Cabinet refacing — replacing doors, drawer fronts, and applying new veneer to cabinet boxes — runs $3,000-$12,000 for typical 25-linear-foot kitchens in 2026. Full cabinet replacement for the same kitchen runs $7,000-$25,000 for semi-custom, $18,000-$50,000 for fully custom. Refacing saves 40-60% vs replacement when cabinet boxes are structurally sound.
Reface vs replace — the decision tree
Reface when: boxes are structurally solid, layout isn't changing, doors/drawer fronts are cheap or dated, and you want to save 40-60% over replacement. Don't reface when: boxes are particle board with water damage, layout needs changing, you want deeper uppers or wider drawer boxes, or you need to upgrade to soft-close slides (possible but expensive during refacing).
Door styles and materials
Thermofoil doors (vinyl-wrapped MDF): cheapest, $25-$55 per door, limited colors, good for light-use kitchens. Veneer-on-MDF: $40-$75 per door, wood look at MDF price, 15-20 year lifespan. Solid wood doors (oak, maple, cherry): $75-$180 per door, paintable or stainable, 30+ year lifespan. Full overlay vs partial overlay style changes visual — full overlay is more modern, hides cabinet boxes entirely.
Hardware and soft-close upgrades
New hardware (knobs, pulls) at refacing time: $4-$25 per piece, usually 60-80 pieces for a kitchen. Soft-close hinges on existing hinges: $8-$15 each, 40-80 needed. Soft-close drawer slides: $25-$80 per drawer, often requires drawer modification. Lazy Susan, pull-out shelves, and other accessibility upgrades: $150-$400 per unit. Budget $600-$1,500 total for complete hardware and functional upgrades during refacing.