Cabinet Installation & Refacing
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets define the look, function, and storage capacity of the most-used rooms in your home. Whether you choose full replacement, refacing, or refinishing, updating your cabinets delivers one of the best returns on any home improvement investment.
Cabinet Options: Replace, Reface, or Refinish
You have three main approaches to updating cabinets, each at different price points:
- Full replacement: Remove and install entirely new cabinets. Best when the layout needs to change or cabinets are structurally damaged. Cost: $8,000-$25,000+ for a kitchen.
- Cabinet refacing: Keep existing cabinet boxes and replace doors, drawer fronts, and add new veneer to exposed surfaces. Cost: $5,000-$15,000 for a kitchen. Saves 40-60% vs. full replacement.
- Cabinet refinishing/painting: Sand and repaint or stain existing cabinets. Cost: $2,000-$6,000 for a kitchen. Best for cabinets that are structurally sound with a style you like.
If your current cabinet layout works well and the boxes are in good condition, refacing delivers the biggest visual impact per dollar. Full replacement is necessary when you want to change the layout, upgrade to soft-close hinges and full-extension drawers, or your current boxes are damaged.
What Cabinets Cost
Cabinet costs vary widely based on the approach, material quality, and kitchen size. For an average kitchen with 20-30 linear feet of cabinets:
- Stock cabinets (pre-made): $3,000-$8,000 for materials. Limited sizes and styles but most affordable.
- Semi-custom cabinets: $5,000-$15,000 for materials. More size options, finishes, and organizational features.
- Custom cabinets: $12,000-$30,000+ for materials. Built to exact specifications with unlimited design options.
Installation labor adds $2,000-$5,000 depending on kitchen complexity. Countertop replacement (often done alongside cabinets) adds $2,000-$10,000. Consider including soft-close hinges, full-extension drawer slides, and pull-out organizers to maximize functionality.
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Get Free Cabinet QuotesFinding the Right Cabinet Contractor
Cabinet installation requires precision measurement and leveling. Even small errors result in doors that do not close properly, uneven gaps, and drawers that stick. When hiring:
- Measure twice: A quality installer measures every wall, corner, and appliance opening precisely. Kitchens are rarely perfectly square
- Level and plumb: Cabinets must be shimmed level and plumb regardless of the wall and floor conditions behind them
- Design assistance: Many cabinet companies include design services. Take advantage of 3D design renderings to visualize the finished result
- Lead time awareness: Semi-custom cabinets typically take 4-8 weeks to manufacture. Custom cabinets may take 8-16 weeks. Plan accordingly
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabinet refacing takes 3-5 days. New cabinet installation takes 1-2 weeks including old cabinet removal, installation, and adjustments. Add time for countertop fabrication and installation if included.
Refacing saves 40-60% compared to full replacement and takes less time. It is worth it when your cabinet layout works well and the boxes are structurally sound. If you need layout changes or boxes are damaged, replacement is better.
Plywood boxes are more durable and moisture-resistant than particleboard. For doors, solid wood and thermofoil (vinyl-wrapped MDF) are both durable. Solid wood offers more repair options if damaged.
Painted cabinets offer a clean, modern look and hide wood grain. Stained cabinets highlight natural wood beauty. Painted cabinets show wear (chips and dings) more readily. Both can look beautiful when professionally done.