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A Homeowner's Guide

to Cabinet Refacing

Thinking about cabinet refacing but not quite sure what it involves? We’ll break down how refacing works, what you can change, what stays the same, and the important things to consider when deciding if it’s the right fit for your kitchen.

Keep the Structure. Change the Style

What is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing is a way to update the look of your kitchen while keeping your existing cabinet boxes in place. The existing doors and drawer fronts are removed, the cabinet boxes are given a new finished exterior, and new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware are installed.

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The result is the look of new cabinetry without completely removing and replacing what’s already there.

So, What Does Refacing Actually Change?

What Stays?

What Changes?

  • Cabinet doors

  • Drawer fronts

  • Exposed cabinet exteriors

  • Cabinet color or finish

  • Hinges

  • Knobs and pulls

  • Molding and trim

  • Existing cabinet boxes

  • Existing drawer boxes

  • Cabinet interiors

  • Existing layout

  • Soffits

The Limits of Refacing

Refacing can dramatically change the look of your kitchen, but it works within the structure that's already there. It's important to understand what refacing isn't designed to change.

 

  • Does not significantly change the existing layout

  • Does not increase or optimize storage capacity

  • Does not upgrade the construction of existing cabinet boxes

  • Does not remove soffits or extend cabinetry to the ceiling

  • Does not eliminate structural center stiles

  • Does not correct worn, sagging, or deteriorating cabinet boxes

Refacing updates appearance. It does not transform the underlying architecture of the kitchen.

Is My Kitchen a Good Candidate for Refacing?

Cabinet refacing can be a great option, but it isn’t right for every kitchen. The existing cabinet boxes must be in good condition, and the current layout should already work well for your space and needs.

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If your cabinetry is damaged, poorly constructed, or you’re looking to make significant changes to the layout, replacing the cabinets may be the better investment.

Is Refacing a Good Investment?

Refacing can offer significant savings compared to replacing your cabinetry, but it’s still an investment in the cabinets you already have. Before making that investment, it’s important to consider their condition, quality, and remaining lifespan.

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Think of it a little like a car. You might happily invest in new tires, paint, or other upgrades for a car that’s mechanically sound and has plenty of life left in it. But if the car has already reached the end of its useful life, putting thousands of dollars into cosmetic improvements may not be the best long-term investment.

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Your cabinets deserve the same consideration. Are the cabinet boxes well constructed and in good condition? Do you like the layout and functionality? And most importantly, do you feel confident that the cabinetry you’re investing in has another 20+ years of useful life ahead of it?

 

If the answer is yes, refacing can be a practical way to extend the life of a kitchen you already enjoy. If the cabinets have already lived most of their useful life, replacement may ultimately be the better investment.

Before investing in the outside, make sure the bones are worth keeping.

Refacing vs. Replacing

Refacing May Make Sense If...

Replacement May Make More Sense If...

  • You like your existing layout

  • Cabinet boxes are in good condition

  • You're happy with the functionality

  • You're primarily looking for a new style

  • The existing cabinetry has plenty of useful life left

  • You want to change the layout

  • Cabinets are damaged or deteriorating

  • Storage or functionality isn't working

  • You want significant cabinet modifications

  • You're questioning the remaining lifespan of the cabinetry

What is a Realistic Investment Range for Refacing?

Reface Only

Full Refresh

$10k+

$25k+

Where Does Your Investment Go? 

Doors and Drawer Fronts
 

Doors and drawer fronts are often one of the most expensive components of cabinetry and make up a significant portion of the cost of refacing. Pricing depends on the number of doors and drawers, as well as the material, style, and finish selected.

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Laminate doors offer a more economical option, while wood doors and specialty finishes typically come at a higher price point.

$2,000 - $8,000+
 

Refacing Materials
 

Refacing materials are used to give the exposed surfaces of your existing cabinet boxes a new finished exterior that coordinates with your new doors and drawer fronts. The amount of material needed varies based on the size and configuration of the kitchen, as well as the finish selected.

$300 - $1,000+
 

Installation
 

Refacing is a labor-intensive process that requires careful preparation and skilled installation. Existing cabinet surfaces are sanded and prepared, refacing materials are precisely cut and adhered, and new doors, drawer fronts, molding, and hardware are installed and adjusted. Much of the work is done by hand to ensure a clean, finished result.

$4,000 - $7,000+
 

Hardware
 

New hardware puts the finishing touch on your refaced cabinetry. This includes new knobs and pulls, along with new door hinges. Pricing can vary depending on the style and finish selected, as well as the number of doors and drawers in your kitchen.

$250 - $600+
 

Drawer Boxes (Optional)
 

New drawer boxes are an optional upgrade during a refacing project. If selected, the existing drawer boxes are replaced with new ones and include soft-close drawer glides for smoother, quieter operation.

$250 - $1,000+
 

Other Optional Upgrades - Full Refresh

Countertops

Countertops are often one of the larger investments when expanding a refacing project beyond the cabinetry. Pricing varies based on the material selected, amount of countertop needed, edge details, and overall layout. Your investment includes professional templating, fabrication, cutouts, and installation.

$4,000 - $10,000+
 

Backsplash
 

Many of our refacing clients choose to update their backsplash at the same time to complement the new look of their refaced cabinets. Pricing varies based on the tile selected, amount of backsplash needed, pattern or layout, and installation details.

$2,000 - $5,000+
 

Many of our refacing clients choose to update their sink and faucet, especially when replacing the countertops. Pricing varies based on the style, material, and features selected, as well as any plumbing modifications needed for installation.

Finishing Touches
Sink, Faucet, etc.
 

$500 - $3,000+
 

Check Out Some Of Our Past Refacing Projects

What Happens at a Refacing Consultation?

Curious what a refacing consultation looks like? See what we’ll discuss, what we’ll look at, and how we determine if refacing is the right fit for your kitchen.

Ready to Start Your Kitchen Refacing Project?

You’ve done the research and learned what refacing can and can’t do. If it sounds like the right fit for your kitchen, we’d love to take a closer look at your space and talk through your ideas

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