How Much Does Cabinet Refacing Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $4,234 - $10,230
The average cost to reface a cabinet is $7,231, but it can range from $4,234 and $10,230, depending on the number of cabinets, materials, and labor.
Cabinet refacing costs between $4,234 and $10,230, with an average price of $7,231. Keep in mind that using solid wood doors will cost within the upper range of the budget, while more budget-friendly materials like laminate or wood veneer will cost less. Let’s take a closer look at how to budget for your cabinet refacing project.
- Average
- $7,231
- Low end
- $1,200
- high end
- $16,100
Cabinet Refacing Cost Factors
As you’re budgeting for your cabinet resurfacing cost, multiple factors will impact how much you pay. Here are the main factors that affect the cost of this project.
Scope
A smaller-scale cabinet refacing project will likely cost $1,000 to $5,000, and it will cover the cost of laminate or weed veneer cabinet materials. A major cabinet refacing project can cost $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the number of cabinets, type of finish, and more. If you opt for custom cabinets, you can expect to pay at the top of the price range for this task.
Materials
The materials you use to reface your cabinets will have a significant impact on the overall cost. Laminate is the most affordable cabinet option, wood veneer is middle-of-the-road, and solid wood is the most expensive. Below are the main styles to choose from, along with their key features.
“Cabinet refacing has a wide variety of options,” says Andrew Kilborn, owner of Andy’s Handyman. “Make sure you look at examples of the various methods to ensure the finished product meets your expectations.”
| Cabinet Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood Veneer | $100–$250 per square foot |
| Rigid Thermofoil Laminate | $80–$125 per square foot |
| Solid Wood and Plywood | $200–$500 per square foot |
Number of Cabinets
More cabinets mean more square footage to cover. The greater the number of cabinets, the more this project will cost. Most refacing projects cost $150 to $450 per linear square foot, depending on the material.
Labor
Typically, more than half of the project cost will go toward labor, and if the project is complex and time-consuming, this will drive up labor costs. If your kitchen is in a tight space or is otherwise difficult to work on, your contractor may add extra costs for the inconvenience.
Additional Cost Add-Ons
While you’re refacing your cabinets, there are a few additional projects that can take your kitchen makeover to the next level. Here are some more upgrades to consider when planning out your budget.
| Additional Features | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Countertops | $1,900–$4,400 |
| Hardware replacements | $100–$1,000 |
| Crown molding | $700–$2,100 |
| Under cabinet lighting | $200–$300 |
| Glass | $100–$300 per linear foot |
| Custom cabinet doors | $500 per door |
| Additional surface veneers | $70–$150 |
Countertops
Installing new countertops costs an average of $1,900 to $4,400. The cost to put in new countertops will vary based on factors such as the type of material used and the total square footage.
Hardware Replacements
The cost to replace cabinet hardware typically falls between $100 and $1,000. However, if you choose antique or designer hardware, prices can increase as high as $10,000.
Under Cabinet Lighting
The cost to install under cabinet lighting is usually around $200 to $300 per light, but DIY-friendly peel-and-stick varieties can cost as low as $20 to $30. The most popular styles include puck lights, strip lights, or built-in lights.
Glass
Glass inserts for kitchen cabinets usually cost between $100 to $300 per linear foot. However, project costs will vary based on the shape and style of the glass insert.
Customize or Add Veneers
Custom cabinet doors offer handcrafted woodworking, high-quality finishes, and other top-notch features to give the cabinets a particularly unique look, but can cost $500 per door or more. You can cover the sides of your existing cabinetry to match your new doors with wood veneers. Veneer prices can range based on the type of wood strips, but you can find 8-foot by 4-foot backers for $70 to $150.
Refacing vs. Refinishing vs. Replacing Cabinets
Let’s review some basic cabinet project definitions before diving into a cost comparison between cabinet refacing versus refinishing.
Cabinet refacing means replacing the doors with new materials. Other parts of the cabinets are often refinished to match the new doors and drawers.
Cabinet refinishing refers to restoring existing doors and putting them back on the cabinets. You may add veneers or update the hardware as well. Refinishing is a less expensive option at $1,800 to $4,200.
Cabinet replacement requires owners to remove them, including shelving and supports. It’s also a much larger project and is significantly more expensive than refacing cabinets, between $2,000 and $10,000.
Cabinet Refacing ROI
Refacing your kitchen cabinets yields an average of 65% to 80% or more of your initial investment back in added value to your home, so it’s worth considering if you want to stand out in a competitive market.
If you want to maximize your ROI when refacing cabinets, focus on quality upgrades that have a big impact on how your kitchen looks and functions. Refacing cabinets from boring, worn particle board to high-quality materials will have the most impact.
Cost to Reface Cabinet Doors Yourself
Refacing your kitchen cabinets is a meticulous and time-consuming project. If you have scrappy DIY skills and a lot of patience, though, you should be able to pull it off. However, it’s best to hire a professional cabinet contractor to ensure that it’s done correctly.
Depending on the size of your kitchen, this can be quite an expensive DIY at $1,645 to $6,570 for materials, but it’s not your only option. For example, refinishing or painting your cabinets costs less than having them refaced while still offering a brand-new look. The price to stain your cabinets will run you a lot less as well, typically $1,500 to $5,000.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
The cost to reface cabinets yourself can be substantial, as the project requires a lot of tools and materials. It’s also pretty time-consuming. To ensure high-quality results, hire a local cabinet refinishing contractor to transform the look of your cabinetry. That way, you can rest assured the job will be done accurately and efficiently. Additionally, refacing kitchen cabinets rather than replacing them can help lead to a lower kitchen remodel cost overall.
How to Save Money on Cabinet Refinishing Costs
Refacing is a cost-effective way to remodel your kitchen cabinets on a budget, so you’re already on the right track to saving money. Here are even more ways to reduce the cost of your kitchen cabinet makeover:
Shop around and get at least three quotes from reputable contractors
Choose lower-cost materials and styles.
Pick budget-friendly options for cabinet hardware, or purchase and install them yourself.
Skip extra features like lights and glass inserts. You can always add these in later if you change your mind.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your cabinets are still in good shape, a fresh paint or stain job and some shiny new hardware can provide a similar look to refacing at a much lower price point. Otherwise, sticking to the basic options for style and materials is the best way to keep costs down. Note, however, that budget-friendly options like laminate or melamine cabinets will not last nearly as long as wood, so the most cost-effective long-term choice is solid wood.
Yes, replacing cabinet doors only as part of a cabinet refacing project. During the cabinet-refacing process, the doors and drawers are typically replaced, while the cabinet boxes themselves are covered with a veneer or laminate. If you’re content with the look of the cabinet boxes, however, you can simply swap out the doors to save money on labor and materials.
Refacing your kitchen cabinets can be a wise investment if you want to enhance the look of your kitchen or sell your home in a competitive market. Upgrading your kitchen and bathrooms, from simple cabinet remodels to full remodels, usually leads to a faster sale compared to homes with outdated looks. Even if you don’t plan to sell, though, the pride and satisfaction you’ll feel can make this project more than worthwhile.
In most cases, contractors can reface cabinets without touching the countertops in your kitchen. However, if your counters prevent access that’s needed to remove doors and drawers, then you may have to temporarily remove the countertops. Ask the professional cabinet contractors about removing countertops when they come to provide an estimate.