Unhappy with your kitchen cabinets but can’t afford to spend $30,000 to replace them? The next best thing is to reface your existing set. For those of you with homes that were built 30 or more years ago, your cabinets are probably worth holding onto. Back then, cabinets were more solidly constructed than some of the pre-built modular cabinets you’ll find today. So, it's probably better to reface then replace.

Paint

The quickest and least expensive method is to paint or stain your cabinets. If you do the work yourself, you’ll get a new look for the cost of a couple gallons of paint and primer. If you want to change your hardware, try to find hardware that matches your existing holes. Otherwise, you’ll have some patching to do.

An alternative to paint is to resurface the cabinets with wood veneer, laminate or rigid thermofoil (RTF). Most refacing contractors will build a cabinet over the fridge to match the existing cabinets. Other options include adding a lazy Susan, pull-out trash bins, pull-out shelves or built-in wine racks.

Laminate

Though laminates come in a variety of colors and wood-grain patterns, you’re limited to plain cabinet door styles because of the material's lack of flexibility.

RTF

Thermofoil is a flexible material that can be easily shaped to cover raised panel and cathedral doors. The wood grain is convincing from a distance. Up close, however, it looks fake. There are fewer color choices compared to laminate.

Wood Veneer

If you really want the natural wood look, then go with wood veneer – it will add more value to your property than laminate or RTF. It can cost 10 to 25 percent more than the other materials, but you’ll end up with a satisfying look that will last for years. Common wood veneer comes in walnut, birch, cherry, maple and oak.

The Process

Once drawer fronts and drawer boxes are removed and discarded, the veneer or laminate is applied to the cabinet box exteriors to match your new doors. The new doors and drawer fronts, hinges, hardware and moldings are then installed. Depending on the size of your kitchen, the process could take anywhere from two to six days.

Cost

The cost to reface ranges from $3,000 for a small kitchen refaced with a less expensive material to $10,000 for a large kitchen refaced with high-end wood veneer and added accessories.

Paint, Reface or Remodel?

It boils down to budget and how long you’re willing to live without a kitchen. A kitchen remodel can take weeks and make a big mess. Plus, the cost to remodel is usually more than double the price to reface. And if your cabinets are built well and in great shape, then painting will add new life for a few hundred bucks.

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