How to Reface Cabinets | Houzz

Project: Refacing or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

Why reface: In the most basic process, you will be leaving the cabinet intact and in its same place and refinishing or replacing the doors. This avoids the expense and effort of taking out and replacing the entire cabinet. So the advantages are less expense, less material going to the landfill and a less-complicated construction process.

Is this a good project for you? Determine if your cabinets can take the restoration process well enough to be revitalized for at least another 10 years of life. If the cabinet body, also called the carcass, is in bad structural shape, is water damaged or will not take to refinishing well enough, you might have to replace the cabinets in a full kitchen remodel.

If your cabinets have sturdy frames, refacing can be a good solution. The degree to which you refurbish the cabinets is up to you.

Options for refacing kitchen cabinets. Combinations and variations of each of these options defines refacing cabinets. Each one can have a dramatic effect on the look of your kitchen:

How much does it cost to reface kitchen cabinets? A simple paint job might cost a few hundred dollars. For a more extensive refacing job, $5,000 to $15,000 is likely. If the project involves replacing the countertop and appliances, you can spend considerably more.

Who to hire: If you are simply repainting your cabinets, this might be a DIY project. Even replacing knobs and pulls is simple and can be done without too much trouble. Consider using a handyperson if you dont have time to do the work yourself. A handyperson might also be able to do more demanding work, such as replacing the doors and drawer fronts. If your remodel is more extensive, architects, kitchen designers and interior decorators can all be called upon to work on the project with you and provide valuable design direction.

Do you need a permit to reface kitchen cabinets? As long as you are not changing any electrical or plumbing, you probably can do this project without a permit. Check with a design professional or ask the local building department and describe your intentions in detail to find out for certain.

Find design pros and contractors near you

Read more:
How to Reface Cabinets | Houzz