If your kitchen looks outdated and you are tight on money, cabinet refacing should be your go-to budget-friendly choice. Cabinet refacing is well known for its cost-effective nature to renovate the appearance of a kitchen under a limited budget. Hence, it is one of the ideal choices for many homeowners.
However, the question is, what is the exact cabinet refacing cost?
This blog will provide you with the approximate average refacing cost and the factors that influence the overall cabinet cost, and a brief on the difference between refacing and replacement costs.
Average Cabinet Refacing Cost
Cabinet refacing is one of the most budget-friendly ways to upgrade the look and function of your kitchen without a full renovation. The average cabinet refacing cost spent by homeowners ranges between $4000 $9,500, which means the approximate cost is around $6,750 and $100 to $250 per linear foot.
The exact average cost of refacing is influenced by multiple factors, like the size of the kitchen, the materials required, and the cost of labour in your locality. However, as of 2025, the cost of refacing is about 78% cheaper than the cost of replacing the cabinets entirely. Hence, refacing is chosen by many homeowners due to the immediate savings factor and excellent return on investment.
Factors Affecting Cabinet Refacing Cost
Refacing costs about $6,750, while brand-new cabinets can cost between $25,000 $35,000. It is one of the most cost-effective options as compared to cabinet replacement. There are multiple factors that together decide the cost of refacing. The following are the key factors that influence the overall refacing cost:
Materials
The cabinet refacing process requires less use of material as compared to full replacement because instead of taking out the cabinet boxes, the existing ones are maintained and kept intact. During cabinet refacing, all the doors, drawer fronts and other finishes are repainted. The overall cost goes down because cabinet refacing needs fewer materials. The cabinets get a new look without replacing them.
Labor Cost
Labour expense is low since refacing doesn't include demolition, plumbing work, electrical adjustments, or kitchen reconfiguration, unlike cabinet replacement. However, the labour cost differs based on the locality. For example, labour costs in urban areas are apparently higher than the labour costs in rural areas. Nonetheless, labour cost is way more affordable for refacing.
Hidden Costs
Cabinet replacement comes with unexpected hidden expenses. For example, while taking out the old cabinet, you may see new problems like structural issues, damaged floors or walls that require repairing too. This is why refacing is preferred by many homeowners, as refacing works by only fixing existing cabinets, which covers hidden issues and costs.
Timeline
Cabinet replacement requires weeks to replace and fix the issue. Whereas refacing merely takes three to five days. The entire kitchen gets upgraded with less material and less labour work which makes the entire cost factor budget-friendly.
Price Breakdown of Cabinet Refacing by Kitchen Size
Since every home consists of different kitchen sizes, it can be challenging to figure out the exact cabinet refacing costs. Here are 3 different and commonly used kitchen sizes with their respective approximate refacing cost.
Small Kitchens (Under 150 sq ft)
Size doesn't matter when it comes to aesthetics. Even small kitchens with 150 sq. ft. space (like a yacht's kitchen) can create magic with only refacing. These generally require updating 10-15 cabinet doors and nearly 5 drawer fronts. The average cost of refacing a small kitchen ranges between $2,500- $5,000, completed within 3 days.
Medium Kitchens(Under 150 - 200 sq ft)
Since medium-sized kitchens are one of the common layouts, they come with diverse design options. This usually requires upgrading 15 to 25 cabinet doors and 8 drawer fronts. It can transform the kitchen into a fresh and modern look while being budget-friendly. The cost for this ranges between $5000 and $8000, with almost 3 to 5 days of timeline.
Large Kitchens (Over 250 sq ft)
Being spacious, large kitchens accommodate infinite possibilities for customised designs with advanced features. Therefore, the cost also may vary as it involves 25 cabinet doors and more than 12 drawer fronts. Surprisingly, remodelling such a big space is not as costly as it seems. The average cost ranges from $8000 to $12,500 with a general timeline of 5 to 7 days.
Is Cabinet Refacing Cost Different From Cabinet Replacing?
Reface and replacement both enhance the look of your kitchen. However, the cost varies due to different kitchen sizes and other factors. The following are the differences between the two based on average cost, saving potential and ROI.
Average Replacement Cost vs Refacing Cost
-
Replacing a cabinet is costlier than refacing one. Replacement cost ranges between $4000 $13000 or more, based on the size of the kitchen.
-
Whereas refacing a cabinet may cost between $4000 $9500
-
Refacing a cabinet is not just about keeping the existing cabinet, but also updating it with a fresh look. Hence, it's budget-friendly
Saving Potential of Replace and Reface
-
Choosing cabinet refacing over a full replacement saves up to 70% of the project cost for many homeowners.
-
This is highly picked by those homeowners who are tight on budget but want an attractive cabinet system without overspending.
Return on Investment (ROI)
-
Cabinet refacing offers a strong ROI as compared to replacement. It allows homeowners to recoup 70% to 80% of the cost with increased house value
-
The enhanced look of the kitchen will significantly increase the demand and value of your home to potential buyers
Turn Your Boring Kitchen Into an Aesthetic One!
It can be confusing to identify the exact refacing cost, but it's worth the time. With the right knowledge of expenses and factors that decide the overall cost, one can transform the vibe of an old kitchen into a dreamy place within a limited budget.
