The cabinets are the face of your kitchen, and after years of use, they can start to look tired and dated. If your kitchen’s layout is still functional, a full, messy, and expensive replacement isn’t always necessary. This is where cabinet refacing comes in—a smart, cost-effective, and fast way to achieve a dramatic kitchen transformation.
But, of course, the big question is: how much to reface cabinets in kitchen? This comprehensive guide will break down the true costs of a professional cabinet refacing project, detailing the factors that influence the final price, comparing it to a full replacement, and revealing the surprisingly high return on investment you can expect.
Key Takeaways: Cabinet Refacing Costs
| Metric | Average Cost Range (Professional Refacing) | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
| National Average | $4,000 to $9,500 | $100 to $250 |
| Low-End | $1,000 to $5,000 | $50 to $125 (Laminate/Thermofoil) |
| High-End | $9,500 to $15,000+ | $200 to $500 (Solid Wood/Plywood) |
These figures represent the average costs for a typical mid-sized kitchen (around 20-30 linear feet) and may vary significantly based on location, materials, and project scope.
Understanding Cabinet Refacing: What Is It?
Before diving into the numbers, it’s crucial to understand what cabinet refacing actually entails. Many homeowners confuse it with cabinet painting or refinishing.
Cabinet refacing (also called kitchen cabinet resurfacing) is a process where you replace all the visible elements of your existing cabinets while keeping the structural cabinet boxes intact.
The process typically involves:
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Removal: All existing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, hinges, and hardware are removed.
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Veneer Application: A new veneer (a thin layer of material like laminate or real wood) is applied directly to the exterior faces of the existing cabinet boxes.
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New Doors and Drawer Fronts: Brand new, custom-made doors and drawer fronts are installed. These are the most noticeable part of the transformation.
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New Hardware: New hinges, handles, and pulls are installed to complete the updated look.
The result is a look and feel of a brand-new, fully customized kitchen at a fraction of the cost and time of a full replacement.
The Core Question: How Much to Reface Cabinets in Kitchen?
The national average to professionally reface kitchen cabinets generally falls between $4,000 and $9,500. However, the cost is highly variable and depends on a few major factors, primarily the size of your kitchen and the materials you choose.
Cost by Kitchen Size (Linear Feet)
Contractors often price refacing projects by the linear foot, a measurement of the total length of the base and wall cabinets. More cabinets mean more material and labor, directly increasing the overall cost.
| Kitchen Size | Linear Feet (Estimated) | Average Cost Range |
| Small (Galley/Apartment) | 10 to 20 LF | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Mid-Size (Average Home) | 20 to 30 LF | $4,000 – $9,500 |
| Large (Open Concept/Custom) | 30 to 70+ LF | $8,000 – $15,000+ |
Expert Insight: The average American kitchen contains about 25 to 35 linear feet of cabinetry. If your kitchen falls into this range, budget closer to the middle-to-high end of the overall average for a high-quality, mid-range material (like wood veneer).
Cost Breakdown by Material Type
The material you choose for the new doors, drawer fronts, and veneer is arguably the single biggest cost driver. The quality and type of material will drastically affect both the aesthetics and the durability of your refaced cabinets.
| Material Type | Description | Cost per Linear Foot |
| Laminate | Durable, easy-clean synthetic surface; wide range of colors/patterns. Most budget-friendly. | $50 – $125 |
| Thermofoil (3D Laminate) | Vinyl layer pressed onto an MDF core; smooth, seamless finish. Good heat resistance, can peel. | $60 – $125 |
| Wood Veneer | Thin layer of real wood (e.g., maple, oak, cherry) over an engineered core. Offers a natural, high-end look. | $100 – $250 |
| Solid Wood/Plywood | Highest durability and premium appearance. Most expensive option. | $200 – $500+ |
For a standard 25-linear-foot kitchen:
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Laminate could cost you about $2,500 – $3,125 in material costs alone.
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Solid Wood could cost you $5,000 – $12,500+ just for materials.
Labor Costs: A Major Component
Labor makes up a significant portion of the total price—often 50% to 70% of the project cost.
The good news is that refacing is far less labor-intensive than a full demolition and replacement. An experienced professional crew can typically complete a refacing project in 3 to 5 days, minimizing disruption.
