Thinking of giving your kitchen a fresh look without doing a full gut job? One option is to reface your cabinets. For many homeowners, that means giving the cabinets a makeover rather than replacing them completely. In this article, we’ll explore the cabinet refacing cost in 2025, explain what it includes, when it makes sense, what factors drive cost, and how to evaluate if it’s right for your space. The goal is to help you make smart decisions during your kitchen remodeling and understand whether this is the best path for you.
What is Cabinet Refacing?
In a nutshell, cabinet refacing involves leaving the existing cabinet boxes (the framework) in place and replacing or resurfacing the visible surfaces, such as doors, drawer fronts, hardware, and veneers. If your boxes are in good structural condition, this approach can offer a big style change with less disruption than full cabinet replacement. According to an article from Angi, “Refacing is cheaper and faster than replacing your existing kitchen cabinets.”
When you choose to refacing instead of replacement, you keep the original layout, footprint, and major structure, which means less demolition, less mess, fewer changes to plumbing or wiring, and usually a shorter project schedule. That makes it an attractive kitchen remodeling option in many cases.
Why Consider Refacing Rather Than Full Replacement?
There are several compelling reasons to consider refacing over replacing. Here are some of the key advantages and the scenarios in which it makes sense:
- If the existing cabinet boxes are in structurally sound condition (level, stable, not water‑damaged), then you can leverage them and save on cost.
- If you like your current cabinet layout and don’t want to reconfigure everything. Refacing keeps the footprint, so you get the look refresh without redesigning your kitchen.
- If your budget for a kitchen remodel is limited, and you want a cost‑effective visual upgrade. Refacing is often cheaper than full replacement.
- If you want to minimize disruption. Because the boxes remain, you may avoid some of the mess, time, and expense associated with full removal and reinstallation of cabinets, plumbing, etc.
- If you are working with a trusted company like Onestop Kitchen and Bath (which offers kitchen remodeling and cabinet services), you may get professional‑level carpentry, design options, and installation that elevate the look while controlling costs.
However, there are trade‑offs. Refacing doesn’t allow for major layout changes, and if the underlying boxes are damaged or warped, you may be better off with replacement. I’ll cover that in the “When It Doesn’t Make Sense” section below.
Typical Cabinet Refacing Cost in 2025
When planning your kitchen update, one of the first questions is: What is the cabinet refacing cost? Let’s break it down based on the latest data and practical experience.
According to Angi’s data, the average cost to reface kitchen cabinets is about $2,100, including professional labour for the removal of existing cabinet doors and installation of new ones. Total costs typically range from $900 to $6,000, though larger projects can cost upwards of $25,000. Expect to pay roughly $220 per cabinet door.
So in 2025, your budget for a refacing job might fall somewhere in these ranges, depending on your kitchen size, material choices, and labour costs.
Sample Cost Breakdown by Kitchen Size
| Kitchen Size | Estimated Cost Range |
| Small (10 linear feet) | ~$1,500 – $3,000 |
| Medium (20 linear feet) | ~$3,000 – $6,000 |
| Large (30+ linear feet) | ~$5,000 – $10,000+ |
Bear in mind that these are ballpark figures. The actual cabinet refacing cost for your project may be higher or lower depending on the specifics.
What Does that Cabinet Refacing Cost Include?
A standard refacing project typically includes:
- Removal of existing doors/drawer fronts
- Installation of new doors/drawers and hardware (hinges, pulls)
- Application of veneer, laminate, or other surface finish on boxes, if needed
- Minor adjustments for fit and finish
- Clean up and disposal of removed door fronts/hardware
It generally does not include changing the layout of the cabinets, altering plumbing or electrical, major structural repairs to boxes, or installing brand new full‑cabinet systems.
Key Factors Influencing Cabinet Refacing Cost
Several variables will drive how much your refacing project will cost. To get the best value, you’ll want to evaluate each of these carefully.
1. Kitchen Size and Number of Cabinets
More cabinets = more materials + more labour. A thirty‑cabinet kitchen costs significantly more than a small galley. The more doors and drawer fronts to replace, the higher the cabinet refacing cost.
2. Material Choices
The choice of materials makes a big difference. Veneer or laminate finishes cost less than solid wood doors or custom finishes. Higher‑end hardware, specialty door styles, decorative trims, glass inserts, and custom colours raise cost.
3. Labour and Professional Expertise
Hiring a reputable pro or cabinet refacer near you generally costs more than DIY, but you gain quality, warranties, and efficiency. If you go with a top-notch design center and remodeling company like Onestop Kitchen and Bath, you might pay a premium for craftsmanship. Labour also varies by region, demand, and time of year.
4. Condition of Existing Cabinet Boxes
If the boxes are warped, water‑damaged, uneven, or poorly installed, you may face extra prep or even need replacement. If the boxes are in poor shape, you may end up paying more, or it may make sense to choose full replacement instead.
5. Add‑ons and Upgrades
Upgrades such as soft‑close drawers, new moulding, glass‑front doors, lighting, or hardware premium pulls will add to the cost. These add‑ons may improve function or aesthetics, but increase the overall cabinet refacing cost.
