How much does cabinet refacing cost?

Professional refacing (average kitchen, 20-30 doors): $7,000-$12,000. By material: thermofoil $4,000-$8,000, laminate $5,000-$10,000, wood veneer $7,000-$12,000, solid wood doors $8,000-$15,000. DIY (materials only): $1,500-$4,000. Per linear foot: $200-$500 professional. Compared to full replacement ($12,000-$30,000+): refacing saves 40-60%. The cost depends on kitchen size, door style, material choice, and add-ons (soft-close hardware, pull-out shelves, crown molding). Most refacing companies offer free in-home estimates.

Is cabinet refacing worth it?

Yes, if your cabinet boxes are in good condition and you are happy with the layout. Refacing costs 40-60% of full replacement, takes 3-5 days (vs. 2-4 weeks for new cabinets), and produces a dramatic visual transformation. The kitchen looks like it has brand new cabinets. It is NOT worth it if: the boxes are damaged or falling apart, you want to change the kitchen layout, or the cabinets are very low quality particleboard. For most kitchens 10-25 years old with solid wood or plywood boxes: refacing is an excellent value.

Can I reface cabinets myself?

Yes, DIY cabinet refacing is a feasible project for handy homeowners. You need: peel-and-stick or contact-adhesive veneer (or paintable primer + paint for a painted finish), new cabinet doors (order custom or semi-custom from online retailers or cabinet suppliers), new hinges and hardware, and basic tools (measuring tape, level, drill, contact adhesive). Time: 1-2 weekends for a typical kitchen. Cost: $1,500-$4,000 (materials). The most challenging part: applying the veneer smoothly to the cabinet box surfaces (bubbles and misalignment are common). Painting instead of veneering: an easier DIY alternative (prime and paint the boxes, install new doors and hardware). This achieves 80% of the refacing result at lower cost and difficulty.

How long does cabinet refacing last?

15-20+ years (similar to new cabinets). The doors and veneer are new materials, so they start fresh. Durability depends on material: thermofoil 10-15 years (can peel with heat exposure), laminate 15-20 years, wood veneer 20+ years (can be refinished), solid wood doors 20+ years (can be refinished). The cabinet boxes underneath are the same ones you have now — if they are solid, they will last decades more. Quality hardware (hinges, drawer slides) should be replaced at the time of refacing for optimal performance.

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Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Guide: Process, Materials & Cost

Lumberama Editorial Team, Kitchen Renovation & Cabinet Specialists Jul 13, 2026 12 min read

What Is Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing is the process of replacing the visible parts of your cabinets (doors, drawer fronts, and exterior surfaces) while keeping the existing cabinet boxes (the structure). The cabinet boxes are covered with a matching veneer or laminate. New doors and drawer fronts are installed. New hardware (knobs, pulls, hinges) is added. The result: a kitchen that looks like it has brand new cabinets at 40-60% of the cost of full replacement.

When to Reface vs Replace

Reface when: The cabinet boxes are structurally sound (solid, level, no water damage or rot). You are happy with the current kitchen layout (no reconfiguration needed). You want to change the style or color of your cabinets but not the layout. Budget is a concern (refacing costs 40-60% of new cabinets).

Replace when: The cabinet boxes are damaged, warped, or water-damaged. You want to change the kitchen layout (move cabinets, add an island, change the floorplan). The cabinets are very old and the boxes are particleboard that is falling apart. You want to significantly upgrade storage features (soft-close, pull-outs, organizers — though some of these can be added to refaced cabinets).

Materials

Rigid thermofoil (RTF): A vinyl film applied over an MDF door. Budget option. Available in many colors (mostly solid colors and white). Does not hold up well to heat (can peel near ovens and dishwashers). Cost: $4,000-$8,000 for a typical kitchen.

Laminate: A durable plastic surface applied over a substrate. Resistant to moisture and staining. Available in solid colors, patterns, and wood-grain textures. Cost: $5,000-$10,000.

Wood veneer: A thin layer of real wood (oak, maple, cherry, birch) applied over the cabinet boxes. Can be stained and finished like real wood. Beautiful, natural appearance. Cost: $7,000-$12,000.

Solid wood doors: New solid wood doors (the most common upgrade in refacing). Natural wood that can be stained or painted. Highest quality. Cost: $8,000-$15,000+.

The Refacing Process

Remove existing doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.
Clean and lightly sand the cabinet box surfaces.
Apply matching veneer or laminate to all visible cabinet box surfaces (using contact adhesive).
Install new doors (with new concealed hinges) and drawer fronts.
Install new hardware (knobs, pulls).
Optional: add accessories like crown molding, light valances, or end panels. The process takes 3-5 days for a professional (a typical kitchen). DIY: 1-2 weekends.

What Refacing Includes vs Does Not

Includes: new doors, new drawer fronts, veneer on all visible box surfaces, new hinges, and new hardware. Often includes: new crown molding, matching end panels, and light valances. Does NOT include: new countertops, new drawer slides, new interior shelving, or changes to cabinet layout. Add-ons available: soft-close hinges and drawer slides ($5-$15 per door/drawer), pull-out shelves ($50-$150 each), and lazy Susans ($100-$250).