Homeowners planning to upgrade their kitchen cabinets often consider cabinet refacing as a cost-effective alternative to a full remodel. Refacing kitchen cabinets involves replacing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, moldings, toe kicks, door hinges, drawer pulls or knobs, and applying a new veneer to the existing cabinet boxes.
Refacing kitchen cabinets offers a balance between achieving a new look and keeping within budget. The average kitchen cabinet refacing costs reflect the middle ground between refinishing cabinets, which is often less expensive but less transformative, and replacing kitchen cabinets entirely, which can significantly hike up the overall cost.
However, the key question is, how much will cabinet refacing impact your finances? It’s a project that demands careful consideration of more than one job, more cabinets equal more investment, and an understanding that project costs, while variable, offer a valuable return on your home’s aesthetic.
An Overview of Cabinet Refacing Costs
Perspective Two: Cabinet Refacing Cost
Cabinet refacing does more than just change the surface appearance—it revives fresh look of your kitchen, injecting a fresh character and enhancing its perceived value. With costs typically 30-50% less than a full cabinet replacement, refacing allows for a transformative effect without the extensive time and financial commitment. However, it’s crucial to manage expectations; while refacing updates the look of your kitchen, it doesn’t alter the existing kitchen layout. Satisfaction with the cost to reface kitchen cabinets hinges on a clear understanding of the process and its inherent limitations.
Despite its potential drawbacks, many homeowners find that the cost to reface cabinets is well justified by the fresh appearance and added functionality. When weighed against the expense of replacing cabinets, refacing kitchen cabinets emerges as a financially prudent choice, often save money and allowing the reallocation of funds to other home improvement endeavors. It’s a smart strategy for those seeking to revitalize their kitchen cabinets without incurring the higher costs associated with new custom cabinetry or more extensive renovations.
Our Refacing Process
At Ideal Home Improvement, we specialize in Refacing Cabinets, Outlined below is the process involved, it’s that simple!
Navigating Your Cabinet Refacing Project
During a cabinet refacing project, various factors come into play that influence the overall project cost. The project’s scope, material selections, the tally of cabinets to be refaced, and even your geographic location all contribute to the total project cost.
Some factors that can affect the cost of a cabinet refacing project include:
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The number of cabinets to be refaced
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The type of material chosen (e.g. laminate, wood veneer, solid wood)
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The complexity of the project (e.g. adding new hardware, replacing doors)
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The labor expenses, which can vary based on regional economic variations
It’s important to consider these factors when budgeting for your cabinet refacing project.
It’s a navigational challenge that demands a combination of budget-savvy choices and a clear vision of the desired outcome.
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Take a look at some of our most recent Cabinet Refacing projects and see for yourself why we are the ideal contractor choice for your kitchen improvement needs.
Material Choices and Their Impact on Cost
Your choice of materials for kitchen cabinet refacing, is not merely a question of style; it’s also a financial decision that significantly affects the total cost. Solid wood doors are the crème de la crème of cabinet refacing, offering unmatched longevity and a distinguished look that can range from $200 to $500 per linear foot. With their sumptuous appearance, solid wood doors are for those who view their kitchen cabinets as an investment in their home’s value.
For a more cost-effective approach, wood veneer provides the warmth and texture of real wood at a fraction of the cost, with prices between $150 per linear feet to $455 per linear foot. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on style. Laminate takes the lead as the most economical choice, costing $90 per linear foot down to $110 per linear foot installed. While it may not boast the durability of solid wood, laminate offers a plethora of design options to suit any taste.
These material choices are a delicate balance between aesthetic desires and financial constraints, with each presenting a different path to achieving your dream kitchen.
Labor Costs and Time Considerations
Labor costs for cabinet refacing, typically making up 50% to 70% of the total cost, are a significant part of the project budget, ranging from $3,100 to $6,500. The labor expense is not only influenced by the complexity kitchen size of the work but also by the region in which you reside, making the geographical lottery a factor in your budgeting process. As you consider the cost to reface cabinets, it’s important to factor in these labor costs as an investment in the expertise that will bring your vision to life.
The time required to complete a cabinet refacing project also has a bearing on the cost. Most projects span 2 to 5 days, offering a swift makeover with minimal disruption to your daily routine. If you’re keen on shaving off some of the labor costs, consider rolling up your sleeves and tackling some tasks yourself, such as painting or basic repairs. This do-it-yourself spirit can reduce expenses and imbue your project with a personal touch, meshing cost-efficiency with a sense of accomplishment.
