Cabinet Refinishing Cost Calculator

Cabinet Refinishing vs Refacing vs Replacement

Refinishing involves sanding and applying new paint or stain to existing cabinet boxes and doors. Refacing replaces doors and drawer fronts and applies new veneer to cabinet boxes. Replacement removes everything for new custom cabinets. Refacing costs about 30-50% of full replacement and can be completed in 2-5 days.

How to Use This Calculator

• Linear feet: Measure your kitchen cabinet length (standard kitchen: 25-35 linear feet)
• Material type: Laminate is budget-friendly; solid wood offers durability and resale value
• Door/drawer count: Count all cabinet doors and drawer fronts in your kitchen
• Labor option: DIY saves money; professional installation ensures quality finish
• US region: Adjusts for regional labor and material cost differences

Cabinet Refacing Cost Breakdown (2026)

• Laminate/Thermofoil: $70-110 per linear foot ($1,500-4,000 total)
• Wood Veneer: $150-200 per linear foot ($4,500-7,000 total)
• Solid Wood: $200-350 per linear foot ($6,000-12,000 total)
• Premium Hardwood: $350-500 per linear foot ($10,500-17,500 total)
• New hardware: $5-25 per piece
• Lazy Susans: $270 each | Pull-out shelves: $150 each

Factors That Affect Cabinet Refacing Cost

• Cabinet condition: Poor condition requires more prep work
• Kitchen size: More cabinets = higher material and labor costs
• Material quality: Solid wood costs 2-3x more than laminate
• Door style: Raised panel, glass inserts, or custom shapes add cost
• Location: Urban areas have higher labor rates
• Finish complexity: Custom colors or glazing add $500-1,500

DIY vs Professional Installation

• DIY refacing: $2,000-5,000 for materials only; requires 2-4 weeks
• Professional refacing: $4,000-12,000; completed in 2-5 days
• Partial DIY: Remove doors yourself, hire professional for veneer and installation

When to Refinish vs Replace

• Refinish/Reface if: Cabinet boxes are in good shape, you want a new look, budget is limited
• Replace if: Cabinet boxes are damaged, you want a new layout, cabinets are low quality

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does cabinet refacing last? — With proper care, 15-20 years for solid wood, 10-15 years for veneer.
• Can I reface cabinets myself? — Yes, but it requires precision. DIY kits cost $2,000-5,000.
• Does refacing increase home value? — Yes, kitchen updates typically return 60-80% of investment.
• What's the difference between refacing and painting? — Refacing replaces doors and adds veneer; painting only changes color.