How much to restain kitchen cabinets
How Much Does Cabinet Refacing Cost? A Budgeting Guide (2022)
Photo: depositphotos.com
- Typical Range: $4,292 to $9,974
- National Average: $7,132
Tired of the old, outdated cabinets in your house? A full kitchen or bathroom remodel to replace old cabinets and update the footprint is no small task—and it’s pricey. That’s why more homeowners are opting for an alternative: cabinet refacing. You get all the benefits of the fresh look of new cabinets but with less work and cost. On average, homeowners pay between $4,292 and $9,974, with an average of $7,132 for cabinet refacing costs. The number of cabinets being refaced, materials, and labor rates will determine the price. Completing a full kitchen cabinet refacing will cost more than just a bathroom cabinet refacing since it’s a larger space.
Need cabinet refacing?
Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.
Find a Pro
+ What Is Cabinet Refacing? How Does Cabinet Refacing Work?Cabinet refacing is the happy medium between tearing out and replacing cabinets and simply updating the exterior. When homeowners choose to reface their cabinets, the contractor removes the cabinet doors and hardware, then works to reapply new laminate or veneer finish, doors and drawers, and hardware. They will also make any minor repairs. You can get totally updated cabinets for nearly half the cost of a complete cabinet replacement project, which is why it’s an appealing option for cost-conscious homeowners. It may not be the best option, however, if your existing cabinets are damaged, don’t operate well, or if you just need a better layout. A refacing project works more to update the look rather than the functionality or overall design. When a cabinet refacing project is complete, your kitchen will feel brand new within the original footprint.
When it comes to updating cabinets, there are three options: refacing, replacing, and refinishing. Here’s the breakdown of how each option works, plus their average costs.
Refacing cabinets typically costs between $4,000 to $9,000, which averages at least 30 to 50 percent less than replacing.
The installer can update the entire finish to a new color or texture; add new doors, drawers, and hardware; and correct minor problems. During the update, the cabinet boxes remain in place, but they’ll be treated and refreshed with a new veneer surface.
Replacing cabinets offers the chance to completely redesign the layout and number of cabinets in the kitchen. It’s a more complex process that will include other considerations like new flooring to cover where old cabinets were, adjusting light fixture positions, and installing new countertops. When you replace cabinets, the entire cabinet box will be removed to make room for new cabinets. The cost to replace cabinets (not including other remodeling costs) averages $4,500 to at least $18,000.
Don't reface your cabinets on your own
A top-rated pro can help. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.
Find a Pro
+Opting to refinish cabinets is an even more cost-conscious option, but it comes with limitations.
Refinishing a cabinet means the cabinet is simply resurfaced with new paint or stain. Some cabinets cannot be refinished, so it’s not always an option. Additionally, refinishing a cabinet doesn’t include changing the doors and drawers for a new design. However, this may be all you need if your cabinets are a classic style and just a little worn down.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Factors in Calculating Cabinet Refacing CostWhen planning a budget for cabinet refacing costs, homeowners will need to factor in the quality of materials, the size of the kitchen or room being updated, and labor rates by location.
Quality of MaterialsThere are a few options for refacing your existing cabinets: laminate, high-quality veneer, and real wood veneer. Laminate is the cheapest and may crack or chip over time, while real wood is the most durable option since it’s an extremely thin piece of actual wood placed over the cabinet pieces. The price will entirely depend on how many cabinets will need to be refaced and current local rates, but some general averages are as follows.
- Laminate costs an average of $91 per linear foot or $1,000 to $3,000 total.
- High-quality veneer costs an average of $193 per linear foot or $2,500 to $6,500 total.
- Real wood veneer costs an average of $454 per linear foot or $6,000 to $14,000 total.
Every cabinet that needs to be refaced adds cost to the total price. For any remodeling project, large kitchens naturally cost more than smaller kitchens, and refacing cabinets is no different. For an average full-size kitchen, homeowners will likely pay between $7,000 and $12,000 to reface 30 linear feet of kitchen cabinets.
Need a hand?
A pro can reface your cabinets for you. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.
Find a Pro
+ Labor and TimeIt’s a time-intensive, challenging process to prep and reface cabinets. A contractor will have to carefully measure inside and out before removing the doors and drawers and sanding down every exposed surface.
Only then can the new finish be applied and the new doors, hardware, and drawers replaced. If the average cost for a kitchen cabinet refacing is $7,000 to $12,000, then approximately $4,500 to $7,500 of that will go toward labor.