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Average Labor Rate: Professional cabinet refacing labor can range from $50 to $100 per hour per worker, depending on your geographic location. Expect higher rates in major metropolitan areas (e.g., New York, Los Angeles) than in rural or suburban locations.
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Complexity: Intricate door styles (e.g., raised panels vs. flat panels), the difficulty of the installation, and any necessary prep work (like reinforcing an old cabinet box) will increase labor time and cost.
Factors That Increase Your Final Cabinet Refacing Cost
The base price for materials and labor is just the start. Most homeowners opt for upgrades and add-ons that enhance the functionality and aesthetics Cost to Replace a Kitchen Sink of their kitchen, which will increase the overall project cost.
Hardware and Finishing Touches
New hardware is almost always included, but the quality and style make a difference:
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Standard Knobs/Pulls: $2 to $10 per piece.
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Designer/Custom Hardware: $15 to $50+ per piece.
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New Hinges: Upgrading to soft-close hinges is highly recommended by professionals for a premium feel, adding about $20 to $50 per set.
Functional Upgrades
Since the doors and drawers are off, this is the ideal time to add modern storage features:
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Pull-Out Shelving/Trays: $150 to $300 per unit.
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Lazy Susans (Corner Cabinets): $80 to $300 per unit.
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Spice Racks/Built-in Organizers: $70 to $600 depending on complexity.
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New Drawer Boxes: Replacing old, worn-out drawer boxes with new, full-extension, or soft-close models can add $50 to $200 per drawer.
Aesthetic Customizations
Want a truly custom look? These features will add to your bill:
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Crown Molding/Decorative Trim: $12 to $30 per linear foot. This is a highly effective way to give your cabinets a premium, finished, “built-in” look.
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Glass Cabinet Inserts: Replacing solid panels with glass for display cabinets can add $150 to $500 per door.
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Under-Cabinet Lighting: $200 to $600 for installation, depending on the system (strip lighting, puck lights, etc.).
NLP Keyword Note: Always ask for a line-item quote from your contractor. This clearly separates the base refacing price from the costs of hardware upgrades and functional enhancements, allowing you to cut back if necessary.
Refacing vs. Replacement vs. Refinishing: A Cost Comparison
Understanding how much to reface cabinets in kitchen is best done by comparing the cost against the other two main options: full replacement and simple refinishing (painting or staining).
Comparison Table: Cost, Time, and Disruption
| Feature | Cabinet Refacing | Cabinet Replacement | Cabinet Refinishing (Painting/Staining) |
| Cost | $4,000 – $9,500 (Mid-Range) | $6,000 – $21,000+ (Mid-Range) | $1,500 – $5,000 (DIY/Pro) |
| Project Time | 3 to 5 Days | 3 to 6 Weeks | 1 to 2 Weeks |
| Kitchen Disruption | Minimal; kitchen often remains functional. | Major; kitchen unusable for weeks. | Moderate; cabinets must be emptied and vented. |
| Layout Change | No (Layout must stay the same) | Yes (Full flexibility) | No |
| Cabinet Box Quality | Requires existing boxes to be in good condition. | New boxes, new foundation. | Requires existing boxes/doors to be in excellent condition. |
Why Choose Refacing?
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Structural Soundness: If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound, sturdy, and well-built, refacing is the clear financial winner. Why pay to replace something that is still perfectly functional?
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Cost Savings: You can save anywhere from 30% to 50% compared to a full cabinet replacement.
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Speed: Refacing takes days, not weeks or months, meaning less disruption to your daily life.
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Eco-Friendly: Reusing the existing cabinet boxes reduces construction waste sent to a landfill, making it a sustainable choice.
When to Choose Replacement: If your existing cabinet boxes are suffering from severe water damage, warping, mold, or structural failure, or if you want to completely change the layout of your kitchen (e.g., adding an island, moving the sink), replacement is the only viable option.
The Financial Upside: Return on Investment (ROI)
When you ask how much to reface cabinets in kitchen, you’re also asking about its value as an investment.
Refacing cabinets is one of the highest ROI kitchen improvements you can make.
According to remodeling value reports:
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A mid-range major kitchen remodel typically sees an ROI between 49.5% and 67%.
