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:
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.
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 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 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 (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 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:
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