There isn’t a difference in the cost to reface cabinets based solely on the type of room; cabinets are cabinets no matter which room they’re in. The price differences are based on the number of cabinets and the material. An office or bedroom with lots of cabinets could cost as much to reface as would a small kitchen.
Geographic LocationLabor and material costs vary significantly based on your location. Urban areas tend to have higher costs than more rural or suburban areas, and prices differ even from one metropolitan area to the next. Here are some average cabinet refacing costs by city:
Advertisement
- Boise: $2,640
- Boston: $6,740
- Chicago: $7,020
- Denver: $5,380
- Houston: $5,890
- Los Angeles: $8,600
- Nashville: $6,420
- New York: $7,630
- Tampa: $5,240
Photo: depositphotos.
com
When venturing into a cabinet refacing project, there are additional options to improve the appearance of a kitchen or bathroom. Refinishing a countertop is a popular option, but homeowners may also want to update some cabinet accessories, hardware, or mirrors.
Countertop RefinishingIf you’re updating very old cabinets, it’s worth considering updating laminate countertops simultaneously. Once the cabinets pop with a fresh finish, the countertops may stick out like a sore thumb. Depending on the size and kind of counters, refacing with new laminate costs around $400. Make sure to match the colors so everything in the kitchen blends well.
Cabinet AccessoriesRefacing cabinets is only one way to bring up the kitchen’s appeal. Many homeowners also opt to add under-the-cabinet lighting, crown molding, or glass inserts (which usually costs between $100 and $400 per linear foot).
Additional upgrades could include hideaway trash cans, built-in wine racks, or new lazy Susans. Ask your local contractors which other services they offer and at what price.
Need cabinet refacing?
Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.
Find a Pro
+ Hardware ReplacementsReplacing the cabinets’ knobs or handles could be essential to the overall upgrade since some hardware clearly dates itself. Prices range widely for new handles, so you could pay from $1 up to $100 per piece. Hinges are a much cheaper piece of hardware that usually cost between $1 and $25 each.
Cabinet Mirror ReplacementSome bathrooms have a built-in cabinet mirror. These are a little more challenging to replace since they’re a somewhat custom piece, but expect to pay $250 to $900, including installation. As always, this is dependent on the size and quality of materials.
Return on InvestmentYou might be wondering whether refacing cabinets is a good investment: It definitely is.
Cabinet refacing costs have a 65 to 75 percent return on investment (ROI). Not only that, but fresh cabinets are a huge selling point for those looking to sell their home. Additionally, refacing the cabinets helps extend their lives by another 20 to 30 years.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Cabinet Refacing Cost: Types of Cabinet MaterialsThere are four common types of finishes to choose from to reface cabinets. But within those options, there are several colors and textures available. Some are a more durable choice than others, but even budget-friendly options will work well to update the cabinets’ appearance.
Wood VeneersWood veneers are a high-quality option that gives the best faux wood look without the higher cost of natural wood. They come as thin strips or sheets of material made to look like oak, birch, walnut, maple, ash, hickory, and more. They should be sealed to help protect against wearing out in a moist kitchen or bathroom environment.
Wood veneer is stronger than laminate but not as robust as real wood. The average cost ranges from $2,500 to $6,000.
Advertisement
Plastic LaminateLaminate refacing costs between $1,000 and $4,000. It’s one of the cheaper options that offers many color choices. It doesn’t have the long-lasting resistance to chipping or cracking that other refacing materials provide. Laminate can easily wrap corners as compared to veneer or wood, making refacing with laminate easier.
Don't go about cabinet refacing alone
Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.
Find a Pro
+ Rigid ThermofoilIn certain areas, the most budget-friendly option could be rigid thermofoil laminate. It’s a plastic laminate that also looks like wood and requires little care. This type can be made with Formica or melamine, but the melamine version will not work well in humid or hot environments.
You’ll pay an average of $1,000 to $3,000 for this type of cabinet refacing.
Solid wood refacing material is the best long-term investment for refacing cabinets, but it’s also the most costly. However, solid wood is the easiest to repair or replace, and it lasts the longest. The doors and drawers are extremely durable after being refaced. For $5,000 to $10,000, you can have solid wood refacing done to make your cabinets look brand new.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Benefits of Cabinet RefacingMost Americans spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially when it’s designed with an open floor plan that extends right into a roomy sitting area. When there are old cabinets in the kitchen, it can feel dreary and dull walking into the space since they take up most of the kitchen’s visual space. If a full kitchen remodel isn’t an option, refacing the cabinets might just give the refreshing feeling you’re searching for. There are several styles and options, and the process is faster than a remodel, more cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly.