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A cabinet refacing project often sees an ROI of 96.1% or more when selling your home.
This means that if you spend $6,000 on refacing, you can expect to add roughly $5,766 to the resale value of your home. A fresh, updated kitchen look is a massive selling point for potential buyers, often helping the home sell faster and closer to the asking price.
How to Plan Your Cabinet Refacing Budget
A clear plan prevents budget creep. Follow these steps to get an accurate estimate for your project:
Step 1: Count and Measure
Before contacting a contractor, count your cabinet openings and measure your linear footage.
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Count Doors & Drawers: Count the total number of doors (upper and lower) and separate drawer fronts. This will be the basis for material costs.
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Measure Linear Feet: Measure the total length of the base cabinets and wall cabinets where the new veneer will be applied.
Step 2: Choose Your Finish Level (Budgeting Tiers)
Decide on your desired quality level to manage expectations and costs.
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Budget-Friendly ($1,000 – $5,000): Focus on Laminate or Thermofoil, stock door styles (flat panel), and keeping existing, functional hardware. Ideal for rental properties or a quick cosmetic update.
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Mid-Range ($5,000 – $9,500): Opt for Wood Veneer or high-quality Laminate, shaker or basic raised panel doors, and essential upgrades like soft-close hinges and new mid-range pulls. Ideal for the average homeowner.
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High-End ($9,500+): Select solid wood doors/fronts, custom finishes (glazes, distressing), and luxury upgrades like glass inserts, crown molding, and internal custom organizers. Ideal for a forever home or luxury renovation.
Step 3: Get Multiple Detailed Quotes
Do not rely on a single quote. Get at least three quotes from professional cabinet refacing companies.
Crucially, ensure each quote provides:
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Material: Clearly state the type of veneer and the material/finish of the new doors/drawer fronts (e.g., Maple wood veneer with a painted shaker door).
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Labor: Specify the duration and what is included (veneer application, door/hardware installation, cleanup).
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Add-Ons: Itemize all extras (hardware, molding, soft-close features) so you can easily adjust the scope.
FAQ
Is refacing cabinets worth the money?
Yes, refacing cabinets is typically an excellent investment. It provides the visual impact of a full kitchen remodel at significantly lower cost (often 30-50% less than replacement) and has a very high estimated Return on Investment (ROI), often cited at over 96%, making it highly appealing to potential homebuyers.
Q2: How much time does it take to reface kitchen cabinets?
A: A professional cabinet refacing job for an average-sized kitchen is surprisingly quick, typically taking only 3 to 5 days from start to finish. This is a major advantage over a full cabinet replacement, which can take several weeks or even months.
Can I reface my cabinets myself to save money?
While you can attempt a DIY cabinet refacing using peel-and-stick veneer, professional refacing is highly recommended. Achieving a seamless, professional look—especially around corners and edges—requires specialized tools and expertise. An amateur job can look poor and drastically decrease your home’s value.
What is the most expensive part of cabinet refacing?
The material choice for the new cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and veneer is the single biggest cost factor. Solid wood and high-end natural wood veneers are the most expensive, while laminate and thermofoil are the most budget-friendly. Labor is the second most expensive component.
When is it better to replace than reface kitchen cabinets?
It is better to replace your kitchen cabinets if: 1) The existing cabinet boxes are structurally damaged (warped, water-damaged, or molded). 2) You want to change the kitchen layout (e.g., add new cabinets, move appliances, or change the size of the island).
Does cabinet refacing include new cabinet hardware?
Yes, cabinet refacing almost always includes new hardware, such as new door handles, pulls, and hinges. This is an essential step to complete the updated look and is the perfect opportunity to upgrade to soft-close hinges for a modern, high-quality feel.
What is the difference between cabinet refinishing and refacing?
Refinishing involves simply stripping and reapplying a new stain or paint to your existing doors and drawer fronts. Refacing involves applying new veneer to the boxes and installing brand-new doors and drawer fronts, resulting in a more dramatic and durable transformation.
Will refacing my kitchen cabinets last as long as new cabinets?
If done professionally with high-quality materials (especially wood veneer or solid wood doors), refaced cabinets can last for 15 to 20 years or more. The longevity depends directly on the quality of the installation and the durability of the materials chosen.