A fresh look without starting over!

If your kitchen or bathroom feels outdated but your cabinets are still sturdy, refacing a cabinet might be the update you’re looking for. Homeowners in Huntington Woods, MI often reach a point where they love their layout but hate the style. That’s when cabinet refacing becomes a smart choice.

Instead of tearing everything out and dealing with weeks of dust and drywall repair, refacing lets you keep the bones of your cabinetry while changing the look. It’s like putting on a well-fitted suit instead of buying a brand-new wardrobe—you still look sharp, but without spending a fortune.

Key Takeaways:

• Refacing a cabinet gives a modern look without full replacement, saving both money and time.
• Average costs range from $100 to $450 per linear foot, depending on finish materials like laminate, wood veneer, or painted surfaces.
• The process includes removing doors, prepping with sandpaper and primer, applying veneer, and repainting with the right paint sheen.
• Refacing is best for sturdy cabinetry boxes and offers many style options, from cabinet door styles to kitchen cabinet finishes.

Why More Homeowners Choose Refacing Over Replacing

The biggest reason people consider refacing a cabinet is cost. Full replacement often requires new cabinetry, demolition, and even modifying furniture placement or appliances. That can easily double or triple your renovation bill.

Refacing typically costs less because it focuses on the visible parts: the doors, drawer fronts, and exterior surfaces. By keeping the cabinet boxes in place, you save money while still updating your kitchen.

Another reason is convenience. Instead of weeks of living around construction, most refacing projects are completed in just a few days. You keep your existing layout, which means no surprises with plumbing, windows, or electrical adjustments.

Cabinet Refacing Cost

The cost of refacing depends on materials, finishes, and the number of cabinets. On average, Huntington Woods homeowners pay between $100 and $450 per linear foot, depending on whether they choose a laminate veneer, real wood, or a specialty finish.

• Laminate or thermofoil finishes: Affordable and easy to maintain.
• Real wood veneer: Higher price point but gives an authentic, timeless look.
• Painted finishes: Flexible for color and sheen, allowing for easy updates.

Additional details like upgrading cabinet hardware, applying a quality cabinet primer, or selecting a durable paint sheen for cabinets also affect the final cost.

When you factor in labor, keep in mind that hiring cabinet painters provides more consistent results and saves you from common painting mistakes to avoid.

The Step-by-Step Process of Refacing a Cabinet

Every project is unique, but most cabinet refacing jobs follow a similar pattern:

1. Preparation and Removal

• Doors and drawer fronts are carefully removed.
• Hardware such as hinges and pulls are set aside or replaced.

2. Surface Work

• The cabinet boxes are cleaned, smoothed, and prepped.
• Old surfaces are sanded with sandpaper to remove gloss and dust.

3. Applying Veneer or Finish

• A new veneer, wood layer, or laminate is installed on cabinet fronts.
• Exposed ends are finished to match.

4. Painting or Staining

• Depending on style, cabinets may be sprayed with acrylic paint, latex, or oil paint for a smooth, long-lasting finish.

5. Hardware Installation

• Updated knobs, pulls, and hinges are installed for a refreshed look.

6. Final Touches

• Adjustments are made to baseboards, trim, or surrounding drywall to create a polished appearance.

For many Huntington Woods homeowners, this process is far less disruptive than removing cabinetry, cutting into walls, and rebuilding.

Cabinet Styles, Materials, and Finishes That Work Best

Not all cabinets are ideal for refacing. The boxes need to be structurally sound, made from quality plywood, MDF, or hardwood. If the structure is weak, replacement may be the better route.

Where refacing shines is in its flexibility. You can pair different cabinet door styles with modern finishes to achieve the look you want. From sleek flat panels to raised panels with detail, styles can transform the personality of a room.

Surface finishes also matter. Our team often guides clients through cabinet finishes that balance style with durability, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom.

Whether you prefer the richness of stained wood or the clean look of painted kitchen cabinets, finish choices make a big difference in overall design.

Pros and Cons of Refacing a Cabinet

Like any remodeling project, refacing has strengths and limitations.

Pros:

• More affordable than replacing cabinets
• Faster turnaround with less disruption
• Keeps existing layout intact
• Eco-friendly since less material is wasted
• Plenty of colors, textures, and finishes available

Cons:

• Does not improve cabinet structure
• Doesn’t add new storage or change layout
• Limited to cabinets that are already in good condition

This often comes down to deciding what matters more: a budget-friendly refresh or a complete remodel.

Painting Mistakes to Avoid in Cabinet Refacing

Even when you’re hiring professionals, it helps to know common pitfalls.

• Skipping primer: Leads to peeling or uneven coverage.
• Using the wrong brush bristle or roller nap: Causes streaks, shadows, or visible marks.
• Ignoring paint sheen: A flat finish hides imperfections but is harder to clean, while semi-gloss or satin works better for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Poor prep work: Dust, sanding mistakes, or not cleaning grease can ruin the final look.

Our team of cabinet painters in Huntington Woods, MI uses the right prep techniques, high-quality cabinet primer, and finishes that match your home’s interior design. We avoid shortcuts so your cabinets last for years.

Refacing, Refinishing, and Replacing: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to mix up these terms, so let’s break them down:

• Cabinet refacing: New doors, drawer fronts, and veneers are applied while keeping the boxes.
• Refinishing: Existing cabinets are sanded and repainted or stained.
• Replacing: Entire cabinets are removed and rebuilt.

Each has its place, and homeowners often compare cabinet refinishing vs. replacement when planning a remodel. Refacing sits in the middle—cost-effective, efficient, and transformative without being a complete overhaul.

Is Refacing a Cabinet Right for Your Home?

Ask yourself these questions before deciding:

• Are your cabinet boxes still sturdy?
• Do you like your current layout?
• Do you want a fast update without full renovation?

If you answered yes, refacing a cabinet is a strong option. It can bring new life to a kitchen, bathroom, or even bedroom cabinetry without the stress of full construction. Many of our clients in Huntington Woods, MI pair it with other small updates like painting walls, upgrading lighting, or refinishing furniture for a complete refresh.

Bringing New Life to Your Cabinets in Huntington Woods, MI

Refacing a cabinet is more than a facelift—it’s a practical way to modernize your home without the cost of a full replacement. You’ll save money, reduce disruption, and still enjoy cabinets that look brand new.

At Roy & Paul Cabinet Painting, here’s how we approach every project:

• Careful prep to protect your space and furniture
• Quality sanding and surface repair for a smooth finish
• Application of premium primer and paints matched to your home
• Professional painting with the right sheen and finish
• Clean, dust-free results that last

If you’re considering refacing a cabinet or hiring experienced cabinet painters in Huntington Woods, MI, call us at 248-665-8500 today for a FREE estimate. We proudly serve Huntington Woods and the surrounding areas.

FAQs About Refacing Cabinets

Do countertops need to be removed?

Not usually. Most refacing work can be done without disturbing your countertops.

How long does it last?

Properly done, refaced cabinets can look great for 15 to 20 years.

Can I change the color and style completely?

Yes, with new doors, finishes, and veneers, you can shift from traditional wood tones to a sleek modern palette.

Does refacing add home value?

Yes, because kitchens and bathrooms are big selling points. Buyers see refaced cabinets as updated and well-maintained.