THE SHORT ANSWER
Estimate cabinet refacing from a door-and-drawer schedule plus the exposed surfaces of sound cabinet boxes. Separate products, veneer labor, hardware and alignment; a face count alone misses important work.
The worked project in this guide is 12-door kitchen cabinet refresh. It uses an original fictional job to explain the estimating decisions, with a matching cabinet refacing PDF example. Replace the example inputs with your measurements, supplier quotes and labor costs.
1. Inventory every opening
Count doors and drawer fronts by size, swing and location. Photograph special corners and appliance panels so the supplier schedule can be reconciled to the actual kitchen.
2. Inspect existing boxes
Refacing assumes boxes that can remain. Record loose joints, water damage or out-of-square openings before pricing; box replacement changes the scope rather than becoming invisible prep.
3. Measure exposed surfaces
Veneer area is not the kitchen floor area or cabinet run length. Measure visible end panels, face frames and other surfaces to receive the selected finish.
4. Separate hardware decisions
Confirm hinge type, pull selection and who supplies them. Include a final adjustment line so the handoff describes operating doors rather than merely delivered components.
A worked cabinet refacing calculation
Twelve door allowances × $145 = $1,740. Six drawer-front allowances × $75 = $450. The combined $2,190 product amount excludes veneer, hardware and fitting.
The complete example contains 8 lines totaling $6,831.00 before any tax or markup. These are deliberately stated example prices, not a survey, regional price recommendation or offer to perform the job.
To set your own selling price, review direct costs and decide how you will cover overhead and profit. For example, adding 20% to a $1,000 cost gives $1,200; it does not produce a 20% gross margin. Use the approach you intend consistently, and avoid adding a second markup to rates that already include it.
Before you send the estimate
- Count and identify all doors and drawer fronts.
- Inspect cabinet-box condition.
- Measure veneer coverage.
- Confirm hardware and finish selections.
Example scope boundary: No cabinet-box replacement, layout change, countertop work, appliance panels not listed or concealed moisture repair.
Review the client name, location, validity date and all calculations. Tax is not included in this example; determine the correct treatment for the actual work rather than copying a sample percentage.
Common questions
Is refacing the same as cabinet replacement?
No. This example retains suitable cabinet boxes and prices new visible faces and hardware. Replacement cabinets require another takeoff.
Can door count price the whole job?
Door count helps, but drawer fronts, box veneer, hardware and preparation need their own quantities or defined allowances.
TAKE THE NEXT JOB FROM SCOPE TO PDF
Make your own cabinet refacing estimate.
Use Estimates on iPhone or Android to draft a scope with AI assistance or enter your own items. Review quantities and rates, add your business logo, and export a PDF. Example files are free to view; app features may require an in-app purchase.
