Is it Worth it to Reface Your Kitchen Cabinets? A Complete Pros, Cost & Value Guide

Is it Worth it to Reface Your Kitchen Cabinets? A Complete Pros, Cost & Value Guide

Cabinet refacing allows you to get a new set of cabinets – without actually getting a new set of cabinets. Instead, it is a facelift of sorts for cabinets that involves changing the drawer fronts and cabinet doors as well as the drawer pulls, handles, and hinges. Then a new veneer is applied over the surface of the existing cabinet boxes or body of the cabinets.

The result is a fresh, updated look for your cabinets that is budget friendly.

Is it worth it to reface your kitchen cabinets? Let’s look at some key decision factors.

What is Cabinet Refacing?

The process of refacing kitchen cabinets is fairly straightforward. Refacing cabinets involves replacing the existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts (and corresponding hardware) while keeping the cabinet body and boxes intact. The process is cost-effective and often has a shorter turnaround time than total kitchen cabinet replacement.

Installing new cabinets throughout a home can take up to two weeks to complete. This of course depends on several factors such as the complexity of design, whether the tile or backsplash is replaced, the number of cabinets, and other considerations.

Cabinet refacing, on the other hand, typically takes just days to complete. This is largely due to a more simplified process:

1. Prep – This is usually done by the homeowner and involves emptying all the cabinets and drawers that will be refaced. Then the workers can begin.
2. Remove the drawers and cabinet doors.
3. Remove all internal hardware such as slides or drawer tracks.
4. Remove the handles, drawer pulls, knobs, and hinges.
5. Apply rigid thermofoil or wood veneer to the front of the cabinet boxes.
6. Apply veneer to the sides of the cabinet.
7. Install the hinges. Examine them. If they are good, reuse them. If they are not in good condition, replace them.
8. Install the internal hardware. Examine it. If it is good, reuse it. If it is not in good condition, replace it.
9. Install new doors on the cabinets.
10. Install new drawer fronts on the drawers. In some cases, the entire drawer may need to be replaced.
11. Install the knobs, drawer pulls, and handles.

Cost Analysis of Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing cost is dependent on a number of factors, such as:

• Scope of project – Whole house as opposed to just the kitchen or just the bathroom.
• Cabinet sizes
• Materials used
• Reused hardware vs. new hardware
• Labor
• Region

Refacing your cabinets can be significantly less expensive than replacing your cabinets – as much as half the price – but it isn’t a “cheap fix” by any means. You can talk to one of our representatives and discuss your needs. They will conduct an inspection and give you a quote. From there you can make decisions about how to proceed.

You retain the quality of your cabinets, get a new, updated look, and get to save a few dollars. For many homeowners, cabinet refacing is a great choice.

Pros of Cabinet Refacing

There are several very appealing benefits that come with having your cabinets refaced.

Cost savings is one of the top advantages that homeowners cite as the determining factor in their decision to reface their cabinets. It is less expensive than a full replacement and that makes it very attractive.

Cabinet refacing is less disruptive to kitchen use than cabinet replacement.

The environmental benefits are also preferable with cabinet refacing. There is less waste, and it is an environmentally cleaner process.

The timeline for a cabinet refacing project is often much shorter than cabinet replacement.

Cabinet refacing allows for a more customized visual transformation.

There are so many reasons to choose cabinet resurfacing. Contact us today to find out if it is a good fit for your home.

Cons of Cabinet Refacing

Of course, while cabinet refacing does have tremendous benefits, it is not perfect. And it isn’t for everyone. Sometimes the existing layout is prohibitive of refacing making complete cabinet replacement the only option. In cases where the entire space is being rehabbed and the space itself will change, the existing cabinets may no longer fit. In that case, it is better to replace them.

Customization is a benefit of the process, but there are limitations. The only options available are wood veneers, thermofoils, and natural wood.

If the cabinets and drawers are damaged or have structural issues, refacing won’t fix them. There are also concerns about durability, especially if the original materials for the foundation of the cabinets are not high quality.

If you add new counters or appliances, it can increase the costs. When doing a cabinet replacement, these additional costs are typically absorbed by the project cost.

When is Cabinet Refacing Worth It?

Deciding if cabinet refacing is worth it is a very personal choice. There are several areas to look at:

• If the existing cabinets are in good condition and are constructed well
• If it fits within your budget
• If the existing layout is acceptable
• If you need a shorter timeline
• If you want to increase your home’s value impact
• If all you want is a surface refresh

Only you can decide if cabinet refacing is worth it for you. For many homeowners though, they find that it is definitely worth it.

However, if your cabinets are in bad shape structurally or have damage or you need a different layout or storage features, then it might not be worth it in the long run.

It is worth exploring though, to see if it is a good fit for your budget and the rehab project you have in mind.

DIY vs Professional Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing is an intricate, very detailed process that is typically done by professionals with a great deal of experience.

For instance, veneering is an advanced skill that the average DIYer does not have. In order for the veneer to resist peeling, it must be installed properly. Training and experience are necessary to get it right.

The cost difference between DIY cabinet refacing and getting a pro to do it can be significant – until you run into a problem. If something has to be redone due to error or lack of skill, that can run the tally up quickly. If you don’t possess the advanced skills necessary for a DIY cabinet refacing project, it would probably be best to leave it to the professionals.

Cabinet refacing is not a “Five Minute Crafts” level project. It requires skill and experience. The more experience and skills you have the shorter the time, but often a DIY project of this magnitude turns into a significant time investment.

Quality is always a big consideration. When you go with professional cabinet refacing services, you not only get the extensive training, skills, and experience necessary to produce high-quality work, you also have some recourse should there be an accident or a mistake made. If you are doing it DIY, you just have to take the mistake and pay even more to correct it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does cabinet refacing last?

Cabinet refacing can last up to 10, even 20 years or more if it is maintained properly and professionally installed. New cabinets have a similar lifespan.

Can all types of cabinets be refaced?

No, refacing is not appropriate for all cabinets, but it is a good option for many types. It is a good option for cabinets that do not have structural damage and are in good condition.

What’s the typical ROI for cabinet refacing?

The ROI for cabinet refacing can easily exceed 75% while recouping at least 80% of your project costs. Updated cabinets are a major selling point and this budget-friendly option allows you to do that while prolonging the life of your cabinets.

Does cabinet refacing add value to my home?

Yes, cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to add value to your home by improving the bathroom’s or kitchen’s appearance. This is typically a major selling point and could potentially increase your home’s selling price.

How long does the refacing process take?

3 to 5 days is the average time for a typical cabinet refacing project. Of course, the complexity of your kitchen as well as its size could make the process longer or shorter. However, the majority of refacing projects are completed within a week.

What’s the difference between refacing and refinishing?

Cabinet refacing actually replaces the drawer fronts and cabinet doors. Cabinet refinishing just updates the existing drawers and doors by restaining or repainting them.

Start your cabinet refacing project today!

As long as your existing cabinets are in good condition and well-constructed, refacing could be a good option. If the layout is changing, you might want to go with a whole new install.

However, cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to update and refresh your cabinets without a huge time commitment.

Are you ready to start selecting your new quartz overlays, or do you have questions? If so, the Granite and TREND Transformations team is here to help. You can find out if a cabinet reface is right for your home by visiting our site and checking out our 3D design tool. Then take the next step and schedule a consultation with one of our professionals for kitchen cabinet refacing today!