Cabinet Refacing Cost Estimator
Enter your kitchen size to compare refacing versus full replacement.
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How it works
Cabinet makeover = reface (cosmetic) vs replace (structural):
- Refacing (~$175–300/ft): new doors, drawer fronts, veneer on existing boxes. Half the cost, 3–5 day job.
- Replacement (~$550/ft mid-range): new everything — needed for bad boxes, bad layout, or water damage.
- Paint + doors (~$225/ft): the budget glow-up — painted boxes with new door fronts.
- The box test: solid, square, undamaged boxes → reface. Particleboard swelling, sagging shelves → replace.
- Hardware: $5–15 per pull × 30 pulls = the cheapest transformation in the kitchen.
- ROI: minor kitchen remodels (refacing level) recoup ~70% — among the best interior ROIs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does cabinet refacing cost?
About $175/ft laminate, $225 paint + new doors, $300 wood veneer — roughly half of full replacement.
Reface or replace cabinets?
Reface when boxes are solid and layout works. Replace for damaged boxes, bad layout, or water damage.
How long does refacing take?
3–5 days vs 2–4 weeks for full replacement — and you keep a usable kitchen throughout.
Does refacing look good?
Yes — new doors and drawer fronts are what you see; the boxes are hidden. Quality veneer work is indistinguishable.
Can I change the layout with refacing?
No — refacing keeps the existing footprint. Layout changes require replacement.
What about the interiors?
Add pull-out shelves and organizers during refacing — cheap while the doors are off.
Is painting cabinets worth it?
Pro spray-painting (~$225/ft with new doors) looks excellent. DIY brush painting usually doesn't.
How much are new cabinet hardware?
$5–15 per pull — $150–450 for a whole kitchen, the highest-ROI detail in the project.
Does refacing add home value?
Minor kitchen remodels recoup ~70% — refacing is the textbook example.
Can I reface damaged boxes?
No — swollen particleboard or sagging boxes need replacement. Refacing over damage is money wasted.