Cabinet Refacing Cost Guide
Expect a national range of $4,500 to $16,000 for a cabinet refacing, with $8,500 as the typical figure. A way to change a kitchen's entire look for roughly a third of full cabinet replacement cost.
Want a number specific to your city? Every metro has its own labor and permitting costs.
Localize This Estimate →What makes up the total cost
Cabinet Refacing is a way to change a kitchen's entire look for roughly a third of full cabinet replacement cost.
Six things that move the price
Material options
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Laminate veneer | Lowest cost, wide color and finish range |
| Real wood veneer | More natural look and feel, higher cost |
| Solid wood fronts | Premium option, can be refinished later |
Cabinet Refacing cost in 20 major U.S. metros
Regional labor rates and permitting requirements move this estimate by as much as 65% between the least and most expensive metros in our dataset.
Can you DIY part of a cabinet refacing?
Cabinet Refacing sits in the middle ground: some parts of the job (demo, prep, finish work) are DIY-feasible, while the technical core is best left to a licensed pro. A hybrid approach can capture a meaningful share of the roughly 30% potential labor savings without taking on the riskiest part of the job.
Resale value consideration
Homeowners recoup roughly 65% of a cabinet refacing's cost at resale on average, according to typical remodeling ROI benchmarks. See our guide on which renovations actually pay back the most for how to weigh that against your own timeline.
Cabinet Refacing FAQ
How much does a cabinet refacing cost?
Cabinet Refacing costs $4,500–$16,000 nationally, averaging $8,500 for a typical 1 kitchen scope. The number varies by metro — see the city breakdown above, or use our calculator for a localized figure.
Do I need a permit for a cabinet refacing?
Typically no — a cabinet refacing is usually permit-exempt in most jurisdictions since it doesn't affect structure, electrical, or plumbing systems. Always confirm with your local building department if your project scope changes.
How long does a cabinet refacing take?
A typical cabinet refacing takes 2–4 days from start to finish, though scheduling around contractor availability and seasonal demand can extend the timeline before work even begins.
What's included in this cabinet refacing estimate?
The estimate covers the full scope of a typical project: primarily door/drawer fronts (45%), veneer for boxes (20%), labor (25%), plus the remaining categories shown in the cost breakdown above. See our methodology for exactly how these figures are built.
How many quotes should I get for a cabinet refacing?
At least three, using the same written scope for each contractor so the bids are actually comparable. See our guide to getting accurate quotes for the full process.
What most affects the price of a cabinet refacing?
Two of the biggest levers: existing cabinet box condition (must be structurally sound), and new door/drawer front material. See the full factor list above for everything that can move your number.