Understanding Cabinet Refacing

11 Min Read

Cabinet refacing is a big deal in kitchen renovations. It’s a way to update your kitchen without spending a lot. Cabinet refacing means changing the look of your cabinets by adding new materials, swapping out doors and drawer fronts, and updating the hardware.

This method is less of a hassle than replacing all your cabinets. It’s perfect for homeowners who want a new look without the big demolition or changes to the kitchen layout. Refacing cabinets is about half the price of getting new custom ones, which is great for those watching their budget¹².

The kitchen is the top project for renovations in North America, and for good reasons¹. With cabinet refacing, you can get a new look without the high cost of a full remodel. In 2016, a full kitchen redo started at $50,000. But, refacing with solid wood doors and finishing can cost between $10,000 and $15,000³.

What I love about cabinet refacing is how eco-friendly it is. We use the cabinets you already have, which cuts down on waste and supports recycling. This approach is good for the planet and saves time, finishing in just 2 to 4 days².

Key Takeaways

Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective alternative to full replacement
It typically costs 50% less than new cabinet installation
The process is eco-friendly and reduces waste
Refacing can be completed in 2-4 days
Various material options are available for different budgets
Refaced cabinets can last as long as new ones with quality materials

What is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing is a great way to update your kitchen without a full remodel. It means giving your cabinets a new look by adding new veneer and changing the doors and hardware. This method can make your kitchen look new again, saving you time and money.

Definition and Process Overview

The first step in cabinet refacing is taking off the old doors and drawer fronts. Then, a new veneer layer is put on the cabinet boxes. This step needs skill and care. After that, new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware are put in, finishing the update. Professional cabinet refacing is 30- to 50-percent cheaper than replacing custom cabinets⁴.

Materials Used in Cabinet Refacing

Choosing the right materials is key in cabinet refacing. You can pick from:

Wood veneer
Thermofoil
Laminate
Paint

Each material has its own benefits like durability, looks, and price. Prices vary from $100 to $200 per linear foot for laminate to about $455 per linear foot for real wood veneer⁴. Veneers can last 15 to 20 years if done right⁴.

Difference Between Refacing and Replacement

Refacing keeps the original cabinet structure but updates its look. It’s a quick way to improve your kitchen without changing its layout. Refacing takes about three to five days, while replacing cabinets can take four to six weeks⁵. This makes it a good choice for those wanting a quick kitchen update.

Aspect	Refacing	Replacement
Cost	$7,600 – $23,310	$13,000 – $30,000
Time	3-5 days	4-6 weeks
Environmental Impact	Lower	Higher

Refacing produces less waste and is better for the environment than replacing cabinets⁵. It’s a green choice that can still boost your home’s value⁵.

The Benefits of Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing is a great choice for homeowners wanting to update their kitchens. It’s much cheaper than fully replacing cabinets, saving homeowners up to 50%⁶. The National Association of Realtors says it’s about half the cost of a full kitchen redo⁷.

Refacing your cabinets is also quick, taking only 3-5 days⁶. This is much faster than a full cabinet replacement, which can take weeks⁷. So, it causes less disruption to your daily life.

Refacing can also boost your home’s value, potentially by up to 20%⁶. This makes it a smart choice for those wanting to increase their home’s worth.

There are many style options for cabinet refacing⁷. You can choose from various styles, woods, colors, and even add crown molding or glass-front cabinets. This lets you get the look you want without the high cost of full replacement.

Lastly, cabinet refacing is better for the planet⁷. It uses fewer materials and produces less waste, fitting with the trend of eco-friendly home improvements.

Understanding Cabinet Refacing: A Detailed Look

Cabinet refacing gives kitchens a new look without the full replacement hassle. It can save homeowners 30 to 50% over new cabinets⁸. Let’s explore the steps, compare professional and DIY options, and look at time and cost factors.

Step-by-Step Refacing Process

The steps for cabinet refacing are:

Removing existing doors, drawer fronts, and hardware
Preparing cabinet boxes for veneer application
Applying new veneer to cabinet boxes
Installing new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware

Professional vs. DIY Refacing

While you can do cabinet makeovers yourself, hiring professionals usually gives better results. Companies like Mr. Cabinet Care have over 30 years of experience⁸. DIY can save money but needs a lot of skill and time.

Time and Cost Considerations

Cabinet refacing can take just a few days, unlike full replacement which takes weeks⁸. It’s about 40 to 50% cheaper than replacing cabinets, which can be over 50% of a kitchen remodel budget⁹. Costs vary by materials and project size, but refacing saves time and money, making it a great choice for many.

