Renovation estimator - Updated June 2026
Cabinet Refacing Cost Estimator
Use our free cabinet refacing cost estimator and calculator to get an instant estimate before calling a contractor. Count your doors and drawers, select your material and US location to calculate kitchen cabinet refacing cost based on real 2026 contractor rates.
Count your cabinets
Estimated cabinet refacing cost
Typical range for your configuration
Cost breakdown
Refacing vs full replacement
- Cost - Refacing typically costs 30-50% of a full cabinet replacement for the same kitchen.
- Timeline - Refacing usually completes in 3-5 days versus 2-6 weeks for full replacement.
- Disruption - Your kitchen stays mostly functional during refacing since cabinet boxes stay in place.
- When refacing works - Cabinet boxes are structurally sound and you are happy with the current layout.
- When to replace instead - You want to change the kitchen layout or boxes have water damage or structural issues.
- Resale value - Both refacing and replacement improve resale appeal, though full replacement typically returns slightly more value.
How much does cabinet refacing cost in 2026?
The national average for kitchen cabinet refacing in 2026 is approximately $7000, with most projects ranging from $1500 to $12500. Costs scale based on the number of doors and drawer fronts in your kitchen rather than square footage, since refacing pricing is driven by the count of surfaces being resurfaced. Use our free cabinet refacing cost estimator above to get an instant, personalized estimate based on your exact door and drawer count.
Cabinet refacing cost calculator - by material
Our cabinet refacing cost calculator updates your estimate in real time as you count your doors and drawer fronts and select your material. Unlike full kitchen remodels, refacing is priced per opening rather than per square foot of cabinetry, since the existing cabinet boxes remain in place.
| Material | Cost per door/drawer | 20 openings | 30 openings | 40 openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate / Thermofoil | $95-$165 | $1900-$3300 | $2900-$5000 | $3800-$6600 |
| Wood Veneer | $170-$280 | $3400-$5600 | $5100-$8400 | $6800-$11200 |
| Premium Wood Veneer | $210-$340 | $4200-$6800 | $6300-$10200 | $8400-$13600 |
Kitchen cabinet refacing cost estimate - what is included
- New doors and drawer fronts - Manufactured to your exact measurements and selected style
- Veneer or laminate skin - Applied to all visible cabinet box surfaces to match new doors
- Hardware installation - Hinges and pulls, new or reinstalled depending on your selection
- Labor - All installation labor, typically 50-60% of total project cost
The estimate does not include countertop replacement, backsplash work, or significant layout changes. Refacing is specifically designed to update the look of cabinets that are structurally sound without changing the kitchen layout. Crown molding, roll-out shelves, end panels and lighting are available as add-ons in our calculator above.
Refacing kitchen cabinets cost estimate by kitchen size
| Kitchen size | Typical openings | Laminate | Wood veneer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small / galley | 14-18 | $1700-$3000 | $2900-$5000 |
| Medium | 20-26 | $2400-$4300 | $4100-$7300 |
| Large | 28-36 | $3300-$6000 | $5700-$10100 |
| Very large / island kitchen | 38-50 | $4500-$8300 | $7700-$14000 |
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this cabinet refacing cost estimator?
Our cabinet refacing cost estimates are typically within 15-25% of actual contractor quotes for standard projects. The biggest source of variance is cabinet box condition, which is not always apparent until the contractor removes the old doors. Always get at least 3 quotes from licensed cabinet contractors before committing to a budget.
How do I estimate kitchen cabinet refacing cost?
To estimate kitchen cabinet refacing cost, count your total cabinet doors (counting tall pantry doors as 2) and drawer fronts including false fronts near the sink, then select your material and hardware preferences. Our calculator does this automatically. As a rule of thumb, budget $95 to $340 per door or drawer front depending on material quality.
Is cabinet refacing cheaper than replacing cabinets?
Yes, significantly. Cabinet refacing typically costs 30-50% of full cabinet replacement for the same kitchen, since the existing cabinet boxes are reused rather than replaced. A kitchen that would cost $25000 to fully replace might cost only $8000 to $12000 to reface, assuming the existing boxes are in good structural condition.
Can any cabinets be refaced?
Refacing requires that your existing cabinet boxes be structurally sound, level and properly anchored. If your cabinet boxes have water damage, are warped, or you want to change the kitchen layout (such as adding an island or changing cabinet positions), refacing is not appropriate and full replacement is the better option.
How long does cabinet refacing take?
Most cabinet refacing projects are completed in 3 to 5 days, significantly faster than the 2 to 6 weeks typical for a full cabinet replacement. Your kitchen remains mostly functional throughout the process since the existing cabinet boxes stay in place and you are not waiting for new cabinet boxes to be built and delivered.
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Disclaimer: All cabinet refacing cost estimates are for informational purposes only based on average 2026 US contractor rates. Actual costs vary based on cabinet box condition, door style complexity, local material pricing and contractor availability. Always obtain multiple quotes from licensed contractors before proceeding with any project.