Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Refacing
We understand that you may have questions about the about cabinet refacing process. That's why we've put together a list of frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision. If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact us anytime!
What is the downside of Cabinet Refacing?
In the end, whether or not refacing cabinets is right for you will depend on your budget, goals, and the condition of your current cabinets. If you're looking for an affordable way to update the look of your space and don't need major changes to the functionality or layout, refacing may be a great option. However, if you're seeking a complete overhaul or have significant structural issues, you may need to consider other options, such as full cabinet replacements.
Do Refaced Cabinets look good?
If your kitchen layout is fine the way it is and your cabinet boxes are in good shape, refacing may be worthwhile. You can get an upgraded look in a shorter timeframe and at a lower cost.
At Ideal Home Improvement, we believe that kitchen refacing is an excellent option for people looking to update their kitchens without breaking the bank. We use only the highest quality, solid wood materials to reface your cabinets, leaving them looking brand new for a fraction of the cost of a full remodel.
Is it worth it to Reface Cabinets?
Yes, refacing kitchen and bathroom cabinets is worth it if you want to improve the look of your kitchen without spending anywhere near the money of full remodel. Refacing can save you up to 50% of the cost of replacing cabinets and can be done in less than a week, usually about three days for an average kitchen.
Is it cheaper to Paint Kitchen Cabinets or Reface them?
Overall, it is significantly cheaper to paint kitchen cabinets than to reface them. Painting will save you more money compared to cabinet replacement, although it can be challenging and typically costs more than painting walls in the house.
What is the average cost of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing?
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing cost can range from only $4,350 to an upscale $12,500, for thermofoil with an average spend of about $6,925, and $5,500 to $15,500 for real solid wood cabinet refacing with an average spend of about $8,500. Your total cost will vary depending on multiple factors, like kitchen size and material choices, and whether you opt for DIY or professional cabinet contractor.
Is Cabinet Refacing worth it?
Cabinet refacing can save up to 25-50% on the cost of replacing cabinets and is done in much less time, making it a great option if you're looking for an affordable way to update your kitchen.
What is the difference between Cabinet Refacing and painting ?
Cabinet refacing involves replacing existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts, while painting simply entails applying a new layer of paint to the existing cabinets. Thus, the main difference between the two is that cabinet refacing is a more thorough and comprehensive approach.
What are the factors that influence the cost of Cabinet Refacing and painting?
The cost of cabinet refacing and painting is primarily influenced by the quality of materials, labor, and kitchen size.
What's the Cabinet Refacing process- What's involved?
First you select new cabinet doors from our wide variety of styles and finishes. Then, we get to work! Our methods have been proven over the years and have set us apart from our competitors. We begin by removing and discarding your old cabinet doors and hinges. Then we strengthen and repair cabinet frames where needed. The next step is to carefully prepare the exposed frames to ensure a solid bonding. This may include sanding the frames. Next, we laminate all exposed frames with a matching wood or laminate, depending on the door material you've selected. Our special "two-part bonding system" includes the use of a special manufacturer-recommended glue, which, when applied to both panel and frame, ensures a unique bond. Finally, we conclude with the installation of your new cabinet doors, drawer fronts and hardware.
How long does it take to Reface Cabinets, how inconvenient is it?
Depending on the size of the job, we can reface your cabinets, on average, in 3 to 5 days. Since we do not tear out frames, the mess is kept to a minimum. We will clean up every evening to allow you the use of your kitchen throughout the process.
I may want to add or remove some Cabinets in my Kitchen, can that be done?
Yes. We can build additional cabinets and even add new drawers to your base cabinets. We can also take out or cut down your existing cabinets to fit new appliances. We can provide rollouts, lazy Susans, new shelving and trim. New custom islands are our specialty.
Do Refaced Cabinets look good as new Cabinets?
In most cases, refaced kitchen cabinets look better than new cabinets. For one thing, you will not see the seams between each of the “box” cabinets (new cabinets), Secondly, the doors and materials that Ideal Home Improvement uses are of higher quality than your typical “box” cabinet. There are so many custom door options with cabinet refacing which are not available in the standard new cabinet selections.
What is the difference between Cabinet Refacing and Refinishing
Cabinet Refacing involves removing the old fronts, doors, and hardware of cabinets; replacing them with new custom-made doors and drawer fronts; and applying a match veneer or laminate to existing cabinet boxes.
Cabinet Refinishing means keeping the existing cabinet doors, drawers, and frames, and simply sanding them down to bare wood; then staining or painting them once more in the same or different color as before.
