Calculating the cabinet refacing cost for a home improvement project will depend on a number of variables such as size, how many cabinets are needed, veneer and hardware choices, and possibly more.
Add new doors and hardware to your existing framework, and replace the veneers if necessary to reface cabinets. The total expense for the new cabinet appearance is significantly less than what it would be if you actually purchased an entire new cabinetry system.
Cabinet refacing is a great way to update your kitchen or bathroom without going to the expense of replacing the cabinetry. It's less expensive and more environmentally friendly. It will also give your room a fresh new look in little time.
Replacing Versus Refacing Cabinets
Replacing kitchen cabinets is expensive. If the framework of your cabinetry is in good shape, refacing can be a great alternative because it can cost (according to several sources) 33-60% less than replacing them with cabinets of comparable quality.
Depending on the condition of the framework, and the style and size of the cabinets, the cost of cabinet refacing can cost anywhere from about $3,500 to $10,000. While it may sound like a lot, remember that it's less than replacing them.
Estimate the Cabinet Refacing Cost
A good way to figure out the costs of replacing and/or refacing your cabinets is to consult a contractor to get an estimate. Then take the measurements yourself and head down to a local home improvement store to price the materials you would need to do the job yourself.
Stores like Home Depot have consultants who can help you figure out what you need. If you decide to go with refacing you need to decide if it's better to hire a professional or do it yourself. Weigh the costs of the labor versus the time and effort you would have to put into it yourself.
What Goes Into Cabinet Refacing
There are several things that can affect the total cabinet refacing cost.
Labor
Labor is expensive, there's no getting around it. The question is whether or not it's worth it to you. If you're a handy person with a lot of home improvement experience, cabinet refacing may not be too difficult for you. However, if you're not comfortable with this type of work, the cost of hiring a professional can be well worth it. You want to make sure that the job is done right the first time.
Materials
The material you choose will have a huge impact on the cabinet refacing cost. Cabinet doors come in a variety of different materials and price points. You can buy them finished, or you can purchase an unfinished material and then stain them. Then there's the veneer. A good wood veneer typically costs between $3.00 and $5.00 per square foot. Take all of these things into account when weighing your options.
Square Footage
Obviously square footage is a huge factor in determining the cost of cabinet refacing. Pay close attention when taking measurements so that you can get a true estimate of the cost.
Hardware
If you're refacing your cabinets you'll want to get some new hardware (hinges, pulls and knobs). The price of hardware is all over the map. Basic metals in simple shapes are the most budget friendly and can easily be found at hardware stores. If you want to dress things up a bit you can check out stores like Anthropologie or designer sites like Michael Aram. Their hardware is more expensive, but also more original. Hardware can cost anywhere from a couple of dollars a knob to over $10.
Consider Cabinet Refacing
In order to get an estimate, you'll need to take all of these factors into account.If you want to update your cabinetry and add value to your home, consider cabinet refacing. It will give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh new look at a fraction of the cost of replacing the cabinets.