There are almost as many refacing options as there are cabinet options. You can update the cabinets with gray driftwood, bright white, or a dramatic black contemporary look. The color, style, or texture of the cabinets can completely transform the room. A home refresh doesn’t have to include blowing out walls, redesigning the footprint, or other expensive options when so many styles for refacing are available at a lower cost. Take a walk through The Home Depot or a local cabinet company to see what options are available for cabinet refacing.
Fast InstallationA kitchen remodel can take weeks, depending on how big the project is, but a cabinet refacing project takes less than a week. It’s the simplest and fastest way to improve any room that needs a cabinet update. The cabinet boxes remain in place, so the installer only has to reface each surface, update the hardware, and install the new or updated doors and drawers.
Need a hand?
Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.
Find a Pro
+ Kitchen AccessibilityMost cabinet refacing projects happen in the kitchen, where the majority of the cabinets are located. In most cases, kitchens have more space for the installers to work, so it’s easier to get the job done, which means you pay less for labor.
Environmentally-Friendly ChoiceIf you’re conscious about your carbon footprint or the amount of waste you produce, cabinet refacing is the most sensible choice compared with an entire remodel. Installers don’t need to rip out and dispose of all the old cabinets, walls, flooring, or any other material that gets removed during a remodel.
Advertisement
Cost-Effective ChoiceCabinet refacing is a much smaller job that gives you all the benefits of a total cabinet makeover. You get fresh, clean, stylish cabinets at less than the cost of installing new ones since you save money on materials and labor.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Cabinet Refacing Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a ProfessionalYou’re probably aware that installing cabinets can be challenging to make sure they’re level and even. But what about refacing cabinets? Surprisingly enough, refacing a cabinet is considered more challenging than installing cabinets since the materials take some time to get familiar with. Refacing cabinets is not to be confused with refinishing cabinets, which is a typical and more straightforward DIY improvement project that many homeowners take on. But refacing projects are best left to a pro. Making mistakes can quickly eat away at any savings you may have realized by attempting a DIY installation, not to mention it will likely take you much longer to complete.
Veneer, laminate, and solid wood refacing materials are challenging to measure and apply to the cabinets to ensure they resist falling apart or allowing moisture in over time. Installers use a variety of uncommon tools to get the job done, too.
This experience is what allows you to have freshly updated cabinets in a mere 3 to 5 days that will last for years to come. For added peace of mind, the installation company should offer a warranty or guarantee to help protect your investment.
Need cabinet refacing?
Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.
Find a Pro
+How to Save Money on Cabinet Refacing Cost
We all prefer to save money on big home improvement projects since they can quickly eat up a budget. Fortunately, refacing your cabinets is already cheaper than replacing them, so you’re well on your way to saving money. Check out these tips for saving even more money on cabinet refacing costs.
- Ask for quotes from at least three reputable companies.
- Choose your hardware carefully. New handles, knobs, and hinges can quickly increase costs.
- See if you can get the hardware you like at a lower cost from a local hardware store rather than through the installer.
- Opt for a cheaper material than solid wood.
- Compare styles of doors to choose what works for your budget and meets the overall design you’re looking for.
- Avoid adding extra features like glass inserts or under-the-cabinet lighting. You can always add lighting later.
- Skip the soft-close doors that add hundreds of dollars to the total cost without being essential to the operation of the door.
- Consider if you really need a glaze to boost the appearance or if the traditional finish will work just fine.
- Ask about military discounts or those for seniors, teachers, or first responders.
- If your neighbors are considering refacing their cabinets, ask if there is a volume discount to book more than one job in the neighborhood.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Questions to Ask About Cabinet Refacing CostAlways ask a potential contractor about their experience and if they’re insured and licensed (for cabinet refacing, a license and a permit may not be required, but check local jurisdiction laws for the requirements).
You want to know you’re hiring a qualified expert who is up to the challenge. Here are some additional questions you can ask to help choose the right professional.
- What kind of material do you recommend for this region?
- How long will it last?
- What is your process for the whole project?
- Do you reface the interior of the cabinets too?
- Do you complete all the work on-site or remove the doors and drawers to work on them at your shop?
- Can you use hardware that I’ve already purchased?
- How will you protect the other surfaces in my kitchen, bathroom, or office?
