If you’re thinking about renovations in your kitchen, cabinets will often eat up the biggest part of your budget.

They’re the workhorse of the space, after all, so you need quality, beauty and durability. The good news is if you choose cabinet refacing, costs will be far lower than a full replacement. 

But by how much? And what factors go into the final bill? There are many. Here’s a look at a few so you better understand any estimates you get and why cabinet refacing is a more cost-friendly approach.

Factor #1: Size of Your Kitchen

As with any other remodeling project, the size of the space – and therefore the scope of the project – is one of the biggest factors impacting pricing. Obviously, if you have a small kitchen with only a few cabinets, refacing them is going to cost less than in a spacious kitchen with endless cabinetry. The higher the square footage, the more doors and drawers will need to be refaced. 

Factor #2: Door Style

The door style you choose will also have an impact on the cost of your cabinet refacing project. If you select a look that’s simple and modern, the price will be less than those styles that are more ornate or detailed. 

For instance, a simple flat front or Shaker-style door is going to come in at a lower price point than a raised-panel door with custom crown molding on the upper cabinets. Likewise, adding mullion or other similar types of glass-paneled or accent cabinets will also cost you more. 

Factor #3: Finishing Options

Once you’ve selected the style of the door and the stain or paint color, you can choose from different finishing options. You can add a sense of rustic charm or richness with glazing or antiquing your cabinet door fronts, drawers and boxes. 

In addition, you can choose from a range of sheens, from matte to glossy, to further personalize the end result. However, any of these specialized finishing techniques will add to the final cost of your cabinet refacing project. 

Factor #4: New Hardware

There are many options when it comes to hardware on your newly refaced cabinet doors and drawers. You can add corner buckles and exposed hinges, cup pulls, contemporary bar pulls, or high-end designer knobs to replace what’s already there. These all cost more than standard, builder-grade hardware. 

In addition, you’ll have to factor in how many of each you will need. A smaller kitchen translates into fewer pieces and a lower cost for the cabinet hardware portion of your refacing project. 

Beyond the hardware you see, such as handles and knobs, you can also upgrade what you don’t see. For instance, if you have old, creaky drawer glides, you can install new glides that are soft close. They will smoothly glide out and silently slide back into place, and are yet another expense to consider.  

Factor #5: Custom Cabinetry

When you’re refacing cabinets, this is also an opportunity to reconfigure and repurpose areas that could be more functional . If, for example, you have a static cabinet next to your sink, you can make it more functional by turning it into a pull-out trash and recycle cabinet. This makes your kitchen easier to use, especially when you’re washing dishes, but will increase the final cost of your cabinet refacing project. 

Factor #6: Your Location

The cost of your finished cabinet refacing project can vary depending on where you live. Labor and other fees, such as workers’ compensation, are different state by state and can have an impact on expenses when you’re refacing cabinets. 

Why Cabinet Refacing Still Costs Less Than a Replacement

Despite all these factors, the cost of cabinet refacing instead of completely tearing out your existing cabinetry is still often far less. In fact, it can come in at a fraction of the price of a total replacement. 

With cabinet refacing, you don’t have to do as much demolition work, plus you’re reusing your cabinet boxes. They stay in place and are simply stained or painted to match your new custom doors and drawer fronts. 

Other Benefits to Cabinet Refacing Beyond Cost

There are other advantages to keep in mind too when it comes to cabinet refacing. For instance, there’s less mess and a faster turnaround time. In fact, most projects can be completed in approximately five days, depending on the size of your kitchen. 

In addition, you’ll still have wide-ranging options to choose from, just as you would with a cabinet replacement. You’re not limited in any way. You can select from a variety of door styles, stains and colors, finishing techniques, sheens and more. 

Refacing instead of replacing is also the greener approach to renovation. When you reface, your cabinet boxes stay out of a landfill. This leads to less waste and is especially important if they’re made from MDF, which contains the hazardous chemical, formaldehyde. Refacing also uses fewer trees, less fossils fuels, and cuts down on transportation and manufacturing consumption.

Finally, when costs are lower for your cabinets, you can spend money that’s left over in your budget elsewhere. You can:

Overall, you’ll get the most return on your investment with cabinet refacing, as a result. If you’re ready to find out about the cabinet refacing costs for your unique kitchen and vision, call your local N-Hance® at (855) 642-6230 today for a FREE estimate.