Are you wondering, Is It Worth It To Reface Kitchen Cabinets? If you are growing tired of how your kitchen looks, then you might be considering remodeling your kitchen.
However, if you are on a tight budget, you might not want to replace your cabinets.
There are many options you can take when it comes to remodeling your kitchen. Those who are looking for cheaper alternatives might consider refacing their kitchen cabinets.
After all, it’s a viable alternative if you do not want a full-on kitchen renovation.
Refacing kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh, whole new look. It’s becoming increasingly common amongst many homeowners.
One of the reasons why people are refacing over replacing is because it’s cheaper. However, a remodeling project like this needs to be decided carefully.
If you’re thinking of giving your kitchen a facelift, you might wonder, is it worth it to reface kitchen cabinets? How much is kitchen cabinet refacing?
There are many things you need to factor in before you update how your current cabinet looks.
After reading this article, you will know if it is worth investing your time and money in a cabinet-refacing project.
Is It Worth It To Reface Kitchen Cabinets?
Before any project kicks off, you must first know how much is kitchen cabinet refacing. It is one of the main things many homeowners consider first.
While it’s true that refacing is a cheaper alternative than getting new cabinets, it still comes with a cost. This section will delve into how much is cabinet refacing.
This will help you in answering if is it worth it to reface kitchen cabinets.
Kitchen Cabinet refacing costs will depend on the total linear square feet of what you will remodel.
A refacing project includes covering cabinet boxes with veneer, replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and adding new hinges and handles.
The addition of other accessories depends on what the owner wants or needs.
So, how much is kitchen cabinet refacing after all? Generally, kitchen cabinet refacing costs 50% cheaper than cabinet replacing.
The average cost ranges from $4,302 to $9,970, with the national average being $7,135, according to HomeAdvisor.
The costs of your refacing project will depend on these factors:
- How many cabinets you will reface, and their size
- The type of veneer used
- The layout of your kitchen
- New hardware
Material Costs
There are many veneer options out there for covering your cabinet boxes. Plastic laminates will cost about $1,000 – $3,000 or $91 per linear foot on average.
Laminates are the cheapest materials you can find for veneers. However, this material is vulnerable to chipping. With proper care and maintenance, this can last you up to 40 years.
If you have more spending room, then go for a high-quality veneer. Its cost ranges from $2,500 to $6,500, or $193 per linear foot on average.
That is the material for you if you want that wood look. High-quality veneers are more expensive than laminates, but they can last for years with minimal care. It needs a seal for further protection.
A more luxurious option would be real wood veneers, which costs $6,000 to $14,000 or $454 per linear foot on average.
You will get a genuine solid wood look with this material. It is the most expensive option. The costs mentioned above are a total project cost.
However, the exact price of your refacing project will vary depending on your kitchen. Regardless, the total project cost is a factor in determining if is it worth it to reface kitchen cabinets.
Other Costs
Aside from veneers, new hardware will add to the total cost of cabinet refacing.
New cabinet doors with solid wood or plywood will cost you $5,000 to $10,000. The cabinet doors must match the veneer of your cabinet boxes.
Hardware costs will go from $2 to $50 apiece, with the former being basic and the latter being high-end. A pair of hinges are an additional $15 to $50.
However, if your current hinges are still in good condition, you can opt-out of getting new ones. Ordinary drawer pulls cost $50 up to $200 while high-end ones cost $150 up to $800.
Be sure to check the condition of your drawer pulls before replacing them with new ones. There is no need to replace them if they are in good condition. This way, you save more money!
Other upgrades consist of organizers, crown moldings, and decorative trims. Additional upgrades will depend on your style and preference.
Cheaper than Replacing
To give you a better picture of how much is kitchen cabinet refacing, compare it to replacing cabinets. This comparison will further help you determine if is it worth it to reface kitchen cabinets.
Installing new cabinets will cost you anywhere between $4,000 to $18,000.
It will be even more expensive if you want custom cabinets, which can go up to $24,000 or more.
Semi-custom cabinets, on the other hand, will set you back $8,000 to $10,000. Replacing is 30%-50% more than what a typical kitchen cabinet refacing costs.
