Kitchen Cabinet Repair Primer: Considering Supplies and Budget
By Kelly RichardsonRefacingCabinet.com Columnist
When you think of kitchen cabinet repair options, refacing typically comes to mind. Refacing is the process of removing cabinet and drawer fronts and installing new pieces. The effect is striking, and much easier on the wallet than a full replacement. You can do the project yourself or hire a professional contractor.
If you're an experienced do-it-yourselfer, it is likely you will have most of the supplies in your workshop. Other tools can be rented from a home and garden center. For those who plan on commissioning the work, be sure to get accurate cost estimates when comparing potential contractors.
Cabinet Refacing Supplies: Always Be Prepared
Getting the right tools and supplies is half of the job. Having the wrong or missing components for a project can delay work or cause errors. The DoItYourself blog lists the cabinet refacing supplies most commonly used in a kitchen cabinet repair project:
- Brad nailer
- Clamps
- Cordless drill
- Hammer and nails
- Handsaw
- Level
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Screwdriver and screws
- Small pry bar
- Straight edge
- Table, miter and circular saws
- Utility knife
- Wood glue
Cabinet Refacing Costs: Guide Your Budget
If you are not the do-it-yourself type, hire a professional contractor to complete the job. Kitchen cabinet repairs are a buyer's market, so it is valuable to have a good idea about expected labor costs. The WoodWeb blog offers information about current rates for kitchen cabinet repair:
- Between $100 and $125 per opening at the door side (not including extra moldings, sliding trays, etc.)
- Average kitchen refacing job ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, cost and labor included
Each project is different, and the market can change at any time, so seek advice from local professionals to get a more accurate range of expected costs.
About The Author
Kelly C. Richardson, MEd is a freelance writer and manic do-it-yourselfer. He specializes in home improvement projects ranging from savvy landscaping to house repair and beyond. Find out more about him at kellyrichardsoncopywriting.com.
