer will remove all the old pieces, prepare the surfaces, and clean up after the job is done.
Refacing gives your kitchen a new style without the mess of a full remodel, and most jobs are finished in just a few days.
Refacing vs. Replacing Cabinets
Wondering if refacing is the right choice?
| Feature | Refacing | Replacing |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $4,000 – $9,500 | $10,000 – $20,000+ |
| Time to Complete | 3 – 5 Days | 2 – 4 Weeks |
| Structural Changes | No | Yes |
| Mess/Disruption | Minimal | High |
| Look & Style | Modern and Fresh | Fully Custom |
Choose refacing if:
- Your cabinets are solid, and you like the layout
- You want to save money and time
- You only want to change the look
Choose replacing if:
- Your cabinets are damaged or falling apart
- You’re changing the kitchen layout
- You want high-end, full-custom cabinets
Can You Reface Any Cabinets?
Not all cabinets can be refaced. The cabinet boxes must be in good shape for refacing to work. If the structure is strong, level, and free from water damage or warping, then refacing is a good option.
Cabinets made from solid wood or plywood are usually good candidates. However, if the boxes are cracked, sagging, moldy, or made from cheap particleboard that is falling apart, refacing may not last.
In that case, full cabinet replacement is a better choice.
Before starting the project, a professional can inspect your cabinets to see if they are suitable for refacing or if repairs or replacements are needed.
How Long Does Cabinet Refacing Take?
Most refacing jobs take between 3 and 5 days. Larger kitchens or custom designs may take a week.
General Timeline:
- Day 1: Remove old doors, prep surfaces
- Day 2–3: Apply veneer or laminate
- Day 4–5: Install doors, hardware, and final touch-ups
No need to leave your home. Many people use their kitchen during the project.
DIY Refacing vs. Hiring a Pro
Doing it yourself may save money, but hiring a pro can give better results with less hassle.
| Feature | DIY Refacing | Hiring a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $500 – $2,000 (materials only) | $4,000 – $10,000+ (materials + labor) |
| Skill Level | Moderate to high | Not required |
| Time Needed | 1–2 weeks | 3–5 days |
| Tools Needed | Yes – saw, drill, glue, clamps | No – contractor brings all tools |
| Finish Quality | Depends on skill | Usually professional and smooth |
| Mistake Risk | Higher – may lead to extra cost | Low – work is often guaranteed |
| Warranty | None | Often included |
| Best For | Handy homeowners on a tight budget | Busy homeowners want peace of mind |
To Conclude
Refacing your kitchen cabinets can be a smart update if your cabinet boxes are still in good shape. It gives your kitchen a fresh look without the high cost or long wait of a full remodel.
Knowing the main cost factors, like material, size, and labor, can help you stay in control of your budget. With the right choices, you can get a big visual change for less.
Always compare quotes, check what’s included, and ask questions before hiring.
Ready to start? Reach out to local cabinet pros and get a few price estimates to see what works best for your space and your budget.