6. Geographic Region and Market Rates
Labour, materials, and even disposal costs vary across cities and states. In high‑cost areas, you’ll see higher quotes. Getting multiple quotes is wise.
When It Makes Sense to Reface Your Cabinets
Here are scenarios where opting to reface is a strong choice:
- You like the current layout and configuration of your kitchen and just want to update the look.
- The cabinet boxes are in good shape (solid, level, free of major damage).
- Your budget is moderate, and you want a refresh without the full expense of replacement.
- You want to complete the project in less time. Refacing often takes fewer days than full replacement.
- You want to keep disruption low, avoid major demolition, and retain your existing plumbing/electrical setup.
If you’re working with Onestop Kitchen and Bath, the process could be handled by an experienced team, giving you access to design advice, quality materials, and professional‑level carpentry, all of which support a good outcome.
How to Budget and Plan for Your Project
Here are some practical steps to help you budget wisely and keep control of the cabinet refacing cost:
- Get at least three detailed quotes from reputable contractors or cabinet shops. Compare scope, materials, labour, warranties, and timelines.
- Ask for itemised cost breakdowns (doors, drawer fronts, hardware, labour, finishes).
- Verify your existing cabinet boxes are in good condition before you commit. Ask the installer to assess this.
- Decide on materials early (door style, finish, hardware) so you avoid costly changes mid‑project.
- Consider upgrades carefully and prioritise only those that add visible value.
- Choose a time when contractors are less busy or off‑peak season to potentially secure better pricing.
- Communicate with your contractor about the timeframe, disruption, disposal of old parts, and cleanup.
- Include a contingency for unexpected repairs.
- Once the contract is signed, keep specs fixed. Changing material or finishes mid‑project is one of the most common cost escalators.
What You Can Expect During Installation
When you opt to reface your cabinets, here is what the process typically looks like:
- Preparation: Remove doors/drawer fronts, label them, and clear items from cabinets.
- Inspection & Minor Repairs: Analyze cabinet boxes, make minor fixes if needed (leveling, reinforcing).
- Surface Application: Apply veneer, laminate, or covering to visible boxes, install new doors, and drawer fronts.
- Hardware Installation: Attach new hinges, pulls, soft‑close slides, or other selected hardware.
- Finishing Touches: Adjust doors/drawers, clean up, inspect for quality, and final walk‑through with installer.
- Usage & Care: You’ll start using your refreshed cabinets. Regular cleaning and care will keep them looking good.
Most refacing jobs take about 3 to 5 days for a typical kitchen, though it depends on size, complexity, and scheduling.
How to Choose a Quality Provider for Cabinet Refacing
Selecting the right company matters when you’re investing in your kitchen. Here are some tips:
- Look for a cabinet shop or cabinet store with proven experience in refacing kitchen cabinets.
- Ask if they provide installation of new kitchen cabinets or only refacing services. Ensure they know both so they can advise whether refacing or replacement is best.
- Choose a team that offers transparent cost breakdowns, warranties, and good reviews.
- Ask to see before/after photos of previous projects (look for examples of “reface kitchen cabinets” jobs).
- Make sure the company will assess your cabinet boxes’ condition before starting. If the boxes are poor, refacing may not be the best choice.
- Confirm timeline, disruption, how they handle disposal of old materials, and how they protect your kitchen during the work.
- Explain your design goals clearly: new door style, finish, hardware, and interior upgrades.
- Using a full‑service firm like Onestop Kitchen and Bath can simplify the process because they can handle design, materials, and installation together, offering more cohesive service.
What This Might Look Like for You
Imagine a mid‑sized U‑shaped kitchen of about 20 linear feet. The existing cabinets are structurally sound, but the finish is outdated, and the doors look worn. You decide to reface your cabinets, choosing medium‑grade veneer doors, new hardware, and soft‐close drawers. The contractor gives you a quote of around $5,000.
In this scenario, the cabinet refacing cost sits in the mid‑range for 2025. You avoid the full cost of replacing the cabinets (which might run $12,000+ depending on materials and layout) and you gain a fresh, modern look with minimal disruption. If the boxes had been in bad shape, you might have had to switch to replacement, or repair cost escalations would eat into value.
Final Thoughts
Updating your kitchen with fresh surfaces is one of the most practical moves in a kitchen remodel. If your cabinet boxes are solid and you’re happy with the layout, refacing kitchen cabinets offers a smart, cost‑efficient way to renew your space. The cabinet refacing cost in 2025 is typically somewhere between a few thousand to several thousand dollars, depending on size, materials, labor, and region.
In any case, working with a trusted partner like Onestop Kitchen and Bath, understanding your material options, clearly defining your scope, and planning for extras will help you stay on budget and get the look you want. Think of this as investing in both form and value: fresh cabinet doors, new design or kitchen cabinet ideas, updated finishes. All combined to refresh your kitchen without the full upheaval of a complete remodel. If you’re ready to explore options for your kitchen and find out whether refacing makes sense, request a quote from our professional team.