When choosing between refacing and replacement, think about cabinet quality, structure, and kitchen layout satisfaction. If cabinets are damaged or you’re not happy with the layout, replacement might be better⁹. But, refacing can give your kitchen a stunning look at a much lower cost and time.

Assessing Your Cabinets for Refacing

When thinking about upgrading your kitchen, I always begin with a detailed look at your cabinets. This step is key to seeing if your cabinets can be refaced. Let’s explore what makes cabinets a good fit for refacing.

First, I check if the cabinet boxes are strong. They should be made of plywood or MDF for a good refacing. If I see cracks, warping, or misaligned hinges, it might not work well¹⁰.

Then, I look at the cabinet’s condition on the outside. It should be smooth and without damage. Scratches, dents, and color issues can be fixed, but the cabinet must be solid¹⁰. Getting a pro to check is key to seeing if refacing is right for your cabinets.

Last, I check the inside parts like drawer slides and hinges. They should work well and be in good shape. If they need to be replaced, it could change the cost and if it’s worth doing.

Aspect	Ideal Condition	Impact on Refacing
Cabinet Box	Sturdy, made of plywood or MDF	Essential for successful refacing
Surface Condition	Smooth, undamaged	Can be addressed if structurally sound
Internal Hardware	Functioning, good condition	Affects overall project feasibility

Remember, it’s important to balance your budget and design wishes when planning cabinet refacing¹⁰. By carefully checking these points, you can decide if refacing or replacing your kitchen cabinets is best.

Design Options and Styles in Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing can totally change your kitchen’s look. I’ll cover the many options you have, from veneer types to hardware choices. This will help you find a style that fits your taste and budget.

Veneer Types and Finishes

There are several veneer options for cabinets. Wood veneers bring a natural, warm feel and come in types like oak, maple, and cherry. Laminate veneers are durable and offer many colors and patterns. Thermofoil veneers provide a smooth look and are easy to clean.

Hardware Selection

Choosing the right kitchen hardware is key to your cabinet’s style. You can pick from classic knobs, sleek pulls, or modern bar handles. Adding soft-close doors and drawers makes your kitchen look more sophisticated and quiet¹¹. Think about finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or matte black to match your design.

Color and Texture Choices

Cabinet color trends change often. Right now, neutral colors like white, gray, and beige are popular for their flexibility. Bold colors like navy or forest green can stand out. Textured finishes, such as wood grain or distressed looks, add depth and character to your cabinets.

Feature	Description	Benefits
Pull-out shelves	Sliding shelves that extend fully	Increases accessibility to items in the back of cabinets¹²
Corner carousels	Rotating shelves for corner cabinets	Maximizes space in awkwardly shaped corners¹²
Under-cabinet baskets	Wire or mesh baskets that attach under cabinets	Ideal for storage of cooking utensils and small appliances¹²

Cabinet refacing lets you add practical solutions like extended cabinets, extra shelves, and pull-out drawers for better functionality¹¹. You can also follow modern kitchen design trends, including glass cabinet doors and cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling¹¹. These updates not only make your kitchen look better but can also increase your property value and attract buyers when you sell¹¹.

Cost Analysis: Refacing vs. Replacing Cabinets

Planning your kitchen remodel budget? Knowing about cabinet renovation costs is key. Cabinet refacing costs between $8,000 and $15,000 for a standard kitchen. Full cabinet replacement can cost $20,000 to $40,000¹³. This big price difference makes refacing a great choice for updating your kitchen without spending too much.

Let’s look at the costs more closely. Laminate finishes cost $100 to $200 per linear foot. Real wood veneer is pricier, at about $455 per linear foot¹⁴. These prices show how your choice of material affects the total cost.

Time is important when deciding between refacing and replacing cabinets. Refacing takes 1-3 days, while full replacement can take weeks¹³. This quicker process means less disruption and lower labor costs, helping to keep your kitchen remodel budget down.

Aspect	Cabinet Refacing	Cabinet Replacement
Cost Range	$8,000 – $15,000	$20,000 – $40,000
Time to Complete	1-3 days	Several weeks
Lifespan	10-20 years	10-20 years

Both refaced and new cabinets can last 10 to 20 years, depending on the materials used¹⁵. This means refacing is a smart choice for updating your kitchen’s look without losing out on durability.

Environmental Impact of Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing is a green way to update your kitchen. It cuts down on waste during remodels by keeping the old cabinets. This approach helps reduce the trash sent to landfills¹⁶¹⁷.