Additionally, if your current cabinets are in good condition, refacing them is the better option. If you are only looking to change how your cabinets look, refacing will go a very long way.
It will give you that complete change in style and detail without the high costs of getting new cabinets. You can also replace your cabinet doors and drawers through refacing!
Go to IKEA or Lowe’s to find new cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
The Advantages of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
Now you know how much is kitchen cabinet refacing. But is that enough for you to answer if is it worth it to reface kitchen cabinets?
Thankfully, the advantages do not stop there. Other things make refacing an excellent remodeling choice.
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Kitchen Layout Remains the Same
For starters, you get to keep your existing kitchen layout. It is an ideal option for people who want to try out a new aesthetic for their kitchen.
It’s like the same kitchen, but better! No need to hire a designer or kitchen planner because the layout is already there for you.
Moreover, if your current kitchen layout works for you, why spend more money replacing it when you can opt to reface it?
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Relatively Shorter Project Completion
Secondly, refacing projects will not consume much of your time. It will take professionals to finish the job in 2 to 4 days!
You also have the option to do it by yourself if you have the skills required. Veneers are generally easy to apply yourself; plus, you can treat refacing as a fun project to do on your weekends.
Nevertheless, whether or not you hire a contractor, refacing still costs less.
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Multiple Style Options Are Available
Thirdly, there are various style options available to you. You don’t have to worry about having limited options because veneers come in an array of designs.
Plus, there are a lot of veneer types with their own sets of styles!
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Kitchen Cabinet Refacing is Eco-Friendly
Lastly, kitchen cabinet refacing is eco-friendly. Since you are not replacing cabinets, only a few things get thrown away.
You get to keep your current cabinet boxes and sometimes even cabinet doors and drawers. Not throwing cabinet boxes mean that fewer items are piling up on landfills.
What’s more, is you save more trees from getting cut down since retaining cabinet boxes removes the need to construct new ones.
The Disadvantages of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
No method is perfect. Everything will have a downside to it. Here are the disadvantages of refacing to fully assist you in answering the question: is it worth it to reface kitchen cabinets?
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Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Costs Can Add Up
If you are not too careful, refacing costs can add up. When you replace hinges, get new doors and drawer pulls, add cabinet accessories, the total you end up with might be comparable to installing new cabinets.
Additionally, having upgrades such as new trimmings and crown moldings will also add to your total project cost. All these additional costs might not save you more money in the end.
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Kitchen Layout is the Same
Are you looking to change the layout of your kitchen? Then refacing is not for you. The kitchen layout and the cabinets remain the same with refacing. You cannot rearrange your kitchen.
You will not get to add your countertop space too. Refacing is technically just giving a new look to your kitchen. It’s when old meets new.
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Kitchen Cabinets Are the Same
Like kitchen layouts, you get the same kitchen cabinets with refacing. It means that you’ll get the same cabinet box interior and storage space as before.
Increasing your storage space through refacing will be difficult, and it will cost you more. This extra cost might be expensive if you want more shelves and other storage features. So if your goal is to upgrade your storage space, refacing is not a good option.
Make Your Vision a Reality by Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
So, is it worth it to reface kitchen cabinets? The answer is it depends on your needs and the state of your kitchen. Not every kitchen is qualified for a refacing project, and this can often be determined through asking yourselves these questions:
- Are your current cabinets still in good shape? Are they sturdy and structurally sound?
- Do your current cabinets have face frames that are in good condition?
- Does your cabinet hardware still function properly?
- Do your drawers get stuck? Is anything falling apart?
Refacing your kitchen cabinets when they are in bad condition is a waste of money. You can hire a professional to assess if your kitchen qualifies for refacing.
Otherwise, refacing kitchen cabinets when they need replacing is money down the drain. In that case, reinstalling new cabinets is the option for you.
However, for those whose kitchen cabinets are in good condition, refacing is worth it. Choose the cheaper alternative if you are just after changing the overall look and design of your kitchen.
Why else would you spend more on replacing if you can update your kitchen for half the price?
Refacing is the ideal option for people who are already happy with the layout of their kitchen.
Whether you don’t like how your cabinets look or you just want a change of scenery, it is worth it to reface kitchen cabinets.