Is it cheaper to refinish or replace cabinets?

Author: Alan Muller  |  Last update: Sunday, July 3, 2022

If budget is your main consideration, refinishing is often the cheaper option. Estimates have shown that refinishing cabinets costs about 2/3 the cost of refacing, and refacing costs about 70 to 80 percent the cost of installing replacement cabinets.

Is it cheaper to resurface or replace kitchen cabinets?

Cabinet refacing costs about 30-percent to 50-percent less than the cost of replacing cabinets in a full kitchen.

Is it cheaper to paint cabinets or replace them?

You can expect painting contractors to charge $50 to $100 per door, $120-$170 per cabinet, and $20-$30 per drawer. Painting your kitchen cabinets yourself will be considerably less expensive. Your base cost would be anywhere from $200 to $600, depending on the brand of paint and the supplies you will have to buy.

Is it better to refinish cabinets or replace?

Refinishing these hardy cabinets, instead of replacing them, can both conserve wood and money. 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.

Is it cheaper to replace cabinets?

If your space is smaller or you simply have fewer cabinets, your costs will go down. But on average, refacing costs about a third to half as much as replacing cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinets – Refinish, Reface or Replace

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 replacing kitchen cabinet doors worth it?

Whether it's because your cabinets have deteriorated or you've simply outgrown them and want a fresh new style, replacing kitchen cabinet doors can make a dramatic difference in your space, giving it a lift and making everything seem new.

What is the difference between cabinet refacing and cabinet refinishing?

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.

Are cabinet resurfacing worth it?

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.

Can I replace cabinets without replacing countertops?

Yes! Refacing the cabinets — whether it's under your existing countertops or throughout your entire kitchen — can create a whole new look, just like a full cabinet replacement renovation.

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.

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.

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 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.

Should I get new kitchen cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets should be replaced whenever they are in poor condition or whenever you feel that it's necessary to freshen up your kitchen's style as interior design trends change. High quality kitchen cabinets can last for up to 50 years. That is assuming the cabinets have been keep in good condition.

Can I reface my own cabinets?

In A Nutshell

Simply put, refacing kitchen cabinets can be done by the following: Remove the doors and doors of each cabinet. Cover the front edges of the cabinets with peel and stick wood veneer. Hang the new cabinet doors with easy-to-install cup hinges.

When should cabinets be refinished?

If your cabinets are damaged or have cosmetic imperfections like scratches, holes, fading stain, or chipping paint, you may want to consider upgrading. If the cabinet doors are truly damaged beyond repair, refacing them may be your only option.

How difficult is it to refinish kitchen cabinets?

Macfarlane estimates that refinishing kitchen cabinets can take anywhere from four to eight weekends, or between 60 and 130 hours. This time frame depends on the size of your kitchen, and it may need to be adjusted depending on the extent of the work.

Is it hard to Restain cabinets?

Cabinet refinishing is one of the easier DIY projects, all you will need are some supplies, power tools, and adequate space to work on the cabinets. You won't even have to strip down the old finish from your cabinet doors unless you are looking to make a drastic color change.

How do I make new cabinets look old?

Related To:
  1. Install Crown Molding. ...
  2. Remove Some Cabinet Doors. ...
  3. Add Glass Door Inserts. ...
  4. Beautify With Beadboard. ...
  5. Make Room for Wine. ...
  6. Create Lid Storage. ...
  7. Light It Up Under the Cabinets. ...
  8. Handy Spice Storage.

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.

How can I refinish my kitchen cabinets without stripping them?

Applying polyurethane over the stained surface is the easiest part when it comes to refinishing kitchen cabinets without stripping them. Apply one coat, allow it time to dry, and apply another coat. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the results. Two or three coats will give you a beautiful finish.

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.

How long does it take to get kitchen cabinets from Home Depot?

The cabinet installation process typically takes about a week no matter if your cabinets are stock or custom. However, if you order custom or semi-custom cabinets, the process will take longer in order for your new cabinets to be manufactured and delivered to you, typically a 4-12 week timespan.

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.

Previous article
What is keyed alike and keyed different?
Next article
How do you dry indoor outdoor carpet?