Our cabinet refacing process, from first visit to final walk-through
Five steps, one project manager and a typical install of 3–5 days. Here’s exactly what happens and when.
The cabinet refacing process in five steps
Our cabinet refacing process is the same for every kitchen in Chicagoland and Wisconsin. Doors are made to order, so plan on about 4–6 weeks from final measure to install.
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Free in-home design consultation
A designer visits for about 60–90 minutes, measures your kitchen and brings door samples, finish swatches and hardware. You leave with a written, itemized quote, often the same day, and no obligation.
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Precision measure
Once you decide, your project manager measures every door, drawer, frame and end panel, confirms your selections and notes anything unusual, such as out-of-square frames. From here on, this is your one point of contact.
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Doors and veneer made to order
Your doors, drawer fronts, veneer and any options are built to those measurements. Your project manager confirms the install dates with you while production runs.
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Installation in 3–5 days
A refacing crew protects your floors and counters, does the work and cleans up every day. There’s no demolition, and your sink and appliances stay connected unless countertops are being replaced.
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Final walk-through
Your project manager checks every door and drawer with you, makes any adjustments, and goes over care and your warranty.
What each install day looks like
A typical kitchen takes 3–5 days; smaller kitchens finish sooner. This is how a full five-day installation usually runs.
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Day 1
Protect, remove and prep
The crew covers floors and countertops, removes old doors, drawer fronts and hinges, and cleans and preps the face frames for veneer.
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Day 2
Veneer frames and end panels
New veneer goes onto face frames and exposed end panels and is trimmed flush. Any added or replaced cabinets, like a pantry, are set in place.
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Day 3
Hang doors and drawer fronts
New hinges are mounted, doors are hung and drawer fronts attached. New drawer boxes and soft-close glides go in if they’re part of your order.
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Day 4
Trim, options and hardware
Crown molding, light rail, valances, pull-outs and under-cabinet lighting are installed, followed by your pulls and knobs.
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Day 5
Adjust, clean and walk through
Doors and drawers are aligned, gaps evened out and touch-ups done. After a final cleaning, your project manager walks the kitchen with you.
How to prepare your kitchen
A little preparation keeps install week on schedule. Our guide to preparing your kitchen for refacing has more detail.
The week before
- Empty cabinets and drawers, or box up their contents
- Clear countertops and the tops of upper cabinets
- Set up a temporary coffee and snack station in another room
- Plan where pets will stay during work hours
What we need from you
- An adult at home to let the crew in on the first day
- Parking close to the door for the crew’s vehicle
- Access to a working outlet near the kitchen
- A spot in the garage or driveway for cutting and setup
- Time for the final walk-through on the last day
After installation: care and warranty
Refaced cabinets need very little care. Wipe doors and frames with a soft cloth and mild soap and water, dry them afterward, and clean up spills promptly, especially near the sink and dishwasher.
Your doors and drawer fronts carry a lifetime limited warranty for the original homeowner, and our workmanship is covered for 5 years. If a hinge loosens or a door needs adjusting, reach out through customer service and we’ll schedule a visit.
- Avoid abrasive pads, scouring powders and harsh solvents
- Keep toasters, slow cookers and steam vents from venting straight onto doors
- Don’t hang damp towels over door edges for long periods
- Tighten pulls and knobs by hand if they loosen over time
Plan ahead of your consultation
A few minutes with these pages makes the first visit more productive.
Cabinet refacing process questions
Have a question we didn’t answer? Call (630) 555-0140 or send us a note.
How long does the cabinet refacing process take from start to finish?
After the consultation and precision measure, doors are made to order, which takes about 4–6 weeks. Installation then takes 3–5 days for a typical kitchen.
Can I use my kitchen during installation?
Mostly, yes. There’s no demolition, and your sink and appliances stay connected unless countertops are being replaced. Expect some limits on the area the crew is working in each day.
Do I need to be home the whole time?
No. 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.
What if I’m replacing countertops too?
Countertops are templated after the cabinets are refaced. Stone fabrication takes about 7–10 days after templating, and installation takes about one day. See countertops for details.
Will there be dust and noise?
Some, mostly from trimming veneer and drilling for hinges and hardware. We cover surfaces, keep cutting away from your living space where possible, and clean the work area every day.
What if something isn’t right after the install?
Call your project manager or customer service. Adjustments and workmanship issues are covered by our 5-year workmanship warranty.
See your kitchen with new doors before you commit
A designer comes to your home with door samples, finishes and hardware, measures your cabinets and leaves a written, itemized quote. It’s free, and there’s no pressure to decide that day.
- Tell us a little about your kitchen
- Pick a time for your in-home design visit
- New doors installed in 3–5 days