- How do you apply any sealant, top coat, or stains without affecting other surfaces?
- How long will this project take?
- Can I use my cabinets as soon as you’re done?
- Are you able to add extra features like crown molding, under-the-cabinet lighting, or glass inserts?
- What kind of warranties do you include?
You have fewer decisions to make for a cabinet refacing project than for a total renovation, but it’s best to have as much information as possible.
Working with a professional company will help alleviate concerns you may have and ensure the quality of the work you’re having done. With the answers to these frequently asked questions, you’ll be well prepared to start your cabinet improvement project.
Advertisement
Q. Is it cheaper to reface or replace cabinets?Since refacing cabinets involves replacing only the surface of the cabinets with new materials and updating the hardware, it’s cheaper to simply reface them. Replacing cabinets costs more since the entire cabinets are removed and new ones are installed. It requires more labor and material, which means you’ll pay more.
Q. How long does it take to reface cabinets?Most projects only take 2 to 4 days. Updating multiple rooms may take longer.
Q. How often should I reface my cabinets?It depends on the care and condition of your cabinets. High-humidity environments can wreak havoc on some cabinet materials, which means you may need to reface them more frequently or upgrade to a more suitable, durable material.
Cabinets with significant damage cannot be refaced, so if they are sagging, warped, rotted, or otherwise visibly damaged, they’ll need to be replaced completely. Minor surface damage can be corrected during a refacing project, though. Cabinets in good condition that aren’t damaged by use or accident can be refaced and last at least 20 to 30 years.
Find trusted local pros for any home project
Find Pros Now
+How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Cabinets in Your Home?
Typical Range:
$1,823 - $4,148
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 3,678 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
How We Get This Data
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.
- When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.
- We compile the data and report costs back to you.
Updated September 8, 2022
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.
Written by HomeAdvisor.
The cost to refinish cabinets can range between $1,823 and $4,148, with an average cost of $2,978. The overall price depends on several factors, including the type of refinishing you choose and the cabinet’s location within your home.
On This Page:
- Cabinet Refinishing Cost Calculator
- Cost to Refinish Cabinets by Finishing Type
- Staining Cabinets
- Painting Cabinets
- Glazing Cabinets
- Varnishing Cabinets
- Shellacking Cabinets
- Average Cost to Refinish Cabinets by Location
- Kitchen Cabinets
- Bathroom Cabinets
- Office Cabinets
- Cabinet Refinishing Cost Factors
- Size and Number of Cabinets
- Labor
- Preparation and Repair
- Refacing
- Custom Work
- DIY vs.
Hiring a Pro - FAQs
Cabinet Refinishing Cost Calculator
Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?
Where are you located?
ZIP Code
| National Average | $2,978 |
| Typical Range | $1,823 - $4,148 |
| Low End - High End | $700 - $6,600 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 3,678 HomeAdvisor members.
Cost to Refinish Cabinets by Finishing Type
The cost to refinish cabinets varies depending on the specific finishing type.
All refinishing projects start the same, with removing the old paint or stain and some sanding to get down to the bare wood. But beyond that, your choice of the finish type impacts your overall cost.
Staining Cabinets
Cabinet staining costs around $100 to $200 per project or $4 to $8 per square foot. This is a great way to redo the look of natural wood with affordable materials. However, staining only works with solid wood, so if you have veneers, go for another type of finish. Choose a darker color than the original coat for the best results.
Painting Cabinets
The cost to paint cabinets is around $200 to $300 per project or $6 to $14 per square foot. When painting cabinets, make sure your pro chooses paints specifically made for kitchens to minimize premature chipping.
Glazing Cabinets
Glazing cabinets cost approximately $300 to $1,000 per project or $10 to $25 per square foot. This semi-transparent coating goes on after paint, giving the wood an antique or retro look.
Glazing typically alters the color of the wood, so carefully choose the correct glaze for your cabinets.
Varnishing Cabinets
Varnishing cabinets cost around $200 to $400 per project or $6 to $16 per square foot. Varnishing comes in several different types, such as polyurethane and conversion, and homeowners choose it because they want to retain the wood cabinets to keep their natural look.
Shellacking Cabinets
Shellacking cabinets cost about $200 to $400 per project or $6 to $16 per square foot. Shellac does a great job at both sealing the wood and creating a warm and natural semi-transparent finish.
Average Cost to Refinish Cabinets by Location
Where your cabinets are located can also affect the cost. Kitchen cabinets tend to be larger and more expensive to finish, while bathroom and office cabinet refinishing is typically less costly.
