Tired of your dated kitchen but dread the cost and mess of a full renovation? There's a smarter way. Kitchen cabinet refacing in Toronto typically costs 30-50% less than a complete cabinet replacement, making it a brilliant choice for homeowners across the GTA.
It’s the perfect solution for getting a stunning, modern kitchen without the massive price tag or weeks of disruption. You get a fresh new look while saving thousands of dollars.
Your Quick Guide to Toronto Cabinet Refacing Costs
If you like your kitchen's layout but can't stand the old, tired look of your cabinets, refacing is your answer. It’s a fast, efficient process that causes very little disruption to your daily life. A full kitchen tear-out can take weeks, but a professional refacing project is often done in just a few days.
This is why so many homeowners from Scarborough to Etobicoke are choosing to reface. You get the amazing results of a major renovation without the high cost and long, frustrating timeline.
Comparing Costs: Refacing vs. Replacement
To understand the value, it helps to see the numbers. While the final price always depends on your kitchen’s size and the materials you choose, the savings are clear. Refacing keeps your strong cabinet boxes and only replaces the parts you see: the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.
This approach is not only easier on your wallet, but it’s also better for the environment because it reduces waste. To get more context on home renovation budgeting, understanding the general painting cost per square foot in Toronto can be very helpful.
The table below gives you a clear idea of what to expect for different kitchen sizes in the GTA.
As a top-rated, award-winning Toronto painting company, we believe in giving you clear, honest information. An informed homeowner is a happy homeowner. For a quick, personalized quote, simply send us a few photos of your kitchen!
Cabinet Refacing vs. Full Replacement Cost in Toronto
Here’s a quick comparison of how the costs add up for an average kitchen in the GTA. It’s easy to see why refacing is the go-to choice for a smart kitchen update.
| Kitchen Size | Average Refacing Cost Range | Average Replacement Cost Range | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Kitchen (approx. 10'x10') | $4,000 – $7,500 | $8,000 – $15,000+ | 50% or more |
| Medium Kitchen (approx. 12'x12') | $7,000 – $12,000 | $14,000 – $25,000+ | 40-50% |
| Large Kitchen (200 sq. ft.+) | $10,000 – $18,000+ | $20,000 – $40,000+ | Up to 50% |
These numbers show why refacing is such a great option for homeowners in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Markham. You invest in a beautiful, durable new look without paying for unnecessary demolition and construction.
What Is Cabinet Refacing and Why Is It So Popular?
So, what is cabinet refacing? Let's keep it simple. Think of it as a facelift for your kitchen that avoids the dust, disruption, and high cost of a full demolition.
We keep your existing cabinet boxes—the frames that are still in great shape—and replace everything you see and touch. This means brand-new doors, new drawer fronts, and updated hardware. It’s the perfect choice if your kitchen layout works but the style feels old. The kitchen cabinet refacing cost stays low because we aren't ripping out good structures.
The Smart Way to Get a New Kitchen
There’s a simple reason why homeowners in Toronto, Vaughan, and across the GTA love refacing: you get the look and feel of a brand-new kitchen in a few days, not weeks. A traditional renovation can put your kitchen out of use for a long time. Refacing is much faster, cleaner, and less messy.
It’s also an eco-friendly choice. By reusing your cabinet boxes, we keep a lot of good material out of landfills. It's a renovation that makes the most of what you already have.
At Royal Home Painters, our award-winning team knows refacing is the most efficient way to get a big transformation. It delivers that "wow" factor without the headaches and high price of a full tear-out.
How Does the Cabinet Refacing Process Work?
Once you see the steps, you'll understand why refacing is so effective. Our fully insured and WSIB-covered professionals handle every detail with care. We have a detailed guide on how to reface kitchen cabinets, but here’s a quick overview:
- Consultation and Design: First, you choose your new look. We help you pick the styles, colours, and finishes for your new doors and drawer fronts.
- Preparation: We carefully remove your old doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Then we clean and prepare the cabinet boxes so the new finish sticks perfectly.
- Veneering: We apply a durable, matching veneer to all visible surfaces of your cabinet boxes, making them look brand new.
- Installation: This is the exciting part. We install your beautiful new doors, drawer fronts, and modern hardware. The change is instant and amazing.
