Cabinet refacing FAQ for Chicago and Wisconsin homeowners

Refacing updates your kitchen while your cabinet boxes stay in place. We replace the doors and drawer fronts, cover exposed face frames and end panels with matching veneer, and install new hinges and hardware. See cabinet refacing for the full scope.

Painting puts a new coat on the doors and frames you already have, so the door style, hinges and worn edges stay the same. Refacing gives you new doors in any style, fresh veneer on the frames and new hinges and hardware. Our refacing vs. painting vs. replacement comparison lays it out side by side.

Replacement tears out the cabinet boxes and usually the countertops, then installs everything new. Refacing keeps the boxes, so there’s no demolition, and it typically costs 30–50% less than comparable new cabinets. Read more in refacing vs. replacing cabinets.

Most are, as long as the boxes are structurally sound and free of serious water damage or warping. Your designer checks this during the free consultation and will tell you plainly if refacing isn’t the right fit.

Yes, older oak kitchens are some of the most common refacing projects. The new veneer covers the frames completely, and new doors replace the dated profiles, so the oak no longer shows unless you choose an oak finish.

Within limits. We can add or replace individual cabinets, such as a pantry or an island, and add pull-outs, crown molding and lighting. We don’t move walls, plumbing stacks or gas lines; see kitchen remodeling for what a refacing-based remodel can include.

Generally, yes. Because the cabinet boxes stay in your kitchen, far less material goes to the landfill than with a full tear-out.

It depends on the size of your kitchen, the door style and material, and the options you choose. Refacing typically costs 30–50% less than replacing cabinets with comparable new ones. You’ll get an exact, itemized price at your free consultation.

No two kitchens have the same number of doors, drawers and panels, and material choices change the price considerably. A number on a website would be a guess; a written quote after measuring is not.

The number of doors and drawer fronts, your material (RTF, real wood veneer or a painted finish), and add-ons such as new drawer boxes, soft-close glides, crown molding, lighting or added cabinets. Countertops and backsplash are quoted as separate lines.

Yes. The in-home design consultation takes about 60–90 minutes and comes with no obligation. Your designer leaves a written, itemized quote, often the same day.

Yes, through third-party lending partners, subject to credit approval. Most homeowners apply during the consultation. See financing for how it works.

Our current promotion and its terms are always listed on the special offers page. Your designer can also apply it to your quote at the consultation.

Doors are made to order, so it’s about 4–6 weeks from the final measure to installation. The installation itself takes 3–5 days for a typical kitchen. Our refacing process page walks through each step.

Mostly, yes. There’s no demolition, and your sink and appliances stay connected unless countertops are being replaced. The area the crew is working in will be off-limits for part of each day.

Yes. Please empty cabinets and drawers and clear the countertops before install day. Our guide to preparing your kitchen for refacing has a full checklist.

Less than you’d think. Floors and counters are covered before work starts, and the crew cleans the work area at the end of every day.

One project manager is your point of contact from the precision measure to the final walk-through. Questions about schedule, selections or the crew all go to the same person.

We need an adult to let the crew in on the first day and to join the final walk-through. Your project manager can arrange access for the days in between.

Recessed panel (Shaker), raised panel and flat panel (slab). Each comes in many colors and finishes; our article on Shaker vs. flat vs. raised panel doors explains which suits which kitchen.

Rigid thermofoil (RTF), real wood veneer in maple, cherry, oak or walnut, and painted finishes. Between them there are dozens of colors and wood stains. Browse them on our cabinet doors page.

RTF is a durable vinyl layer heat-formed over a shaped door core. It gives a smooth, even color with no brush marks and wipes clean easily, which makes it a popular choice for solid white and painted-look kitchens.

Yes. Soft-close hinges and drawer glides are available as options, along with new drawer boxes. Your designer will include them as separate lines on your quote.

Yes. We can add or replace individual cabinets, including pantries and islands, and install pull-outs and organizers. See cabinet accessories for storage options.

Yes. We install quartz, granite, laminate and solid surface countertops, templated after the cabinets are refaced, and ceramic, porcelain, glass or natural stone backsplash tile, which usually takes 1–2 days.

Yes. Your designer brings door samples, finish swatches and hardware to the consultation. You can also visit our showrooms in Wood Dale, St. Charles, Madison or New Berlin; walk-ins are welcome during open hours, and appointments are recommended.

Doors and drawer fronts carry a lifetime limited warranty for the original homeowner. Our workmanship is covered by a 5-year warranty. Refacello is licensed and insured.

The lifetime limited warranty on doors and drawer fronts applies to the original homeowner. Your designer can walk you through the full warranty terms before you sign.

Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water, then dry the surface. Avoid abrasive pads, scouring powders and harsh solvents, and wipe up spills near the sink and dishwasher promptly.

Direct, concentrated heat can damage thermofoil over time. Keep toaster ovens, slow cookers and steam vents from venting straight onto doors, and your designer can point out any spots in your layout to watch.

Contact us through customer service and we’ll schedule a visit. Hinge and alignment adjustments fall under our 5-year workmanship warranty.