Kitchen Cabinets
The cost to refinish kitchen cabinets is about $1,500 to $5,000 per project.
Kitchen cabinets are the largest by size and the most common cabinet refinishing job due to the kitchen's moisture and heat, which can warp wood. An average kitchen requires 150 square feet of materials and labor.
Bathroom Cabinets
Refinishing bathroom cabinets cost about $200 to $2,000 per project. The bathroom is another prime source of moisture and heat, leading to more refinishing jobs. But since bathrooms are often much smaller than kitchens, the cost is generally less.
Office Cabinets
Refinishing office cabinets cost around $500 to $2,000 per project. Home offices are typically medium-size and don't come into contact with moisture or heat, minimizing refinishing needs.
Get a Quote From a Cabinet Contractor
ZIP Code
Get Estimates NowCabinet Refinishing Cost Factors
Many local cabinet refinishing pros charge per project for cabinet refinishing, which averages $2,700, but this price fluctuates depending on various factors.
Pricing changes slightly by the finish type, design complexity, and number of cabinets. Refinishing allows color changes to match your new design. It also makes worn surfaces with scuffs, scratches, and old paint look brand-new.
Size and Number of Cabinets
The size and number of cabinets are two of the most significant factors that affect the total cost. For example, refinishing kitchen cabinets—which tend to be larger and more numerous—cost about $1,500 to $5,000 per project, while refinishing office cabinets—which tend to be smaller and fewer—cost around $500 to $2,000 per project.
Labor
Cabinet refinishing laborers charge around $55 per hour, though this price fluctuates according to their experience level and job complexity. When gathering price options, you’ll run into estimates for the completed project and others that take materials and the hourly rate into account.
Preparation and Repair
The cost to repair cabinets is about $300 and generally isn’t included in the total project cost.
Consider going with a new installation if your cabinets require massive amounts of repair.
Wood cabinets also need significant prep before applying any refinishing materials. A cabinet repair pro can wrap up much of this prep work into the overall project cost, including removing old paint, repairing splits, patching up holes, sanding surfaces, and fixing minor breaks.
Refacing
The cost to reface cabinets is approximately $4,000 to $9,500, about three to four times the cost of refinishing. If your wood requires a lot of work to get it shipshape, some pros recommend refacing as an alternative to refinishing. Refacing keeps the overall structure of your cabinets, but replaces drawers, door fronts, knobs, and other aesthetic flourishes, in addition to placing veneers over the wood.
Custom Work
If you have the budget, there are plenty of custom refinishing options for your cabinets, with the most expensive jobs costing about $5,000. For example, installing under-cabinet lighting costs between $230 and $300 per light.
Pros regularly turn cabinets into works of art, with ornate carvings and unique types of finishing materials. These complex and custom jobs take more time, expertise, and work, so you'll pay extra.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Cabinet Refinisher
Refinishing is a good DIY project if you have the time, tools, experience, patience, and space to do it correctly. You’ll need a work area like a large garage or backyard to strip and refinish the various pieces of cabinet.
This time-intensive project takes anywhere from three to five full days of work or 30 to 50 hours. For the DIY-er, that translates into roughly two weeks of after-hours work. And remember, you won't have a functioning kitchen during this time frame. In other words, you'll save money but lose time, as pros take just one to three days to finish most projects.
While refinishing your cabinets, also consider other remodeling tasks at the same time. The cost to remodel a kitchen is $26,000 on average, but homeowners can save costs on many smaller remodeling projects by handling it themselves.
Get Estimates for Painting or Staining Your Cabinets
ZIP Code
Get A Quote TodayFrequently Asked Questions
How do you choose the best cabinet refinishing expert?
You can choose the best cabinet refinishing expert by doing your research before hiring a pro. There are many contractors out there adept at refinishing cabinets, so choosing one can feel overwhelming. Contact a cabinet refinishing pro to discuss pricing options, the size of your cabinets, their overall condition, and anything else relevant to the project. Ask for contact information on previous clients and reach out to them to discuss their experience with the pro in question.
What questions should I ask my pro about cabinet refinishing?
There are many relevant questions to ask any potential cabinet contractor near you beyond the pricing, schedule availability, and job size, such as the following:
Is your work guaranteed?
Do you perform custom work?
Can you produce any custom colors?
Do you have samples of your work?
Can you match the finish to other cabinets throughout my home?
How long will the project take?