This simple process is why hundreds of clients in North York, Scarborough, and Etobicoke trust us. It’s a great way to increase your home’s value and get the kitchen you love, all backed by our 5-year warranty.
What Factors Influence Your Cabinet Refacing Cost?
Understanding what goes into your final quote helps you plan your budget. The kitchen cabinet refacing cost is not a random number; it’s based on several key factors. Every choice you make, from the door style to the finish, affects the final price.
Knowing where the costs come from helps you decide where to spend your money for the biggest impact.
Why Your Kitchen's Size is the Biggest Cost Driver
The biggest factor in your refacing cost is the size of your kitchen. It’s simple: a large kitchen in North York with many cabinets will need more materials and time than a small condo kitchen in downtown Toronto.
When we create a quote, the first thing we do is count every cabinet door and drawer front. This gives us a clear idea of the project size.
- More Doors & Drawers: A kitchen with 30 cabinet parts will cost more than one with 15.
- Islands & Pantries: Large features like a kitchen island or a tall pantry add more surface area, which increases the cost.
This diagram shows the key parts that get updated during a refacing project.
As you can see, refacing is a complete cosmetic update. We focus on the cabinet boxes and replace all the visible parts—the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware—to create a brand-new look.
Here is a quick breakdown of the main cost factors.
| Key Factors Influencing Your Refacing Quote |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Cost Factor | Description | Typical Impact on Cost |
| Kitchen Size | The total number of doors, drawers, and cabinetry. | High: The biggest factor. More cabinets mean more materials and labour. |
| Material Choice | The material for your new doors (e.g., Thermofoil, MDF, Solid Wood). | Medium to High: Wood is more expensive; thermofoil is budget-friendly. |
| Labour | The cost of skilled professionals for removal, prep, and installation. | High: Expert work ensures a perfect, long-lasting finish. |
| Hardware | New knobs, pulls, and hinges. | Low to Medium: Can range from simple hardware to high-end designer pieces. |
| Cabinet Condition | The state of your cabinet boxes; any repairs needed before refacing. | Low to Medium: Minor prep is normal, but big damage adds to labour costs. |
| Custom Work | Add-ons like glass doors, crown moulding, or changing a cabinet. | Medium: Custom details add to the project's complexity and cost. |
Each of these items will be clearly listed in a professional quote, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Why Material Choices for Doors and Drawers Matter
Your choice of material for the new doors and drawer fronts is the next big factor. This is where you can show your personal style. Different materials have different prices.
For example, thermofoil (RTF) doors are a popular and budget-friendly option, available in many colours and styles. Solid wood doors, like maple or oak, are a premium choice. They cost more but offer a timeless, high-end look.
Why Labour Costs and Professional Installation are Crucial
While materials are a big part of the quote, labour is just as important. The cost of skilled work in the Greater Toronto Area reflects the expertise needed for a perfect finish. Professional installation is not the place to cut corners. It’s the difference between a "good enough" job and a stunning one.
A professional team makes sure every door is perfectly aligned, every piece of hardware is secure, and every surface is finished with care. Our fully insured and WSIB-covered team has years of experience, ensuring your project is done right and on time.
How Hardware and Accessories Add the Finishing Touches
New hardware is like jewelry for your kitchen. It may seem like a small detail, but new handles, knobs, and hinges make a huge difference. The cost can vary, from affordable knobs to high-end designer pulls.
But it’s not just about looks; it's also about function.
- Soft-Close Hinges: This is our most popular upgrade. It stops doors from slamming shut and adds a touch of modern luxury.
- New Drawer Slides: Upgrading to smooth, soft-close glides makes your drawers much nicer to use.
- Organizers: Adding a pull-out spice rack or a hidden garbage bin will also affect the final cost.
These add-ons increase the price but greatly improve how you use your kitchen every day. For a finish that is both beautiful and strong, our guide on spray painting kitchen cabinets explains how a factory-quality coating can improve the final result.
Why the Condition of Your Existing Cabinets is a Factor
Before we can give your cabinets a new look, the existing boxes must be in good shape. If your cabinet boxes have any damage—like water stains or broken frames—we need to fix those issues first.
Minor repairs are usually part of the job, but bigger damage can add to the labour cost. We always do a full inspection during our free in-person estimate to find any potential problems early. No surprises, no hidden fees.
