- Working time: 8 hours
- Total time: Two days
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Project cost: $7,200, on average
Interior designers point to kitchen cabinets as to the element that makes or breaks the look of the kitchen. Refacing your kitchen cabinets takes some precision, time and a little know-how but you can do it yourself and save around 30 to 50% versus paying a pro.
Cabinet refacing is a weekend kitchen renovation project and is a minor disturbance to the kitchen, so plan out a chunk of time and find some takeout.
NOTE: The beginning half of 2021 has seen an unprecedented labor shortage as a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunction with this, demand for materials and construction jobs has skyrocketed. As a result, material prices may be higher than those reported in this article, and lead times may be longer than usual for both labor and materials.
When to Reface Kitchen Cabinets
You can reface kitchen cabinets at any time of the year but there are several reasons people decide to reface cabinets. People choose to reface cabinets because it’s cheaper than replacing cabinets and it’s an easy way to spruce up dated-looking cabinets. Refacing kitchen cabinets is a spendy project, so some people might choose to do the project after receiving their tax refund. In 2018, Remodeling reported an 81% return on investment for a midrange minor kitchen remodel, which cabinet refacing falls into. It also ranked number five on the list of most value-added projects.
Safety Considerations
Kitchen cabinet refacing requires cutting a lot of material so be sure to wear safety goggles when using a saw. Also, be aware of how to handle dust from sanding and cutting. Be sure to empty your cabinets before you start sanding them.
Tools
- Brad nail gun
- Caulk gun
- Circular saw
- Drill
- File
- Forstner drill bits
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Laminate slitter
- Miter saw
- Scissors
- Table saw
- Veneer tool
- Utility knife
Materials
- Denatured alcohol
- Rags
- Medium grit sanding sponge
- Colored putty
- Construction adhesive
- 3/4-inch brad nails
- Jig (if cutting veneer with table saw)
- Safety goggles
Instructions
1. Pick Your Replacement Cabinet Material
There are several options to choose from for your cabinet refacing project. Some popular cabinet refacing materials include: wood veneer, which costs between $2,500 and $6,000; plastic laminate or rigid thermofoil laminate, which costs between $1,000 and $3,000; solid and plywood, which runs $5,000 to $10,000.
You might want to get a quote from a professional in order to get accurate measurements if you don’t know how to determine how much material you’ll need and need help on picking a material.
You can find prefinished cabinet parts at home improvement stores or online. It’s also a good time to determine if you need new hardware.
2. Remove Old Cabinet Doors, Drawers, Hardware and Trim
Remember to keep track of the hardware by labeling if you aim to use it again.
3. Repair Any Cabinet Defects
Use wood filler or putty to fill any large dents or gouges. The material you choose will likely cover any ugly spots when installed.
4. Sand Doors and Drawers
Start by wiping a rag damp with denatured alcohol to clean up the wood. Just lightly sand cabinet face frames to score them for better adhesion. Sand the cabinet sides as well and wipe the cabinets with a damp sponge to clear any sawdust.
5. Cut Panels, Veneer and Stiles
Depending on the cabinet material you use, you might want to cut pieces with a laminate slitter, table saw or a utility knife. You can find a laminate slitter at a home improvement store or ask a professional where to find one to rent.
6. Place End Panels
Apply construction adhesive with a caulk gun to the back of the panels you’re going to place and press firmly into place. Use a brad nail gun with 3/4-inch brad nails to firmly secure the panels.
7. Place New Material on Cabinet Faces, Stiles and Rails
The type of material you choose will require different applications, like some veneer has a sticky backing that requires you to peel off the backing paper. Others will use contact cement or construction adhesive. The vertical pieces on kitchen cabinets are known as stiles while the horizontal pieces are called rails.
8. Smooth Veneer Bond
Use a veneer applicator tool to create a smooth bond with the veneer. Start at the top of the stiles and move down for a snugger fit.
9. Put Revamped Doors and Drawers into Place
Be sure to line everything up when putting it back. Make sure hardware goes into place and repair any spots that have been stripped. You’ll need precise measurements for hinges, screws for drawer fronts, the drawer back and measure for the drawer front placement.
When to Call a Pro
Refacing cabinets isn’t for every DIYer. The length of time needed to complete cabinet refacing is one reason to hire a pro. Most experts recommend homeowners use a professional to reface kitchen cabinets. Labor can cost you between $100 and $250 per cabinet, which can be half of the total cost of the project. If you choose to go to a pro, try seeking quotes in late fall to early winter. That time period usually marks the beginning of a busy season and you might be able to find a deal by seeking multiple quotes.