Is it cheaper to Reface or Replace cabinets
Refacing is definitely cheaper than replacing cabinets — sometimes by 30% to 50% less, depending on the materials, finishes, and design options you choose. That’s a significant savings, especially if you’re working with a tight renovation budget but still want to give your kitchen a dramatic makeover. Because refacing reuses your existing cabinet boxes, you avoid the high labor costs and demolition work involved in a full replacement. Plus, you can still upgrade your style with new doors, drawer fronts, modern hardware, and durable veneers — all for a fraction of the price of brand-new cabinets. It’s a smart way to stretch your remodeling dollars while still achieving a fresh, high-end look.
Do you have to remove countertops to reface cabinets?
No, there is no need to remove the countertops to reface cabinets. Cabinet refacing focuses on the visible, exterior parts of your cabinets, such as the doors, drawer fronts, crown moldings, and face frames. The structure of the cabinets (the boxes) stays in place, and so do the countertops. One of the major benefits of cabinet refacing is that it's a non-invasive remodeling process that allows you to upgrade your kitchen’s look without the mess or cost of removing countertops or demolishing anything major. So, if you like your current layout and your countertops are in good shape, refacing is a great way to get a fresh, updated kitchen without a full kitchen or bathroom renovation.
Is refacing cheaper than replacing?
Absolutely! Cabinet refacing is a much more budget-friendly option compared to completely replacing your cabinets. While a full cabinet overhaul can set you back around $12,000 or even more, refacing usually falls between $4,000 and $9,000, depending on your kitchen's size and the materials you select. With refacing, we keep your existing cabinet boxes, swap out the doors and drawer fronts, apply a top-notch veneer, and update the hardware. This gives your kitchen a fresh, modern vibe without breaking the bank. It's an ideal choice if your cabinets are in good shape and you love your current layout!
Is refacing cheaper than replacing?
Absolutely! Cabinet refacing is a much more budget-friendly option compared to completely replacing your cabinets. While a full cabinet overhaul can set you back around $12,000 or even more, refacing usually falls between $4,000 and $9,000, depending on your kitchen's size and the materials you select. With refacing, we keep your existing cabinet boxes, swap out the doors and drawer fronts, apply a top-notch veneer, and update the hardware. This gives your kitchen a fresh, modern vibe without breaking the bank. It's an ideal choice if your cabinets are in good shape and you love your current layout!
How long does veneer last?
High-quality cabinet veneer can last 10 to 20 years or more with proper care. The durability depends on several factors:
Material - Real wood veneer and premium laminates are more durable than low-cost options.
Installation quality - Professional application ensures the veneer adheres properly and resists peeling.
Care & maintenance - Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, and avoiding excess moisture or harsh chemicals, will keep your veneer looking great for years.
At Ideal Home Improvement, we use premium-grade veneer materials and expert techniques to ensure your refaced cabinets stand the test of time, giving you long-lasting beauty at a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Is it a good idea to reface cabinets?
Yes, in most cases, refacing kitchen and bathroom cabinets is worth it. If you’re happy with the current layout and your cabinets are in good structural condition, then cabinet refacing can be a good option for you. It is a cost-effective way to update your kitchen's look without replacing your cabinets entirely.
Refacing involves replacing doors, drawer fronts, moldings, toe kicks, hardware, and refacing the exteriors of the cabinet boxes with a matching wood veneer or thermofoil. Refacing cabinets is much less disruptive than complete replacement and will save you up to 50%.
Is it better to reface cabinet or buy new?
When it comes to your cabinets, it really boils down to your budget and the state of what you currently have. If your cabinet boxes are still in good shape and you’re just looking for a fresh vibe without diving into a full remodel, refacing is a great option; it’s quicker and can save you 30–50% compared to getting brand new cabinets. On the flip side, if your cabinets are damaged, not well arranged, or you’re dreaming of a big design overhaul, then investing in new cabinets is the way to go, even if it means spending a bit more and waiting longer for installation.
Do refaced cabinets look cheap?
When done right, cabinet refacing can be just as impressive as a full remodel. At Ideal Home Improvement, we take pride in using top-notch materials, like genuine wood veneers and custom solid cabinet doors, to make sure your refaced cabinets look absolutely gorgeous, all while saving you money. It’s a smart, budget-friendly choice that can give your kitchen a fresh, modern vibe without skimping on quality.
How much does it cost to repaint cabinets professionally?
At Ideal Home Improvement, we focus on cabinet refacing instead of just painting. Why? Because cabinet refacing is often a smarter long-term choice. It transforms your kitchen by replacing the doors and drawer fronts while adding a matching veneer to the existing cabinet boxes, giving you that fresh, new look.
Typically, cabinet refacing is more durable and lasts longer than a simple paint job. While it usually comes with a higher price tag than painting, it’s still more affordable than a complete cabinet replacement. You can expect project costs to fall between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of your kitchen, the style you choose, and the materials you select.
If you have a question in mind that we didn't cover, please get in touch with us, we will be happy to answer it.