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| | | If don't like your current kitchen cabinet layout and storage capacity, consider replacing them. But if you like how the cabinets are set up and they're structurally sound, just dated or scratched on the outside, you can make your kitchen sparkle for a lot less money simply by having the cabinets refaced. | | |
| Typical costs: | - When the cabinets are in good shape both inside and out but the hardware is blah or outdated, make a quick fix by installing new pulls, knobs and hinges. These start around $2 -$4 each at the standard home improvement store, but can be $20 -$50 apiece or more for custom designs and colors. ThisOldHouse.com displays photos of customized knobs and pulls from $10 -$140 each.
- Refacing the cabinets in a typical kitchen starts around $1,000 -$3,000 for rigid thermofoil (RTF) or plastic laminate and $2,500 -$6,000 for real wood veneer (about 1/4-inch think), although costs can rise to $7,000 -$9,000 or more for a large project with high-quality wood veneer.
- Materials alone run about $200 -$500 for a do-it-yourself cabinet refacing project, but this work can be both messy and time-consuming. Specialized veneer tools such as rollers, blades and irons can add $5 -$60 or more.
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| What should be included: | - The contractor will remove all doors, drawer fronts and hardware; install veneer on the remaining bases; then add new matching doors, drawer fronts and hardware. A typical cabinet refacing job takes two to four days, although a simple project can be done in a single day, and more complex ones will take longer than four days. HomeAndGardenTV.com provides illustrated do-it-yourself directions.
- The least expensive veneer option is RTF, which is exceedingly durable, easy to clean, comes in a wide variety of styles and can be made to look like a painted surface or wood. Plastic laminates are slightly more expensive and come in more colors but aren't as durable. Wood veneers which are the most expensive option -- usually costing about 25 percent more than laminates. BobVila.com reviews options for cabinet hardware and refacing veneers; and Betters Homes & Gardens displays a slideshow of ideas for unique cabinet makeovers.
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| Additional costs: | |
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| Shopping for refacing kitchen cabinets: | |
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Article updated November 2007 |
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