Cabinet Refacing Cost Calculator

Cabinet refacing costs $3,000–$12,000 for an average kitchen with 25 doors and 12 drawers. Laminate refacing runs $120–$200 per door, wood veneer $180–$300 per door, and rigid thermofoil $150–$250 per door. Drawer fronts add $80–$150 each. New hardware adds $200–$600, and new hinges $100–$300. Total cost depends on kitchen size, material choice, and add-ons selected.

Cabinet refacing replaces only the visible surfaces — door fronts, drawer fronts, and side panel veneers — while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. The process includes removing old doors/drawers, applying new veneer to cabinet frames, installing new door and drawer fronts, and optionally adding new hardware and hinges. It's 40–50% cheaper than full cabinet replacement and takes 3–5 days versus 2–3 weeks for new cabinets.

Refacing is worth it when your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and you like the current layout. You save $5,000–$15,000 compared to new cabinets ($15,000–$25,000 for an average kitchen). Refacing returns 60–80% of cost at resale. It's not worth it if boxes are damaged, layout needs changing, or cabinets are very old particle board that may not hold new hardware well.

Painting costs $1,500–$4,000 (professional) and is the cheapest option but only changes color — it doesn't fix worn edges, outdated styles, or damaged surfaces. Refacing costs $3,000–$12,000 and gives a completely new look with new door fronts. Refacing lasts 15–20 years vs. 5–10 for paint. Choose painting for tight budgets and modern flat-panel doors. Choose refacing for raised-panel upgrades, material changes, or worn doors.

Professional cabinet refacing takes 3–5 days for an average kitchen (25 doors, 12 drawers). Day 1: removal and prep. Days 2–3: veneer application to frames. Days 4–5: install new doors, drawers, hardware. Small kitchens (15 doors) can finish in 2–3 days. Large kitchens (40+ doors) may take 5–7 days. Your kitchen remains functional throughout — only 1–2 doors are removed at a time.

DIY refacing is possible and saves 50–60% on labor. Kits cost $1,000–$4,000 for materials. You need: self-adhesive veneer sheets ($50–$150 per sheet), new doors (ordered to size, $50–$150 each), contact cement, utility knife, and J-roller. Skills needed: precise measuring, cutting, and alignment. Biggest challenge is getting veneer smooth without bubbles. Budget 2–3 weekends for an average kitchen. Hire a pro for curved or glass-front doors.

Laminate ($120–$200/door) is most affordable, moisture-resistant, and available in hundreds of colors/patterns. Wood veneer ($180–$300/door) offers a natural look, can be stained/refinished, and adds warmth — popular species are maple, oak, cherry. Rigid thermofoil/RTF ($150–$250/door) wraps MDF in vinyl for a seamless look, is easy to clean, but can peel in high-heat areas near ovens. For most kitchens, laminate or RTF offers the best value.

No, refacing only covers cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and frame veneers. Countertops are a separate project ($2,000–$8,000). However, many homeowners pair refacing with new countertops for a complete kitchen refresh at $5,000–$20,000 total — still significantly less than a full remodel ($25,000–$50,000). Refacing companies often offer countertop packages at a discount when bundled.