How Custom Features and Add-Ons Affect the Price
Finally, any custom work will affect your total kitchen cabinet refacing cost. Want to add glass panels to some doors? Or maybe elegant crown moulding? These custom touches make a kitchen uniquely yours but will increase the project price.
At Royal Home Painters, we believe in being completely transparent. That’s why we provide a detailed quote that breaks down every cost. You'll know exactly what you’re paying for, so you can make confident decisions for your home.
Refacing vs. Refinishing vs. Replacing: What's the Real Difference?
When it's time to update your kitchen, you have three main choices. We get this question all the time from homeowners in Richmond Hill and Markham, so let's break it down. Making the right choice is key to getting the kitchen you want on a budget and timeline that works for you.
Each option—refinishing, refacing, or replacement—has its own price, timeline, and level of disruption. The best choice depends on the condition of your cabinets and the final look you want.
Cabinet Refinishing: The Most Affordable Update
Cabinet refinishing, also known as cabinet painting, is the most budget-friendly option. This is perfect when your cabinet boxes and doors are in good shape, but you don't like the colour.
At Royal Home Painters, our specialty is interior painting. We give cabinets a perfect, factory-quality finish using premium Renner Italian coatings. We transform your existing doors, giving them a durable, beautiful new look. It's fast, clean, and the best way to get a modern update without a major renovation.
- Best For: Good quality cabinets where you like the door style but not the colour.
- Cost: The lowest of the three options.
- Timeline: Usually done in just a few days.
If you want more details, our guide on kitchen cabinet refinishing services near you explains how we get that perfect finish.
Cabinet Replacement: The Complete Overhaul
On the other end is a full cabinet replacement. This is the most expensive and disruptive option, involving a total teardown of your old cabinets. You would only choose this if you are changing your kitchen's layout or if your cabinets are falling apart.
While it gives you complete design freedom, it also means weeks of mess, disruption, and a much higher price. This is a full renovation that often requires new plumbing, electrical work, and flooring.
Cabinet Refacing: The Perfect Middle Ground
This is where kitchen cabinet refacing is the perfect solution. It sits in the middle, offering a big style change for a moderate price. Refacing lets you replace old oak doors with a modern shaker style without the chaos of tearing your kitchen apart.
With refacing, you get the dramatic "before and after" of a new kitchen at a fraction of the cost and time. It's the ideal balance of impact and investment for homeowners across the GTA.
It is helpful to see how costs compare in other places. For instance, the true cost to change kitchen cabinet doors shows how much of the budget goes toward the most visible part of your cabinets.
Here at Royal Home Painters, we help homeowners in North York and Scarborough make the right choice, whether it's a perfect refinishing job or a stunning refacing project backed by our 5-year warranty. Ready for a clear, no-surprise quote? Book a free estimate with our award-winning team today!
The Return on Investment for Cabinet Refacing
Any kitchen update is more than just a cosmetic change—it’s an investment in your home’s value. When you look at the cost of refacing your kitchen cabinets, you also need to think about what you get back. This is your Return on Investment (ROI).
In a competitive real estate market like Toronto, a modern kitchen is a huge selling point. It helps homes sell faster and for more money, making cabinet refacing one of the smartest upgrades you can make.
How Refacing Boosts Your Home's Appeal and Value
Cabinet refacing gives you that "wow" factor for much less than a full remodel. Buyers always look at the kitchen first, and an updated space can make your home stand out in neighbourhoods like Vaughan or Richmond Hill.
You get a big update without the huge expense or mess of a full renovation. For homeowners who see refacing as an investment, it’s helpful to understand the bigger picture of strategies to increase property value.
A beautifully refaced kitchen can be the one thing that convinces a buyer. It shows the home is well-maintained and move-in ready, which often leads to a higher offer and a quicker sale.
Why Long-Term Durability Means Peace of Mind
A great ROI is not just about the sale price; it's also about how long your investment lasts. When a professional team uses top-quality materials, your new cabinets will look amazing for many years.
We see this in our work every day. A good refacing job can handle the daily use of a busy family. You can see the durable, stunning finishes we create in our gallery of kitchen cabinet projects.
That long-term quality is why we are so confident in our work.
