If you want a new look in an old kitchen, refacing should be on your list to consider. You can get cabinets that look brand new for a fraction of the price of a full replacement. That said, you might be wondering: What is the cost of refacing kitchen cabinets? Here’s what to know and a look at the pros and cons. 

What Goes Into the Cost of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets?

The total cost to reface your kitchen cabinets depends on many factors. This includes the size of your kitchen, the exact number of drawers and doors you have, the material you choose to reface cabinets with, and the hardware. You’ll also want to factor in any upgrades to enhance your cabinets. This can be anything from crown molding to replacing a solid cabinet door with a glass one. 

However, in general, refacing cabinets in the average kitchen costs around $5,000 to $13,000. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into that price.

#1: Materials 

There are a range of materials to choose from – some that are a better investment than others. For example, laminate and thermofoil cost less than refacing kitchen cabinets with hardwood. However, they are not as durable. These options can even chip on impact, which can be a challenge if you have a busy kitchen environment. 

Another option is wood veneer, which is also less expensive than hardwood. This is made by using a thin layer of natural hardwood and gluing it on to a panel. Veneer is longer-lasting than thermofoil or laminate, yet still doesn’t compare to hardwood.

Hardwood is obviously on the higher end of the cost spectrum for kitchen cabinet refacing. Yet, it delivers on beauty and durability, providing the best return on your investment. It’s also scratch- and water-resistant, so can better endure activity and wear and tear.

To reface with hardwood, your existing doors and drawer fronts are removed. New ones are custom-made from the natural hardwood of your choosing and installed on the original cabinet boxes. Different wood types also come with varying price tags.

#2: Kitchen Size and Number of Cabinets

Refacing cost is also impacted by the size of your kitchen, including the height of the upper cabinets and the number of cabinets you have. If you have a compact kitchen with a few cabinets, you might wind up paying less than if you have a large, expansive space. In addition, ceiling-height cabinets will cost more to reface than standard-height cabinets in kitchens. 

#3: Labor

The biggest cost that goes into refacing kitchen cabinets is labor. This cost will depend greatly on where you live, as the cost of labor varies dramatically across the country. However, labor costs usually make up around 50-70% of the total cost of a refacing project. The cost of labor will include:

  • Any measurements that need to be taken
  • Removing old doors and drawers, as well as hinges and hardware
  • Sanding, prepping, and finishing the cabinet boxes to match your new doors and drawers
  • Painting or sanding of new cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and cabinet boxes
  • Installation

#4: Upgrades

Some additional costs that can go into your final tally for refacing kitchen cabinets include upgrades. For instance, if you want pull-out shelves or a trash bin, or in-cabinet trays or organizers, this will add to the cost of the project. Opting for under-cabinet lighting, glass cabinets, crown molding, or other customization will also increase the price. 

Pros & Cons of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets 

As with any home improvement project, there are advantages and downsides to refacing cabinets. Some benefits are:

  • You can update the whole look of your kitchen quickly and affordably. 
  • It’s a more environmentally friendly approach compared to cabinet replacement.
  • Refacing is faster, simpler, and less disruptive to your life with projects usually completed in 3-5 days. 

In addition, when it comes to the cost of kitchen cabinet refacing, it typically offers a 60-75% return on that investment, depending on the materials used in the project. That’s better than the ROI you can expect with a total replacement, which is around 53%. 

That said, there are some cons. If you have a structural problem with your cabinets, your kitchen is not a good candidate for refacing. It won’t do much to fix broken cabinets, especially if there’s water damage or frames are cracked or buckling. 

In addition, if the layout of your cabinets was poorly designed or doesn’t work for your busy life, refacing won’t change that. The only way to fix this is with full cabinet replacement. 

However, if your kitchen cabinets are in good condition, yet you want to transform the look of them in a big way, then refacing is an ideal solution at a cost you can afford. You can get the best of both worlds, with limited disruption to your home and life. 

Want to find out what the cost for refacing kitchen cabinets in your home would be? Give N-Hance® a call at (855) 642-6230. We’re the cabinet makeover experts, ready to explore your options and provide you with an estimate.