Key Takeaways

• Kitchen cabinet refacing is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to update your kitchen without replacing the entire cabinets.

• Refacing involves applying new materials, such as wood veneer, laminate, or paint, over the existing cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer fronts.

• Refacing can transform the look and feel of your kitchen, as well as increase its value and functionality.

• Refacing requires less time, money, and hassle than replacing your cabinets, and you can choose from a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes to suit your taste and budget.

• Refacing is a DIY-friendly project, but you can also hire a professional cabinet refacing company to do the job for you.

Benefits of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Kitchen cabinet refacing has many advantages over replacing your cabinets. 

Here are some of the main benefits of refacing:

1. Cost Savings

One of the biggest benefits of refacing is that it can save you a lot of money. 

Replacing your cabinets can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the size and quality of your cabinets.

Refacing, on the other hand, can cost as little as $1,000 to $4,000 for an average-sized kitchen. 

That means you can save up to 80% by choosing to reface instead of replace.

2. Time Savings

Another benefit of refacing is that it can save you a lot of time. 

Replacing your cabinets can take several weeks or even months to complete, depending on the availability and schedule of the contractors. 

During this time, you will have to deal with a lot of noise, dust, and disruption in your kitchen. 

Refacing, on the other hand, can be done in as little as two to four days. That means you can enjoy your new kitchen sooner and with less hassle.

3. Eco-Friendliness

A third benefit of refacing is that it can help you reduce your environmental impact. 

Replacing your cabinets means throwing away a lot of perfectly good materials that end up in landfills. 

Refacing, on the other hand, allows you to reuse most of your existing cabinets and only replace the parts that are worn out or damaged. 

This way, you can minimize the amount of waste and resources that are used for your project.

4. Customization

A fourth benefit of refacing is that it gives you more options for customization. 

Replacing your cabinets means choosing from a limited selection of pre-made designs and sizes that may not fit your space or style perfectly. 

Refacing, on the other hand, allows you to choose from a wide range of materials, colors, finishes, hardware, and accessories that can match your vision and preferences exactly. 

You can also mix and match different elements to create a unique look for your kitchen.

5. Value Enhancement

A fifth benefit of refacing is that it can increase the value and appeal of your home. 

Replacing your cabinets may not always pay off in terms of return on investment (ROI), especially if you choose low-quality or outdated materials.

Refacing, on the other hand, can boost your home’s value by up to 15%, depending on the quality and style of your materials. 

Refacing can also make your kitchen more attractive and functional for potential buyers or renters.

Costs of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

The cost of kitchen cabinet refacing depends on several factors, such as:

• the size and condition of your cabinets, 

• the type and quality of materials you choose, 

• the complexity and scope of the project, and 

• Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. 

1. DIY Refacing

If you decide to reface your cabinets yourself, you will have to buy the materials and tools you need, as well as spend your time and effort on the project. 

The materials you will need include:

• Wood veneer, laminate, or paint for the cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer fronts

• Adhesive, nails, screws, hinges, knobs, pulls, and other hardware for the installation

• Sandpaper, primer, paintbrushes, rollers, spray cans, and other tools for the preparation and application

For example, wood veneer can cost between $2.50 and $6 per square foot, laminate can cost between $1 and $3 per square foot, and paint can cost between $10 and $50 per gallon. 

The cost of hardware can also vary depending on the style and quality you choose. 

For example, hinges can cost between $2 and $10 each, knobs can cost between $1 and $5 each, and pulls can cost between $2 and $15 each.

The total cost of DIY refacing can range from $500 to $2,000 for an average-sized kitchen. 

However, this does not include the cost of any mistakes, damages, or injuries that may occur during the process.

Therefore, DIY refacing is only recommended if you have the skills, experience, and confidence to do the job properly.

2. Professional Refacing

If you decide to hire a professional cabinet refacing company to do the job for you, you will have to pay for the materials and labor costs. 

The materials are usually provided by the company as part of a package deal that includes the installation and warranty. 

The labor costs depend on the hourly rate and the duration of the project.

The average cost of professional refacing can range from $1,000 to $4,000 for an average-sized kitchen. 

However, this can vary depending on the company you choose, the quality and type of materials they offer, and the complexity and scope of the project. 

Therefore, it is advisable to get several quotes from different companies before making a decision.

Materials for Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

One of the most important decisions you have to make when refacing your cabinets is what type of material to use. 

There are three main types of materials for cabinet refacing: wood veneer, laminate, and paint. 

Each type has its own pros and cons that you should consider before choosing.

1. Wood Veneer

Wood veneer is a thin layer of real wood that is applied over the existing cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer fronts. 

Wood veneer gives your cabinets a natural and warm look that can enhance any kitchen style. 

Wood veneer comes in various wood species, such as oak, maple, cherry, birch, walnut, pine, etc., as well as different grain patterns and colors. 

You can also stain or finish wood veneer to match your desired shade and gloss level.

Some of the pros of wood veneer are:

• It is durable and resistant to scratches and dents

• It is easy to clean and maintain with a damp cloth and mild soap

• It can be repaired or refinished if damaged or faded

Some of the cons of wood veneer are:

• It is more expensive than laminate or paint

• It is more susceptible to moisture and humidity damage

• It may warp or crack over time due to temperature changes

2. Laminate

Laminate is a synthetic material that is made of layers of paper or plastic that are bonded together with resin. 

Laminate is applied over the existing cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer fronts with adhesive or nails. 

Laminate gives your cabinets a smooth and uniform look that can suit any kitchen style. 

Laminate comes in various colors, patterns, textures, and finishes that can mimic the appearance of wood, metal, stone, or other materials.

Some of the pros of laminate are:

• It is cheaper than wood veneer or paint

• It is durable and resistant to stains, scratches, heat, moisture, and fading

• It is easy to clean and maintain with a damp cloth and mild soap

Some of the cons of laminate are:

• It may chip or peel off over time due to wear and tear

• It may not match the existing cabinet edges or frames perfectly

• It may look artificial or cheap compared to real wood or other materials

3. Paint

Paint is a liquid material that is applied over the existing cabinet boxes, doorsand drawer fronts with a brush, roller, or spray can.

Paint gives your cabinets a fresh and colorful look that can brighten up any kitchen style. 

Paint comes in various colors, shades, tones, and finishes that can create different effects and moods for your kitchen.