How Much Does Cabinet Repair Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Cabinet repair remains an essential home improvement investment that homeowners face every 10 to 15 years. Expect to spend an average of $280, with most projects falling between $200 to $490 on average.

Your project total is influenced by cabinet material, repair type, repair method, labor rates, and more. Budgeting up front lets you handle surface or structural damage the right way, and bringing in a pro helps ensure long-lasting style and function.

Cabinet Repair Cost Factors

Your final cost depends on the repair type and a few other factors. Here’s a closer look at how your total breaks down.

Type of Repair

Most cabinet repairs run $280, but the total hinges on the type of fix you need. Some repairs, like water damage repair or structural issues, are more urgent for protecting the integrity of your cabinets, while touching up scratches or replacing hardware is more of an appearance-based repair. 

Some common types of repairs include:

• Broken hardware

• Scrapes and scratches

• Peeling paint

• Warped or cracked doors

• Damaged or sticking drawers

• Water damage

• Structural issues, such as broken shelves or cabinet boxes

Here are the average costs associated with these repairs:

Material

The material that your cabinets are made of has an impact on your repair cost. Here are the average costs for repairing various cabinet materials:

Labor

Expect to pay between $50 to $100 per hour for a carpenter, cabinetmaker, or handyperson to repair your cabinets. Labor costs account for 50% of your project total. Custom cabinets or complex projects command higher prices than straightforward repairs.

Water Damage

Replacing the bottom of a kitchen cabinet runs $150 to $500 when addressing water damage under the sink. Unlike many structural defects, you can often fix this issue without swapping out the entire cabinet. It’s important to address water damage right away to prevent mold growth or rot that spreads to your walls and floors and causes costly damage to surrounding areas.

Refinishing vs. Refacing

Refacing or repainting can refresh your cabinets without the price tag of a full replacement. Surface damage often calls for refinishing or repainting, while major structural issues may push you toward a full replacement.

Refinishing

The cost to refinish cabinets ranges between $1,990 and $4,500, depending on the project. Some pros may price work by the hour, with labor rates ranging from $35 to $75 per hour.

Refinishing is the go-to fix for worn or scratched finishes. The higher price reflects the extra steps of stripping the old coating, sanding between layers, and applying multiple new coats. It won’t solve structural problems, so you’ll need a replacement if the cabinet box is failing.

Refacing

The cost to reface cabinets ranges between $4,200 and $10,200. Refacing covers cabinet fronts with a thin veneer of wood or laminate, giving you a fresh color, grain, or profile without buying brand-new boxes. It’s a smart way to revive badly worn surfaces without the cost of a full replacement.

Repainting

Painting cabinets is a third option that costs $425 to $1,500. Pros may charge by the hour—$50 to $100—or by the linear foot—$20 to $60. Your total comes down to how many cabinets you have and the hours of labor involved.

For light damage, a matching gallon of paint and a few supplies may be all you need. When several spots are dinged up, repainting every cabinet ensures a seamless color match. Full repainting means stripping the old finish, sanding, priming, and then applying fresh coats. If the box itself is compromised, a complete replacement may be the smarter call.

Budgeting for Cabinet Repairs

Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your cabinet repair project more wallet-friendly:

• Get quotes from at least three local cabinet repair pros to ensure competitive pricing. 

• Check warranty coverage before scheduling repairs.

• Bundle multiple repairs or services for potential discounts.

• Make the area around your cabinets as accessible as possible by tidying and removing obstacles to make your pro’s job quicker and easier, helping you save on labor costs.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.