Refacing & Replacing Cabinet Doors Cost

Total project costs range from $1,000 to $10,000. A single door runs $30 to $100 depending on the type with labor adding another $100 to $250.

Total costs will vary by project based on several factors, including the materials used to cover the fronts and sides of your cabinet boxes. To reduce your cabinet refacing cost, consider including your existing doors with wood veneer or laminate over solid wood.

Alongside budget, consider how difficult the work might be and how satisfied you're likely to be with the results. From there choose your materials accordingly.

Wood Veneers

Wood veneers cost $2,500 to $6,000. They are sheets and strips of thin wood material applied to exposed surfaces. They come in oak, maple, cherry, birch, walnut, and other wood tones. The cost is 10 to 25 percent higher than laminates but once sealed, they can last years with minimal care.

Plastic Laminate

Plastic laminates cost $1,000 to $4,000 and come in a wide variety of solid colors, and wood-grain looks. There are two types of laminate. Both are sturdy and have their advantages.

• Low-pressure laminate, also called melamine, has the advantage of being cheaper but can chip.
• High-pressure, like Formica, is more water resistant than melamine.

Rigid Thermofoil (RTF)

Rigid Thermofoil (RTF), a particular type of economical laminate, runs from $1,000 to $3,000. RTF is a flexible vinyl molded over medium density fiberboard. It can be shaped and molded over a range of door styles. It offers the clean look of painted cupboards without brush strokes and can give you the warm look of wood grain without the cost.

Solid and Plywood Doors

Replacing your doors and drawers with solid wood costs $5,000 to $10,000. It’s paired to match the wood veneers on your boxes. For many homeowners, solid wood is a sound investment as once installed, you can refinish and repair surface damage, as needed, over time.

Other Costs of Changing Cabinet Doors

Though basic hardware replacements are often included with project costs, upgrades can end up costing you anywhere from $500 to $4,000. When choosing hardware, consider the functionality as well as the appearance. The money you save by refacing rather than replacing can open your budget for more quality and comfort upgrades for both use and style.

Organizers, crown molding, stainless steel pulls and decorative trim all add to the upgraded look and usability of your new kitchen.

What is Kitchen Cabinet Resurfacing?

Cabinet refacing is a process of applying new veneers to your boxes with new doors and drawers to match the exteriors. No matter what you currently have, you can choose from many styles and finish options but cannot usually change the layout or structure of the existing cupboards.

While refacing, you might also choose to add other improvements. For example, it is simple to add a lazy-Susan in a corner or roll-out shelving for heavy pots. These simple upgrades allow for more efficient use of existing space.

How Long Does Cabinet Door Refacing Take?

While this depends on the company doing the refacing and on the size of your space, most refacing can be done in 2-4 days. Replacement takes more time and labor meaning more cost and more time without your kitchen.

Replace vs. Reface vs. Refinish Kitchen Cabinets and Doors

• Replacing or installing new cabinets costs $4,000 to $18,000+. Excellent choice when boxes are highly damaged or changing the layout. It often takes longer than either refinishing or refacing. Custom types can run up to $24,000 or more.
• Refacing runs - $4,000 to $9,000. About 30% to 50% less expensive than replacing. Allows a completely new style, color and finish. It includes replacement doors and drawer faces, hardware and supplies, and the labor cost. The total will vary depending on the materials used, the sizes of the project, and any additional options you may want to include.
• Refinishing cabinets costs $1,500 to $4,000. Cheapest alternative that refreshes them without changing the style. Color changes are possible. Takes the least amount of time to complete.

To reface your cabinets, hire a professional refacing service to measure and inspect your kitchen or bathroom accurately. They can also provide a cost estimate for your specific project. They’ll offer advice on installation, optional upgrades, and hardware choices.

FAQs

Is it Worth It to Reface Kitchen Cabinets?

It is worth it to reface kitchen cabinets if you’re trying to sell a home in a competitive market or want a better-looking kitchen. You’ll get anywhere from 65% to 75% of your investment back when selling. Homes with updated kitchens and bathrooms, with just cabinet remodels or full remodels that include floors and counters, usually sell faster than those with dated looks.

Do Cabinet Remodel Prices Cover Door & Drawer Replacement?

Drawers and doors are covered in refacing prices.

How Much Does Kitchen Saver Cost?

Kitchen Saver costs vary by project as they offer far more customization options than most refacing companies. They back their products and process with a 10-year warranty, never sub-contract work out and always stand behind their brand.

How Much is Kitchen Magic?

Kitchen Magic costs between $7,000 and $10,000 for the average full-sized kitchen. They offer customization options and make custom cabinetry.

What’s the Cost of Refacing vs. Painting?

Refacing costs about three times as much as the cost of painting a cabinet but gives a permanent solution closer to installing an entirely new kitchen.

How Can You Get a Cheap Cabinet Resurface?
Consider refinishing with paint or stain for about 1/3 the price of refacing. Cheap refacing companies often cut corners, uses cheap materials that tend to fail quickly and don’t back their work. Get multiple quotes and always pick a pro that supports their work and their products with a multi-year warranty.

DIY Cabinet Redooring vs. Hiring a Pro

When it comes to cabinets, refacing is possibly the toughest DIY project to tackle. It takes extreme detail, patience, and experience with a wide range of specialized and expensive tools. Unless you have a week to dedicate to this project and around $2,000+ in equipment, it’s a better idea to hire a local cabinet refacing professional.

Supplies, Materials & Tools for a DIY Upgrade

It’s a good idea to consider both cost and time commitment when deciding whether to complete the refinishing project on your own. Depending on the size of the kitchen, your experience level, and the number of people helping, a job like this could take a week or longer.

If you’re set on doing this yourself, you'll need to line up your supplies and equipment. Here are some of the tools you may need:

Benefits of Hiring a Cabinet Resurfacing Pro

Hiring a professional for refacing takes the headache and backache out of the task. When you estimate the total cost of doing it yourself, you might find that hiring a pro is well worth it.

Find the best installer near you with our directory of prescreened professionals. Read reviews, get multiple quotes and hire an installer with confidence.

When hiring a pro, keep in mind the following:

• Your material and style preferences.
• The time period in which the job should be completed.
• The customer reviews for the contractor/professional you've chosen.
• Your budget.

Communicate your preferences, time frame, and budget and let the contractor you choose upgrade your space, giving you the look you want at a price you can afford.