Everything You Need to Know About Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
If your kitchen needs an update but you don't want to undergo a costly (and time-consuming) remodel, cabinet refacing adds an entirely new look.
Kitchen cabinets are both functional and key to a home's overall aesthetic. If your cabinets have fallen into disrepair over the years, refacing kitchen cabinets may be a way to update faded colors or malfunctioning handles and hinges and avoid a complete remodel. Refacing your cabinets is a low-cost upgrade that can refresh your entire space. Materials used for refacing include surface wood, thermofoil, or laminate. Once you're finished refacing kitchen cabinets, new hardware will add the final touch to make them look brand new.
Related: 26 DIY Kitchen Cabinet Updates So You Don’t Have to Replace Them
What Does Refacing Kitchen Cabinets Involve?
Refacing kitchen cabinets replaces the cabinet skin panels to give your kitchen a new look. It entails removing cabinet doors and drawer fronts to apply a new veneer over the existing surface. Refacing can also involve replacing hardware such as hinges, handles, and drawer pulls. The upside is that the old cabinet boxes stay in place, so there's no need to worry about custom sizing or building time. Instead, they're repaired to match the new doors or surface material. Refaced cabinets look brand new and give your space a completely fresh look and feel.
Related: 37 Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for Every Design Style
How Much Does Refacing Kitchen Cabinets Cost?
There's a wide price range for refacing kitchen cabinets because there are many factors to consider. The final cost of refacing kitchen cabinets depends on the materials used, the quantity and layout of the original cabinets, and the amount of labor needed. The Home Depot says minor repairs start around $7,600, but a major cabinet makeover could reach as much as $23,310.
Why the range in price? A small kitchen makeover could involve just a few cabinets, while a major overhaul could entail replacing all cabinet doors and drawers. Wood veneers vary in price depending on the wood species, while contemporary laminate can create a modern look with contrasting hardware replacements.
The price for refacing kitchen cabinets will also go up if you hire a professional, which is recommended. Companies like Lowe's, Houzz, and Cabinets To Go offer online consultations for kitchen cabinet installation. It is best to meet with a pro to think through all the details and get a comprehensive quote before starting work alone.
Pros of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
Less expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive. Rebuilding cabinetry is costly and time-intensive, so refacing kitchen cabinets is a cost-effective alternative. A total kitchen renovation or remodel can also be very disruptive. However, refacing allows you to continue using your kitchen throughout the upgrade process. Cabinet refacing takes precision, time, and know-how, but homeowners can learn the skills needed to do it themselves and shave off thousands on the cost.
A wide variety of styles. Cabinet refacing includes a variety of styles and veneer options, including laminates and natural woods.
No major construction and added home value. It's also ideal if you have no desire to change your kitchen layout and just want to spruce up the room to make it more functional or attractive. Not to mention, refacing can quickly pay for itself in increased home value.
Eco-friendly alternative. Last, most cabinets are made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) containing hazardous chemicals. They're difficult to recycle, making them likely to end up in a landfill where the chemicals can leach into the soil and groundwater. Refacing is a more eco-conscious alternative because the original cabinets aren't destroyed or discarded, and there's no need to use new lumber for replacements.
Related: Upgrade Your Kitchen with These Easy DIY Farmhouse Cabinet Doors
Cons of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
Doesn't change the existing layout. Refacing kitchen cabinets will maintain the size and layout of your original kitchen. If your kitchen has looked the same for over 20 years, a new layout or design might be more appealing than just refacing. People tired of how a room is designed are better off investing in an entire kitchen remodel. This can add storage and optimize efficiency, including an ADA-compliant island and base cabinets. Refacing is meant to be a cosmetic tweak, not an overhaul.
It might require professional installation. Depending on the extent of the cabinet refacing, the job might require specialized veneering equipment and precise installation. So, while a DIY project can be appealing, it might not always be feasible or realistic. It's often best to hire a pro. Between the detailed craftwork and the quantities of matching hardware needed, refacing kitchen cabinets can prove to be more complicated than it initially seems.
Refacing doesn't always save money. Cabinet refacing is not always the most affordable kitchen update; this will depend on your style and taste. Replacing cabinet doors with high-end hardwood could make for a pricier commitment than simply painting the cabinets or adding new knobs and drawer pulls.
More Ways to Update Your Kitchen
16 Creative Ways to Update Your Kitchen in Less Than an Hour
These Countertop Resurfacing Projects Are Easy Kitchen Updates
Update the Look of Your Kitchen with These DIY Glass Door Cabinets
6 Low-Cost Updates to Make Your Kitchen Wheelchair-Accessible
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