Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Cost
Prices per linear foot, by kitchen size, material type, and state — plus refacing vs refinishing vs replacement
$7,230National avg total
$150–$450Per linear foot
$5K–$13KAvg full kitchen
30–50%Less than replacement
⚡ Quick Answer
Cabinet refacing costs an average of $150–$450 per linear foot, with most full kitchens running $5,000–$13,000 and a national average of $7,230. It replaces doors, drawer fronts, hardware, and applies veneer to the existing boxes — keeping the layout and structure you have. It's 30–50% cheaper than full replacement when your cabinet boxes are structurally sound.
Refacing vs. Refinishing vs. Replacement: Choose the Right Option
These three are often confused. The right choice depends on your cabinet condition and how dramatic a change you want:
🪣 Option 1: Refinishing
$1,800–$4,200
Sand, paint or stain — existing doors stay. Changes color only. Best when cabinets are solid wood and structurally perfect. Cheapest option but least dramatic change.
🔄 Option 2: Refacing
$5,000–$13,000
New doors, drawer fronts, hardware, and veneer over existing boxes. Same layout, completely new look. Best when boxes are sound but you want a style change. The sweet spot.
🏗️ Option 3: Replacement
$10,000–$30,000+
Tear out everything, install new boxes + doors. Required if boxes are rotted, warped, or you want a different layout. Most expensive — only justified when refacing isn't possible.
🧮 Cabinet Refacing Cost Calculator
Estimated Refacing Cost
Per linear ft
Labor (~55%)
vs Replacement
Cabinet Refacing Cost by Kitchen Size
| Kitchen Size | Linear Feet | Laminate | Wood Veneer | Solid Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small galley | 10 ft | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,500–$4,000 | $3,500–$6,000 |
| Medium (most common) | 20 ft | $3,000–$5,500 | $5,000–$8,500 | $7,000–$12,000 |
| Large L-shape | 30 ft | $4,500–$8,000 | $7,500–$12,500 | $10,500–$18,000 |
| Large U-shape | 40 ft | $6,000–$10,500 | $10,000–$16,500 | $14,000–$24,000 |
| Home Depot package | ~27 ft | — | $7,600–$23,300 | — |
Cabinet Refacing Cost by Material
| Material | Cost / Linear Ft | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $90–$150 | Good — moisture resistant | Rental properties, tight budgets, modern flat styles |
| Thermofoil | $100–$160 | Good — easy to clean | Contemporary kitchens, high-humidity spaces |
| Wood veneer | $150–$250 | Very good — real wood look | Most homes — best value/quality balance |
| Solid wood doors | $200–$500 | Excellent — most durable | Forever homes, high-end remodels, resale value focus |
| RTF (rigid thermofoil) | $120–$180 | Good — won't peel | Routed door styles on a mid-range budget |
What Cabinet Refacing Includes
- New cabinet doors — the most visible change; your material choice drives most of the cost
- New drawer fronts — replaces the face panel; drawer box usually stays if structurally sound
- Veneer over existing boxes — thin layer applied to the cabinet sides and frames visible in the kitchen
- New hardware — hinges, pulls, and knobs typically replaced; soft-close adds $5–$15/door
- Labor — accounts for 50–70% of total cost; most projects take 3–5 days
⚠️ Refacing only works when the boxes are solid. If your cabinet boxes have water damage, rot, warped shelves, or structural issues, refacing won't fix them — you'll spend $5,000–$13,000 and still have a failing cabinet. Have a contractor assess box condition before committing. If more than 20% of the boxes need repair, replacement may be the better long-term value.
Cabinet Refacing Cost by State
Labor rates and material availability create meaningful price differences. These are estimates for a standard 20 linear foot kitchen with wood veneer doors.
| State | 20 LF Wood Veneer | Per Linear Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Texas, Georgia, Tennessee | $4,200–$7,500 | $130–$220 |
| Ohio, Michigan, Indiana | $4,500–$8,000 | $140–$240 |
| Florida | $5,000–$9,000 | $150–$260 |
| Illinois, Pennsylvania | $5,500–$9,500 | $160–$270 |
| Colorado, Arizona | $5,500–$10,000 | $160–$280 |
| New York, New Jersey | $8,000–$14,000 | $220–$380 |
| Massachusetts, Connecticut | $7,500–$13,000 | $210–$360 |
| California | $8,500–$15,000 | $230–$420 |
Common Add-Ons to Budget For
- Soft-close hinges: $5–$15 per door. Almost always worth it — standard in most modern kitchens
- Pull-out shelves / drawer organizers: $50–$200 per unit. Best time to add since the doors are already off
- Crown molding: $210–$570 installed. Adds high-end finishing detail at low incremental cost
- Under-cabinet lighting: $200–$350 per fixture. Easily installed during refacing when cabinet boxes are exposed
- Glass panel inserts: $30–$75 per door. Good for upper cabinets to break up visual weight
💡 Best time to reface: bundle add-ons. Labor is already on-site with doors removed. Installing pull-out shelves, soft-close hardware, under-cabinet lighting, and crown molding during refacing saves 30–50% vs scheduling those jobs separately.
Get Free Cabinet Refacing Quotes Near You
Compare local cabinet refacing specialists — free estimates, no commitment.
🍳
Doing a broader kitchen update?
If you're also updating flooring, see our Epoxy Flooring Cost guide → or IKEA Kitchen Remodel Cost → if you're considering a budget full replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cabinet refacing cost?
Cabinet refacing averages $150–$450 per linear foot installed, with full kitchens running $5,000–$13,000. The national average is $7,230. Cost depends primarily on kitchen size, material choice (laminate vs wood veneer vs solid wood), and regional labor rates.
Is cabinet refacing worth it vs. replacement?
When your cabinet boxes are structurally sound, refacing returns 65–80% of its cost at resale and costs 30–50% less than full replacement. It's worth it when you want a style change without a layout change. It's not worth it when boxes are damaged, you want a different kitchen layout, or the refacing quote approaches 60–70% of a full replacement quote.
How long does cabinet refacing take?
Most professional cabinet refacing projects take 3–5 days, with the kitchen usable but messy during that time. Larger kitchens or custom door orders can extend to 7–10 days. Compare that to full replacement, which typically takes 2–4 weeks and requires full kitchen access to be closed during installation.
What's the difference between cabinet refacing and refinishing?
Refinishing sands and repaints or restains your existing doors — color change only, no hardware change unless requested. It costs $1,800–$4,200 and is ideal for solid wood cabinets in good shape. Refacing replaces all doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, and applies veneer to the boxes — a complete style transformation for $5,000–$13,000. Refacing is about twice the cost but delivers a much more dramatic result.