Can I reface cabinets myself?

While cabinet refacing is a quick and easy way to change the look of your kitchen, we don’t recommend the DIY approach. The materials sold directly to consumers involve self-sticking wood veneer or laminates. These are not the same products used by professionals and will peel and chip over time. The damage these products cause to your cabinets will often require replacing your cabinets in the future.

Should I get all new cabinets?

Replacing cabinets can cost up to 50% more than refacing. If you are happy with the layout of your kitchen, and your cabinets are structurally sound, cabinet refacing is the better choice.

How long does cabinet refacing take?

In most cases, it takes anywhere from 1 to 5 days depending on the size and complexity of the project. Once your project is finished, you don’t have to worry about your reface kitchen cabinets showing wear or tear. If they are done right, you can expect to enjoy up to 20 years under normal use.

Will I be able to use my kitchen during the cabinet refacing renovation?

Yes, and also no. Cabinet refacing does not cause a lot of dust and you’ll retain access to your appliances. You do need to empty the cabinets during the process, but it’s much faster than a full kitchen remodel. Cabinet refacing can be completed in just a few days.

Cabinet Refacing: The Affordable Alternative to New Cabinets

Have your cabinets seen better days?

Do you have the space but hate the look?

Or maybe the boxes are strong but the fronts are worn out, scratched and warped?

If so, it may be time to change them up with cabinet refacing.

Cabinet refacing allows you to keep the structure and boxes of your existing cabinetry while still providing an updated look to your space.

This is a great option for kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, or garages that just need a little facelift without the cost, time, or hassle of a full remodel.

What Is Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing is simply replacing the existing drawer and door faces with new ones and painting the existing cabinet boxes to match.

You can change the color and style of your cabinets without ordering and installing new ones. While not necessary, you can also replace the old hardware to give the space an entirely new look.

How Is Refacing Different from Refinishing?

Refacing replaces the cabinet door and drawer fronts entirely whereas refinishing is just painting or staining your existing cabinets.

If you like your layout and the design of your cabinets and they are in good condition, refinishing is the better option. If you’re looking for a whole new look and style, refacing gives you that option.

Why Should You Reface Your Cabinets?

There are two reasons that people choose to reface their cabinets: damage and aesthetics.

Something is wrong with your cabinets: Perhaps you have an old family home with great bones, but the cabinet paint is peeling, some dings and scratches can’t be sanded out, you have stains from water, or other physical damage.

This type of damage can be remedied by simply refacing the cabinets to give them new life.

You don’t like the look of your cabinets: If there is nothing physically wrong with your cabinets and you still like the layout, but you just want to update the color or change the door style – refacing is the best option. You can toss out the old maple cathedral cabinets and replace them with sleek laminate or updated shaker style quickly and easily.

How Do Homeowners Benefit from Refacing Their Cabinets?

You Keep the Same Layout: If your cabinets are already utilizing space efficiently, there’s no need to rearrange the kitchen you already love.

Sometimes unique spaces like small bathrooms, laundry rooms, or older family homes require custom cabinetry. Refacing allows you to keep your custom cabinets and upgrade them with a new look.
Still Have Tons of Style Options: If your current space is outdated, boring, or downright ugly, refacing your cabinets is a great way to get an update. There is a large selection of shades of color and door styles that will fit today’s latest trends.
Saves You Money: Because you get a complete cabinet remodel without the cost of new cabinets, you can save some money to put towards new appliances or another home project.
Great Eco-Friendly Option: Refacing your existing cabinets keeps more usable cabinets out of landfills. Additionally, the decreased demand for cabinet boxes prevents trees from being cut down for new custom cabinetry.
Faster Results: A full kitchen remodel can easily take 6-8 weeks. Refacing your cabinets can be done in just 2-3 weeks or less. This means you don’t have to live without a kitchen for longer than absolutely necessary.

How Much Does Refacing Cost?

Refacing is 30%-50% of the cost of a complete replacement and typically runs about $90-$450 per linear square foot.

On average, the total cost to reface cabinets will run between $5,000 and $9,000.

Where you fall in that range will depend on how many cabinets you are refacing and the type of material you choose for the doors and hardware. Refacing is cheaper than replacing but more expensive than refinishing.

The Cabinet Refacing Process

Refacing cabinets is a fairly simple process that can often be completed a lot faster than installing new cabinets.

The entire process is just five easy steps.

Step 1: Prep and Removal

The first step is to prepare the entire area by removing the existing doors and drawer fronts.

The first step in cabinet refacing is the removal of existing drawers and doors.

Step 2: Protection and Safety

Before the real work starts, the rest of the kitchen needs to be protected. Floor and countertop protection are important to keep dust and paint particles contained.

Painters tape and paper are used around the openings of the cabinets, as well as the walls on the sides of the cabinets to create a protected paint area.

The second step in cabinet refacing is protecting the cabinets from paint using paper around the edges.

Step 3: Sand and Clean Cabinets

Once the space has been prepped, it’s time to get started with sanding and cleaning. All cabinet face frames, side panels and trim are completely sanded smooth. Once everything is sanded the area is vacuumed and cleaned out.

The third step of cabinet refacing is sanding and cleaning of the cabinets.

Step 4: Painting Cabinet Boxes

This step starts with painting a base coat and then a waterborne top coat.

The fourth step of cabinet refacing is painting.

Step 5: Install New Doors

The last step is when the entire project comes together. Installing the new doors brings a breath of fresh air to your kitchen and can be finished off with new hardware and hinges.

At this point, you can also add accessories such as crown molding, glass panels, lighting, or storage accessories.

The fifth step of cabinet refacing is installing new doors.

Ready for a Reface?

Many homeowners like the layout of their kitchen or bathroom, but are ready for an updated look.

Cabinet refacing is the best option to upgrade cabinets that are structurally sound and in good condition.

Expert designers and installers perform precise measurements to ensure your new refaced cabinets and boxes are seamless and color-matched to perfection.

If you think refacing might be a good option for your home, give us a call today!