- Expert Workmanship: Our team is fully insured and covered by WSIB, with the experience to make every detail perfect.
- Premium Materials: We use high-quality doors and coatings, like Renner Italian finishes, for a tough, beautiful surface.
- Guaranteed Quality: We stand behind every cabinet refacing project with a full 5-year warranty.
This gives you total peace of mind. You're not just getting a quick fix; you're making a smart, lasting investment in your home. When you're ready, book a free, no-obligation estimate with our award-winning team.
How to Get an Accurate Refacing Quote in Toronto
Ready to find out the real kitchen cabinet refacing cost for your home? A few minutes of preparation will help you get a clear, accurate, and fast quote. When you're prepared, you can easily compare quotes and avoid any surprises.
At Royal Home Painters, our goal is to make this process simple and transparent for homeowners across Toronto and the GTA. We believe a clear quote is the start of a great project.
Your Simple Quote Preparation Checklist
A little prep work on your end helps us give you an accurate estimate. Before you contact us, gather these details—it only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference.
- Count Everything: Do a quick count of all your cabinet doors and then your drawer fronts. This is the most important number we need.
- Take a Few Photos: Take clear pictures of your kitchen from a few different angles. A short video on your phone also works great!
- Think About Your Style: Have a general idea of the look you want. Do you want modern flat-panel doors or a classic Shaker style? Knowing this helps us estimate material costs.
Getting an accurate quote should be easy and stress-free. We have made our process simple so you can get the information you need quickly and move forward with confidence.
How to Get Your Free Quote from Us
We know life is busy, especially in neighbourhoods like Vaughan and Markham. That’s why we offer flexible options that fit your schedule.
- Quote from Photos: For a fast estimate, just send us your photos along with your door and drawer count. It’s the quickest way to get a good idea of your project's budget.
- Free In-Person Estimate: For a detailed and final price, book a free, no-obligation estimate at your home. One of our experts will visit, take measurements, show you material options, and answer all your questions.
When you get a quote from our award-winning team, it will be detailed and clear. We provide a full breakdown so you know exactly where your money is going. You can trust that you’re working with a fully insured and WSIB-covered company that offers a 5-year warranty on all cabinet projects.
Common Questions About Cabinet Refacing Costs
When you start looking into cabinet refacing, you will have questions. That’s normal. After helping hundreds of homeowners across Toronto and the GTA transform their kitchens, we've heard them all.
Here are clear, simple answers to the questions we get asked most often.
How Long Does Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Take?
One of the biggest benefits of refacing is how fast it is. A full kitchen replacement can take weeks and turn your home into a construction zone. Refacing is much different.
A professional refacing project is usually finished in just 3 to 5 days. That’s it. You get a beautiful, new-looking kitchen with very little disruption to your life. Our team works efficiently to get the job done right so you can enjoy your new space.
Is Cabinet Refacing Cheaper Than Painting?
No, refacing is a bigger investment than painting your cabinets. It's important to know the difference. With painting (or refinishing), you keep your existing doors and just change the colour. With refacing, you get brand-new doors and drawer fronts.
- Painting (Refinishing): This is your most budget-friendly option. It's a great choice if your cabinet doors are in good shape and you just want a new colour.
- Refacing: This is the perfect middle option. It's a complete style change that costs much less than a full replacement but more than painting.
Can I Change My Kitchen Layout With Refacing?
This is a common question. Cabinet refacing works with the kitchen layout you already have. Because we keep your existing cabinet boxes in the same place, this process is not for major structural changes.
If you want to move the island, remove a wall, or completely change the layout, you will need a full cabinet replacement and kitchen remodel.
How Long Do Refaced Cabinets Last?
When the job is done by a professional team using high-quality materials, your refaced cabinets will last a long time. You can expect them to look great for 10 to 15 years, or even longer.
The most important things are expert installation and quality products. At Royal Home Painters, we stand behind our work with a full 5-year warranty. This gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
Do I Need to Empty My Cabinets for Refacing?
Yes, it’s a good idea to empty your cabinets before we start. This does two things. First, it keeps your dishes, glasses, and food safe and clean from any dust.
Second, it gives our team clear access to the cabinet boxes. This helps us work more efficiently and ensures we can deliver the perfect, factory-like finish you want.
