The cost of new kitchen cabinets ranges from about $100 to $1,200 per linear foot, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
The average cost is about $800 per linear foot. You might pay more or less depending on the quality of the materials you choose and your geographic location.
The lowest-priced new cabinets are made of particleboard with a laminate finish.
Solid wood cabinet prices range from $400 to $1,600 per linear foot, while custom-made cabinets can cost a few thousand dollars per linear foot or more.
You should also factor in additional costs for supplies and services, such as plumbing and electrical work (if needed) and installation by a professional contractor or carpenter.
Also, consider whether you’ll need to buy new appliances to match your new cabinetry.
And don’t forget about labor costs — the time it takes to remove your old cabinets and install your new ones.
Is it cheaper to reface cabinets or replace them?
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether you should replace or reface your cabinets.
The most obvious difference between the two options is cost, but there are other factors that may affect your decision as well.
This ultimate guide to painting kitchen cabinets has everything you need to know about the process, materials, and determining what type of cabinets you have!
Refacing vs replacement costs
When comparing kitchen cabinet refacing vs replacement, the first thing to consider is the cost of each project.
On average, a cabinet refacing costs about 40 to 50 percent less than a complete kitchen cabinet replacement.
Other factors to consider include:
Time – Refacing takes about half the time of a full replacement. If speed is important to you, refacing might be the better option.
What is cabinet refacing?
Cabinet refacing is a great way to save money and make your kitchen look better. I
f you have cabinets that are still in good shape but are tired of the color or style, you can give them a new look without the expense of replacing them.
The cabinet refacing process involves removing the doors and drawers, taking off the old finish, sanding the cabinets down to bare wood, and applying a new finish.
You then reinstall the new doors and drawer fronts in the existing cabinet frames.
Because you’re keeping the existing cabinet frames, refacing is often less expensive than replacing cabinets entirely
How Is Refacing Done?
Cabinet refacing is usually done with pre-finished materials, which means there’s no need to paint or stain before installing them in your cabinets.
This is a tremendous benefit when it comes to installation speed — typically just a day or two — and getting your kitchen back into full use quickly.
Expect to pay about $300 for each door you replace (including hardware), including installation.
The cost depends on how hard it is to take doors off hinges, how much custom fitting will be involved and whether you’re doing a partial refacing or doing all your cabinets at once.
Related article: 8 DIY Home Renovation Ideas On A Budget
Can I replace cabinet doors only?
Yes, you can replace cabinet doors without having to replace the whole cabinet.
That said, it makes more sense to replace the front of the cabinet if possible.
The catch is that your current cabinets have matching fronts and bases that are likely still in good shape.
If you replace just the doors and leave the rest, it could look a bit odd.
This is especially true if your existing cabinets are wood (as opposed to laminate). With wood cabinets, you have to consider how well your new wood fronts will match with existing wood bases.
If they don’t match well, you can always paint your existing bases to bring them closer in color to the new fronts.
Cabinet Refinishing
Cabinets can be refinished many times before they have to be replaced.
In fact, cabinet doors that are made of wood can be refinished again and again. If you’re thinking about painting your kitchen cabinets, refinishing them is a great alternative to purchasing new ones.
You might also like this article about how to paint kitchen cabinets.
Refinishing your cabinets will not only save you money in the long run but also allows you to choose the color of your cabinets without having to replace them.
TIP! Don’t forget to change out the hardware of your cabinets when you paint!
Cabinet Painting vs. Refinishing
Painting is the cheaper option for a less extensive remodel, but there are many reasons why people choose to refinish rather than paint their cabinets.
If you’re considering this option, here are some things to consider:
Cost: Refinishing is considerably less expensive than paint if you do it yourself; however, if you hire a contractor, expect it to cost more than painting.
Time: Painting takes much less time than refinishing – and most people find it easier as well.
Related article: How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets