How much does cabinet refacing cost in 2026?

Most homeowners pay between $2,500 and $8,800, with a national average near $5,650. Small, simple jobs land at the low end; large or premium-material jobs run well above the high end.

What is the cost per linear foot?

Installed pricing usually runs $100.00 to $350.00 per linear foot, including labor and materials. Expensive metros can run 15–45% higher than that range.

What drives the price up the most?

Scope and access. Larger quantities lower your per-linear foot price, but difficult access, demolition of existing work, structural repairs found mid-job, premium materials and rush scheduling each add 8–30%.

Permits are typically required when the work changes structure or ties into electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical systems. Budget $75–$600 in most cities and confirm whether your contractor pulls it — unpermitted work can block a future home sale.

How long does the job take?

Most residential projects of this type finish in one to five working days once materials are on site. Custom orders, inspections and weather are the usual causes of delay.

How many quotes should I get?

Three. Bids on the same scope commonly vary 20–40%, and the middle bid with the strongest warranty and references is usually the best value — the cheapest bid often excludes prep, disposal or permits.

When is the cheapest time to book?

Off-season and shoulder months. Booking outside the spring–summer rush, and staying flexible on start dates, commonly saves 5–15% because crews are filling calendar gaps.

Yes. Contractor financing, a home equity line, or a 0% promotional card are all common. Compare the total interest cost against paying cash — promotional financing is sometimes priced into a higher bid.

How do I avoid getting overcharged?

Get the scope in writing with materials by brand and model, quantities, exclusions, permit responsibility, payment schedule and warranty. Never pay more than one third up front, and never pay in full before the final inspection.

Is refacing cheaper than new cabinets?

Yes — refacing typically costs 40–60% of replacement because boxes stay in place and there is no demo or countertop removal.

How long does cabinet refacing take?

Two to four days for a standard kitchen versus one to three weeks for full replacement.

Is refacing worth it?

Only when the cabinet boxes are solid and the layout works. If boxes are particleboard and sagging, replacement is the better investment.

Home/Cost guides/Cabinet Refacing

Construction

How much does cabinet refacing cost?

Cabinet Refacing costs $2,500 to $8,800 for a typical project, averaging about $5,650. Installed pricing usually runs $100.00 to $350.00 per linear foot, and scope, materials, access and local labor rates explain nearly all of the variation.

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National average

$5,650

Typical low

$2,500

Typical high

$8,800

Per linear foot

$100 – $350

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Cabinet run (linear feet)25 linear feet

Quality / material level

Site access

Removal / prep work

Timing

Region

Estimated project cost

$3,810 – $5,224

Most homeowners pay around $4,517

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material

Installed pricing per linear foot.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Rigid thermofoil	$140 – $191	—	—
Wood veneer	$191 – $252	—	—
Solid wood doors	$252 – $326	—	—
Custom paint-grade solid wood	$326 – $450	—	—

Cabinet Refacing cost by project size

Typical installed pricing before local adjustments.

Project size	Budget	Average	Premium
13 linear foots	$1,300	$2,925	$4,550
25 linear foots	$2,500	$5,625	$8,750
38 linear foots	$3,800	$8,550	$13,300
50 linear foots	$5,000	$11,250	$17,500

Cabinet Refacing cost by material or quality level

Option	Price range	Best for
Rigid thermofoil	$139.50 – $191.25 / linear foot	Lowest upfront cost, shortest lifespan
Wood veneer	$191.25 – $252.00 / linear foot	Best overall value for most homes
Solid wood doors	$252.00 – $326.25 / linear foot	Longer warranty and better finish
Custom paint-grade solid wood	$326.25 – $450.00 / linear foot	Top-tier materials and custom detailing

Where the money goes

A typical project budget, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $25
Materials0.38% · $21
Permits & inspections0.05% · $3
Overhead & profit0.12% · $7

Cost by region

Labor markets move the number more than any other single factor.

Northeast

$2,875 – $10,120

+15% vs. national average

West

$2,950 – $10,384

+18% vs. national average

Midwest

$2,400 – $8,448

-4% vs. national average

South

$2,350 – $8,272

-6% vs. national average

Common add-ons

Line items that show up on most quotes but rarely in the headline price.

New hardware

$100 – $600

Soft-close hinges and slides

$200 – $900

Pull-out shelving

$150 – $500

Crown molding

$300 – $1,200

DIY vs. hiring a pro

Hire a pro

$2,500 – $8,800

Do it yourself

$1,125 – $4,840

DIY saves labor but not materials, permits or rework. Only take it on if the job does not require a licensed trade or inspection.

Ways to save

Practical levers that lower the bill without cutting quality.

Reface only the uppers and paint the lowers for a two-tone look.
Reuse existing hardware if the hole spacing matches.
Collect three written bids on an identical scope — spreads of 20–40% are normal.
Book in the off-season and stay flexible on the start date to save 5–15%.
Bundle nearby work into one mobilization so you only pay setup and travel once.
Ask what the contractor would change to cut 10% without hurting durability.

Questions to ask your contractor

01Are you licensed and insured in my city, and can I see the certificate?
02Is this a fixed-price bid or an estimate that can change?
03What exactly is excluded from the quote?
04Who pulls the permit and who schedules inspections?
05What is the written workmanship warranty and how long does it last?
06What is the payment schedule, and how much is due up front?
07How long will the work take, and what could delay it?

Frequently asked questions

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Cabinet Refacing cost by city

Local labor rates, permits and climate change the number. Pick your city for prices near you.

Cabinet Refacing cost in Los Angeles, CA

$3,100 – $10,912

Cabinet Refacing cost in San Diego, CA

$2,950 – $10,384

Cabinet Refacing cost in San Jose, CA

$3,450 – $12,144

Cabinet Refacing cost in San Francisco, CA

$3,625 – $12,760

Cabinet Refacing cost in Oakland, CA

$3,300 – $11,616

Cabinet Refacing cost in Sacramento, CA

$2,700 – $9,504

Cabinet Refacing cost in Fresno, CA

$2,450 – $8,624

Cabinet Refacing cost in Long Beach, CA

$3,050 – $10,736

Cabinet Refacing cost in Anaheim, CA

$3,000 – $10,560

Cabinet Refacing cost in Santa Ana, CA

$2,975 – $10,472

Cabinet Refacing cost in Irvine, CA

$3,150 – $11,088

Cabinet Refacing cost in Riverside, CA

$2,650 – $9,328

Cabinet Refacing cost in San Bernardino, CA

$2,575 – $9,064

Cabinet Refacing cost in Bakersfield, CA

$2,425 – $8,536

Cabinet Refacing cost in Stockton, CA

$2,550 – $8,976

Cabinet Refacing cost in Modesto, CA

$2,500 – $8,800

Cabinet Refacing cost in Chula Vista, CA

$2,875 – $10,120

Cabinet Refacing cost in Fremont, CA

$3,375 – $11,880

Cabinet Refacing cost in Pasadena, CA

$3,200 – $11,264

Cabinet Refacing cost in Glendale, CA

$3,125 – $11,000

Cabinet Refacing cost in Santa Clarita, CA

$2,900 – $10,208

Cabinet Refacing cost in Torrance, CA

$3,075 – $10,824

Cabinet Refacing cost in Oxnard, CA

$2,850 – $10,032

Cabinet Refacing cost in San Mateo, CA

$3,500 – $12,320

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