Additional Costs: Upgrades and Accessories
Undertaking a cabinet refacing project often presents the opportunity for additional enhancements. Upgrades such as new cabinet accessories, lighting, and hardware can escalate the project’s budget, with prices varying based on the complexity and quality of the additions. Simple hardware replacements might cost between $6 to $60 per piece, while more significant undertakings like crown molding can accumulate costs between $700 and $2,100.
Specialized features that can significantly increase the project costs include:
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Under cabinet lighting
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Custom cabinet doors (prices ranging from less the one hundred dollars to well over $300 for each custom door)
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Specialty hardware, such as artisan knobs and pulls (adding anywhere from $15 to $30 per piece, or potentially skyrocketing to lavish prices for unique or antique options)
However, it’s possible to navigate these additional costs strategically by reusing existing hardware or tackling some installations yourself, ensuring that the added flair to your cabinets doesn’t leave storage space in your wallet bare.
Making the Choice: Refacing vs. Replacement
When planning a kitchen update, the choice between refacing cabinets and replacing cabinets is crucial. Cabinet refacing stands as a cost-effective alternative, generally 30-50% less expensive than a full replacement. The savings become even more apparent when considering that homeowners often report average cabinet refacing costs are at roughly half or even 20-25% of what custom cabinet replacement would amount to. In larger kitchens, where custom replacements can exceed $34,600, cabinet refacing provides an updated look at a fraction of the cost.
The financial wisdom of refacing is underscored by its high return on investment. On average, homeowners recoup about 78.8% of the refacing costs, compared to 65.3% for major kitchen remodels. Moreover, refacing contributes to a home’s value by modernizing the kitchen, making it more appealing to potential buyers, and often allowing homeowners to recoup over 80% of the project costs.
Beyond the numbers, refacing also offers a wide array of style options with less labor and material alterations than a full remodel, making it a smart investment for both your home’s aesthetics and resale value.
Saving on Cabinet Refacing Costs
Maintaining your budget for cabinet refacing doesn’t necessitate compromising on quality. One of the first steps is to have an open dialogue with your contractor about your budget, allowing room for negotiation and potentially better deals. For those with a DIY spirit, taking on the cabinet refacing project yourself can lead to substantial savings, though it’s essential to have the requisite skills and tools.
For homeowners looking to minimize expenses, considering minor updates such as glass inserts, beadboard inserts, under cabinet lighting or a fresh coat of paint can make a significant impact without the full cost of refacing. Additionally, exploring promotions or discounts, especially during off-peak seasons, can lead to more economical project pricing. These strategies for saving money on cabinet refacing allow you to achieve the fresh look you desire while keeping your expenditures in check.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Refacing Costs
Understanding the cost of cabinet refacing can lead to a series of questions. It’s essential to do your due diligence when selecting a contractor, asking about their experience, references, and their adherence to codes and regulations. Clarifying the project’s duration, costs for removal and cleanup, and whether the new paint and new hardware itself is included in the estimate will give you a comprehensive understanding of what the much does cabinet refacing project entails.
When discussing materials with your contractor, inquire about the recommended wood veneer, and whether your cabinets are suitable candidates for refacing. It’s also prudent to ask about the warranty and what it covers, ensuring you have support for post-completion issues.
Collaborating with a professional kitchen cabinet refacing service can offer guidance and quality assurance, making the journey from old to new cabinets a smooth one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to reface or replace cabinets?
Refacing cabinets can save homeowners 30-50% of the cost compared to replacing them, with the average cost ranging from $4,000 to $9,000 when done professionally. A full cabinet refacing project typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000.
Why is cabinet refacing so expensive?
Cabinet refacing can be expensive due to the need for new materials, custom-made new cabinet doors, and precise measurements, which can be time-consuming and require additional materials.
Is cabinet refacing worth it?
Yes, cabinet refacing is worth it as it can significantly improve your kitchen's look at a fraction of the cost and in a shorter time frame than fully replacing cabinets. Refacing can save you up to 25% – 50% of the cost of replacement.
What is the cheapest way to reface kitchen cabinets?
The cheapest way to reface kitchen cabinets is by refinishing cabinets using existing doors using laminate or wood veneer instead of solid wood doors, which results in a significantly lower cost. Refacing cabinets with new doors is an affordable alternative to completely replacing them.
How much can I expect to spend on cabinet refacing for an average-sized kitchen?
You can expect to spend between $1,350 and $12,500, the average costs with the average cost being around $6,925 for cabinet refacing in an average-sized kitchen, including door and drawer replacements and applying new veneer.