Is it cheaper to reface or replace cabinets?

Author: Ford Green V  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Refacing is about 30 to 50-percent less than replacement. Expect to pay about $12,000 to $20,000 for contractor-grade cabinets. Best when the cabinet boxes are in solid shape and cost is an issue. Best when doing a whole-kitchen remodel or when cabinet boxes are in poor shape.

Is it worth it to reface cabinets?

If you love the way your cabinets and appliances sit and function, refacing is a perfect option to retain the kitchen you love, but with a style update. Refacing your kitchen cabinets costs at least half as much as remodeling the entire thing. So you save a ton of time, money, and energy by choosing this option.

Is it cheaper to refinish cabinets or replace them?

Opting to refinish, rather than replace, kitchen cabinets is more cost-effective, too; Ballard says it can save you up to $5,000. Of course, if your cabinets aren't wood, refinishing may not be an option.

How much should cabinet refacing cost?

Cost of kitchen cabinet refacing in 2019

Reports from HomeAdvisor™ note that the average national cost to reface cabinets is $6,684, with the majority of homeowners spending between $4151 and $9238.

How much does it cost to reface a 10x10 kitchen?

A professional cabinet refacing for a typical 10-foot-by-12-foot kitchen starts at around $80 to $100 per linear foot for laminate materials only. Expect to pay the same, $80 to $100 per linear foot, for wood veneer materials.

Is it better to reface, paint or to replace kitchen cabinets?

How long does cabinet refacing last?

How Long Does Cabinet Refacing Last? If your cabinetry is made from solid wood in good condition (i.e. your shelves and frames are still very strong) then you can usually expect a refacing project to last for another 15-20 years before needing a replacement.

What is the difference between a full kitchen remodel versus a cabinet makeover?

Cabinet refacing can cost up to 50 percent less than a full replacement because fewer materials are needed. Refacing also means fewer materials ending up in the landfill because when your old cabinets are removed, there's often nowhere else for them to go.

Is it better to paint cabinets or replace them?

Price out replacing your kitchen cabinets and painting will look better and better. The cost to paint a kitchen is typically 1/3 to ½ the cost of replacing. The paints applied to cabinets are also very durable and will last just as long as new cabinets in most cases.

Can I put new doors on old cabinets?

Many people don't know that you can replace just the cabinet doors on your kitchen cabinets, which is a great way to get a fresh, remodeled look without a major price tag. Replacing just your cabinet doors, also known as cabinet refacing, can be a quick DIY project for most homeowners.

Can you reface cabinets yourself?

Refacing cabinets is a quick and easy way to change the look of your kitchen without the mess and expense of a complete remodeling. You simply cover the cabinet face frame with self-sticking wood veneer and the end panels with 1/4-in. plywood. Then replace the old doors and drawer fronts with new ones.

Are white kitchens going out of style?

When looking for kitchen color ideas, you may be tempted to opt for a classic all-white palette – but according to designers, this desired tone may have fallen out of favor. The hue has endured for decades, however, changing paint trends suggest that this neutral shade is no longer in vogue.

What is cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refacing is the process of replacing cabinet skin panels to give your kitchen a dramatic new look. Your cabinets may be scratched or cracked, or you may simply desire a change — much like replacing a perfectly good smartphone with the latest model.

How can I update my cabinets without replacing them?

How to Update Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them
  1. Wrapping cupboard doors. Another popular method to change the look of your cabinets is to wrap them, the most common material used to do this is vinyl. ...
  2. Adding under cabinet lighting. ...
  3. Adding cabinet molding.

Does painting cabinets devalue home?

On average, this trend alone can boost a home's value by $1,547. By painting your kitchen cabinets and then pairing them with some new hardware that dollar amount can increase significantly.

Is painting cabinets cheaper than refacing?

Cabinet painting is hands-down the cheaper way of giving new life to your old and stained cabinets. However, this method is only applicable if the hardware of the cabinets is in good shape. Here, a fresh coat of paint is added to the doors, drawers, and cabinet walls.

How often should you replace kitchen cabinets?

In general, high-quality cabinets can last up to 50 years. This sounds like an incredibly long period of time, but cabinets are in fact one of the longest lasting components of your entire kitchen.

What's the average cost of an IKEA kitchen?

A typical IKEA kitchen costs $6,500-19,000 depending on your kitchen size, the type of cabinets, as well as other accessories and appliances you select. Most homeowners report spending $8,500-14,500 on a complete kitchen from IKEA.

What is included in a full kitchen remodel?

Kitchen Remodel Components
  • Cabinets. Cabinets. ...
  • Appliances. ...
  • Countertops, Sink and Backsplash. ...
  • Lighting and Electrical. ...
  • Flooring. ...
  • Plumbing. ...
  • Painting. ...
  • Demolition and Removal.

What are Thermofoil cabinets?

Thermofoil cabinets are a unique type of cabinetry made using a vinyl that is heated and pressurized onto an MDF core. Usually only used for cabinet doors and drawer fronts, Thermofoil cabinets come in many colors, styles, and finishes — even made in textures that resemble solid wood.

Do refaced cabinets peel?

Refacing cabinets is a quick and easy way to change the look of your kitchen without the mess and expense of a complete remodel. However, most DIY approaches involve self-sticking wood veneer or laminates. These will peel and chip over time and once the damage is done, it's difficult to repair.

Can refaced cabinets be painted?

Choosing How to Recolor & Reface Cabinets

Some contractors reface cabinets by installing freshly painted doors, then painting the boxes to match. This means your cabinets will need to be painted a solid color, without the option of a natural wood appearance. What's more, these painters typically use latex-based paints.

How long do MDF cabinets last?

It is vital to ensure you keep your MDF cabinets dry. If exposed to a pronounced amount of liquid or moisture, they could become soggy and begin to disintegrate. At Deslaurier, our MDF comes with a 20 year warranty. But, if cabinets are properly maintained there is no reason they shouldn't last over 25 years.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

As mentioned earlier, cabinetry usually tends to be the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. It can cost up to $15,000 even in a relatively minor remodel with a budget of about $30,000. In an upscale remodel, choosing kitchen cabinets can take up nearly 20 to 40 percent of the entire budget.

What is the difference between resurfacing and painting kitchen cabinets?

What is the difference? As mentioned above, when you are refacing your cabinets, you are putting new material on top of the existing cabinet frames and replacing doors and drawer fronts. When refinishing cabinets, all you are doing is changing the finish, or color, of the existing materials.

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