First of all, let’s understand what cabinet refacing is. Cabinet refacing is changing the façade or the front of your Cabinets and drawers to give it a new look. It also includes changing the hardware, such as hinges, handles, etc. In addition to providing a new look, refacing your cabinets is also an eco-friendly choice.
Watch the video about the Cost of redoing kitchen Cabinets in 2024
Cabinet refacing is an excellent option for homeowners looking to give their kitchen a fresh look without breaking the bank. Just with a minimal amount of investment and disruption, one can change the look and appeal of the kitchen, and it adds value to your space. Another benefit is that the building time is not too long, and one does not need to stop using the kitchen in the process as the professionals remove the cabinet face, reface it, and then come back to install the finished product, which is, in general, not a very time-consuming process.
However, many wonder if the cost of refacing their cabinets is worth the investment. In buying or selling a house, appearance plays a huge role. According to the surveys, the buying value of a home increases if the finishes in the kitchen and bathroom are of high quality. A good majority of homeowners undertake cabinet refacing before selling their house.
1. Cost to Redo Kitchen Cabinets:
This brings us to the question- How much do we need to spend on cabinet refacing? A ballpark price range can be between $6,000-$10,000. The cost per linear foot can range anywhere from $90-$500. But a more concrete answer lies in the details. Multiple variables need to be taken into account while making the calculation.
2. Material:
Material to be used while doing cabinet refacing plays a pivotal role in deciding the renovation cost. The quality and type of material have a significant impact on the price. Materials like particle board wrapped with low-grade veneer are more cost-effective than plywood doors with wood veneer.
2.1 Laminate Cabinet Refacing
Costs can range from $90-$110 per linear foot. It is available in varying colours and finishes, and it’s easy to install but can easily chip. It has a short life.
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2.2 Wood Veneer Cabinet Refacing:
Costs can range from $150-$200 per linear foot. It is relatively more affordable than the original wood. It requires a professional to be installed.
2.3 Solid Wood Cabinet Refacing:
Costs can vary from $200 to $500 per linear foot. It has a long life, and it’s durable and luxurious. It is easier to refinish and repair. Solid wood cabinets are available in various wood types like Maple, White Oak, Walnut, to name a few.
3. Hardware:
You can reduce the cost of your cabinet refacing by keeping the original knobs and handles and hinges. However, you can change them for style, a fresh look, or if they need to be updated and do not work for you anymore. Hinges can also lose their holding and rust as they age. One must check them while refacing the cabinets. You can invest in luxury hardware and soft-close fixtures using brands like Blum, Hettich, etc., to upgrade the kitchen. This will affect the resale value of your home. The cost for new cabinet hardware can range anywhere from $100 to $10,000. The price will depend on the style and material of the hardware.
4. Labour :
Cabinet Refacing is a labour-intensive job. A considerable amount goes to the labour required to complete the job. It involves multiple stages like measurement of the existing space, cabinet box refinishing, replacing the old material and installing the new one in place, installing hardware and finishing. On average, you can expect the labour cost to be between 50%- 60% of the entire cabinet refacing cost.
5. Size Of the Kitchen:
The size of the kitchen plays a crucial role in defining the cost of the cabinet refacing. The bigger the kitchen, the more cabinets it will have, hence the higher the cost of materials and labour for refacing.
6. Pros of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets:
6.1 Increasing the resale value:
Cabinet refacing is an easy way to increase the resale value of your home on a budget. It is an affordable, time-saving and less disruptive way to redefine, restyle and upgrade your home while increasing its market value.
6.2 Eco – Friendly Approach:
Refacing kitchen cabinets is an eco-friendly renovation approach as you keep the original structure and boxes in place, sending less material to landfills. Most kitchen boxes are structurally in good shape if they are not affected by water and moisture.
7. Factors to be kept in mind while Redoing you Kitchen Cabinets:
7.1 Durability:
While Selecting the material for cabinet refacing, the most important thing to remember is the product’s durability. For example, materials like particle board wrapped with the laminate top are cost-effective but have a short life. However, a wood veneer top with a plywood base has a longer life. While it is more expensive than the latter, it is more affordable than the solid wood. Hence, finding the right balance is paramount.
7.2 Maintenance Requirements:
The other factor to be considered is the maintenance of the surface. Laminate surfaces are the easiest to maintain, as spillage can easily be wiped off. In the case of solid food, the surface should be sealed with a sealant and proper care is required.
7.3 Aesthetic Preferences:
The style you prefer for the new cabinets and the hardware that suits your aesthetic sense are detrimental factors when redoing your kitchen cabinets. They not only set the tone of the renovated kitchen but can significantly affect the cost of the refacing and the home’s resale value.
Final Thoughts: Is Cabinet Refacing a Smart Investment?
Considering the worthiness of cabinet refacing, we arrive at this decision not being black or white. What works for one space or person only sometimes works for the other. However, various factors, such as personal needs and circumstances, need to be considered. Rebuilding cabinetry is costly and time-intensive, so refacing kitchen cabinets is a cost-effective alternative. Generally, the cost of cabinet refacing is also 50% less than that of renovating the entire kitchen. However, factors like material selection and hardware could significantly affect the decision-making.