Refacing your cabinets is better than replacing them for the planet. It means less waste, saves resources, and lowers harmful gases. It uses fewer materials, energy, and water than making and moving new cabinets¹⁶.

Using sustainable materials in cabinet refacing has many perks:

Lower carbon footprint
Better indoor air quality
Less harmful emissions

Great green options include bamboo, recycled wood, and finishes with low VOCs. These choices make your kitchen look better and help the planet¹⁷.

The good effects go beyond just cabinets. Upgrading your kitchen with recycled glass countertops, energy-saving appliances, and LED lights helps too. These changes cut down on energy use and make your home greener¹⁷.

Choosing cabinet refacing brings big benefits:

Aspect	Benefit
Cost	One-third less than replacing cabinets
Time	Completed within 3-5 days
ROI	77.6% return on investment
Waste Reduction	Helps reduce 569 million tons of annual construction waste

By picking cabinet refacing, you get a stylish, useful, and earth-friendly kitchen. You’ll save money and see a good return on your investment¹⁸.

When to Choose Refacing Over Full Cabinet Replacement

Deciding on a kitchen renovation means looking at different cabinet upgrade options. I’ll help you figure out when to pick refacing or full replacement.

Evaluating Kitchen Layout

If your kitchen layout is good, refacing could be the best choice. It’s great when you like the cabinet setup but want a new look. Refacing usually takes 3-5 days, unlike full replacement which can take weeks or months¹⁹. This means less time out of your kitchen.

Considering Cabinet Condition

Check if your cabinets are in good shape before deciding. If they are, refacing can make them look new again. But, if they have big problems like warping or water damage, you might need to replace them. Shaker cabinets are a good choice for both refacing and full replacement.

Budget Constraints

Money matters a lot in kitchen makeovers. Refacing is about 50% cheaper than full cabinet replacement¹⁹. For a typical job, it costs between $4,000 to $5,000²⁰. So, refacing is a good option for those on a budget.

Aspect	Refacing	Replacement
Cost	$4,000 – $6,000	$8,000 – $12,000
Time	2-5 days	2+ weeks
Environmental Impact	Lower	Higher

Refacing isn’t right for kitchens with bad layouts, worn-out cabinets, or big structural issues²⁰. In these cases, full replacement might be a better choice. Your decision should consider your budget, timeline, and what you want for your kitchen.

Conclusion

Cabinet refacing is a great way to update your kitchen. It combines style with practicality, making it easier to change your kitchen’s look without spending a lot²¹²².

Refacing is good for the planet and your wallet. It cuts down on waste and is better for the environment than replacing everything. Plus, it can increase your home’s value by up to 85.7% when you sell it²².

Refacing can make your kitchen look new again. It’s not just about looks; it’s about making a space that suits your needs. Whether you want a modern or classic style, you can make it happen. And with expert installation, your new kitchen will last for years²¹²².

To sum up, cabinet refacing is a smart choice for kitchen updates. It offers big changes without the big costs. For those on a budget, refacing is a way to get quality, style, and value. It’s a smart move for your home and your everyday life²¹.

FAQ

What is cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refacing is a way to make cabinets look new again. It involves adding new veneer to the cabinets and changing the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.

What are the benefits of cabinet refacing?

Refacing saves money and doesn’t disrupt your daily life much. It offers many style choices, boosts your home’s value, and is kinder to the environment than replacing all the cabinets.

What is the cabinet refacing process?

First, take off the old doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Then, cover the cabinet boxes with new veneer. Finally, put in new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.

What materials are used in cabinet refacing?

For refacing, you can use wood veneer, thermofoil, laminate, or paint. These materials help give your cabinets a fresh look.

Can I do cabinet refacing myself (DIY)?

You can try doing it yourself, but it’s often better to hire a pro. They have the skills needed for a good refacing job.

How much does cabinet refacing cost?

The cost is between 0 and 5 per linear foot. It’s usually 30-50% cheaper than fully replacing your cabinets.

How do I know if my cabinets are suitable for refacing?

Check if your cabinets are made of plywood or MDF and are in good shape. They should have smooth sides and faces, and the hardware inside should work well.

What design options are available with cabinet refacing?

You can choose from many veneers, hardware styles, colors, and textures. This lets you make your kitchen look just how you want it.

Is cabinet refacing an environmentally friendly option?

Yes, it’s a green choice because it uses less wood and reduces waste. It keeps the old cabinets and saves resources.

When should I choose refacing over full cabinet replacement?

Pick refacing if your kitchen layout is good, the cabinets are strong, and you’re on a tight budget. But if your cabinets are broken or you want to change the kitchen layout, full replacement might be better.