How Much Does It Cost to Reface Kitchen Cabinets? (Infographic)

Posted on: June 27, 2018

Kitchen cabinet refacing is one of the most popular kitchen remodeling trends these days, due to its minimal mess and highly aesthetic result. More importantly, refacing kitchen cabinets is an expensive way to give your kitchen a face-lift. But how inexpensive is inexpensive anyway?

Before we answer that question, it’s very important to look first at whether or not cabinet refacing is the right option for you. It is if:

  • Your kitchen cabinets are structurally sound, but its looks don’t suit your taste anymore.
  • The doors and hardware are already outdated and need replacement.
  • You don’t want the hassle of removing your cabinets and interfering with other aspects of your kitchen, g., plumbing and electrical wirings.

All being said, keep your goggles on as we dive deep into the real costs of refacing kitchen cabinets as per the current industry reports and compare if these costs are better than choosing to completely replace your kitchen cabinets with new ones.

How Much Does It Cost to Reface Kitchen Cabinets

Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing in 2018

According to the most recent report from HomeAdvisor, the average national cost to reface cabinets is $6,684, with the majority of homeowners spending $4,151 and $9,238. The total cost will vary by project based on several factors, such as the materials used for refacing as well as the number of hours required to complete the project.

1. Common Refacing Materials

  • Wood Veneers – $2,500-6,000

Wood veneers are sheets and strips of very thin wood. They come in birch, maple, ash, oak, hickory, walnut, and so on. They are priced 10%-25% higher than laminates because veneers correctly installed can last for many years.

  • Plastic Laminate$1,000-3,000

Plastic laminates are very durable refacing material that comes in a wide variety of solid colors and wood-grain patterns. There are two types of laminates: low-pressure laminate (melamine), and high-pressure laminate, such as Formica. Melamine is the cheaper variant but can chip and is less water-resistant that high-pressure laminates.

  • Rigid Thermofoil – $1,000-3,000

Rigid Thermofoil (RTF) is a malleable vinyl foil pressure molded in medium-density fiberboard (MDF). It is a cheap material that can be shaped and molded over a range of door styles. When installed correctly, it provides the warm look of wood grain but without the cost.

  • Solid Wood$5,000 and up

Solid wood is a lot more expensive than the previous options, but the look it delivers is truly worth the price. For many homeowners, solid wood is a sound investment because it can be refinished and repaired, as needed, over time.

2. Hardware Replacements

Replacing hardware such as handles, knobs, hinges, etc., is going to be the least expensive part of a refacing project. In general, the cost you will incur in replacing the hardware of your cabinets varies per the material which the hardware is made of, as well as its design.

Basic cabinet handles range between $5-$15 each. The price of a basic cabinet door knobs is less expensive as well. The more expensive hands and knobs tend to have more intricate design and made of costlier materials.

3. Labor Cost

Another cost to consider when undertaking a refacing project is the labor cost. Depending on the size of the kitchen, your expertise, and the number of people helping, a refacing job could take two to four days or more. Consider how much your time is worth. If you think your time is $15 an hour, you’re looking at labor costs of $350 to $600 on top of your equipment, supplies, and materials costs.

DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor – Which Costs More?

Instead of doing the project all by yourself, hiring a professional contractor will help you avoid all the headache and legwork of the job. If you don’t have enough expertise and time to commit to this kind of project, then you better off with skilled professionals to avoid compromising the appearance of your kitchen to save a couple of bucks.

Is It Worth the Cost?

It is said that a refacing project costs about 40-50% less than replacing your still structurally-sound cabinets. With that cost, however, you are not only updating the look and vibes of your kitchen; you are also gaining other benefits such as:

  • Reduced waste – When you choose to reface your cabinets instead of tearing them all down, you’ll be keeping excess debris from your cabinet boxes out of landfills and garbage dumps.
  • Saving the Environment – Refacing also prevents more trees from being cut down to construct new cabinet boxes – which means that refacing contractors help save Mother Earth, one cabinet at a time!
  • Keep Kitchen Layout Intact – If you are currently content with how everything is laid out in your kitchen space, then refacing is undoubtedly the best way to go.

Overall, kitchen cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to spice up the look of your kitchen without breaking your bank and emptying your wallet. If you want to upgrade your kitchen cabinets through refacing contact Kitchen Refacing Cabinet today by visiting our website at www. kitchencabinetrefacing.com or call us at (800) 581-0694