How do you care for refinished cabinets?
You care for refinished cabinets by practicing these maintenance tips to keep them looking great:
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or chemicals since they strip away the refinishing agent over time.
Use a gentle cleaning solution, like 2 parts warm water and 1 part dish soap.
Avoid spraying any cleaning solution directly onto the cabinets. Instead, spray a small amount onto a microfiber cloth, and wipe down the cabinets slowly and carefully.
Limit the amount of heat and moisture that comes in contact with the cabinets.
Is it cheaper to refinish or replace cabinets?
It's typically less costly to refinish cabinets than to replace them. Refinishing cabinets cost an average of $3,000 while replacing cabinets is about $5,000 or more. When deciding to refinish or replace cabinets, consider several factors, including how old your cabinets are, your budget, and whether you need to complete any other renovation projects at the same time.
Is it worth it to resurface cabinets?
It may be worth resurfacing (also known as refacing) your cabinets if they’re in good shape but you’re interested in a different look.
This is often less expensive than replacing cabinets outright and can allow you to update the look of your cabinets to reflect your kitchen’s current style without having to get rid of them entirely. The cost to reface cabinets is around $7,100, and you can hire a local cabinet refacing pro to handle this work.
Related Projects Costs
- Reface Cabinets
- Repair Cabinets
- Install or Replace Cabinets
- Remodel a Kitchen
- Remodel a Bathroom
- Renovate or Convert a Garage
- Remodel a Basement
- Refinish Furniture
- Refinish Hardwood Floors
- Refinish an Appliance
Popular Categories
- Additions & Remodels
- Bathrooms
- Heating & Cooling
- Kitchens
- Landscape
- All Categories
Popular Projects
- Hire a Handyman
- Hire a Maid Service
- Install Landscaping
- Remodel a Bathroom
- Remodel a Kitchen
Featured Articles
- How Much Does it Cost to Install or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
- How Much Does a Home Addition Cost?
- Install Countertops
- How Much Does it Cost to Install a Window?
- How Much Does It Cost to Clean Gutters?
Find Cabinet Refinishing Contractors Near You
- Las Vegas, NV
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- Houston, TX
- Chicago, IL
- San Diego, CA
- Denver, CO
- Miami, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Orlando, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Charlotte, NC
- Minneapolis, MN
- Austin, TX
- Henderson, NV
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Littleton, CO
- New York, NY
- Louisville, KY
- Tucson, AZ
- Saint Louis, MO
- Saint Paul, MN
- Portland, OR
- Cincinnati, OH
- Kansas City, MO
- Jacksonville, FL
- San Jose, CA
- Aurora, CO
- Fort Worth, TX
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Indianapolis, IN
- Dallas, TX
- Seattle, WA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Mesa, AZ
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Sacramento, CA
- Vancouver, WA
Don't see your city?
At what height to hang kitchen cabinets, how to properly organize kitchen cabinet drawers, designer's advice
To make working in the kitchen a pleasure, sometimes it is enough to raise the countertop or outweigh the cabinet
Natalia Preobrazhenskaya | Bureau "Uyutnaya Kvartira"
When you need to make the kitchen comfortable, you start with ergonomics (the science of the correct trajectories of movement and ease of use of things).
How to properly organize the workspace, at what height to hang kitchen cabinets and where is it better to store the most necessary items? There are clear recommendations for all these questions and sizes are calculated (I summarized the information in the picture above). But even this is not all the knowledge that you will need when creating a project. So, what to do if the kitchen is already there, but the amenities are not.
Pavel Zheleznov
Problem: Your back hurts while working on the countertop
Most likely, the work surface is too low for you. Many kitchens are made to the standards introduced into factory production back in the 1950s. That is, they are designed for "those" women of average height (165 cm). And women have grown noticeably in half a century. And if your height is above average, it will be inconvenient for you to cut Olivier on a countertop for a long time, 85 cm high. Constant inclinations create an increased load on the muscles of the back and spine.
Calculating which height is right for you is easy: bend your elbow at a right angle and measure 15 cm down from it. Approximately at this level, your comfortable countertop should be. If there are several people of different heights in the family, choose the height for the one who cooks more often. Do not try to find the perfect option that will suit everyone at once - on the contrary, it will be inconvenient for everyone.
Evgeny Yakushev
Solution: Replace the legs of the kitchen set, since they are now available in almost any hardware store. In a pinch, the legs can be made to order, along with plinth trims to cover them. Unfortunately, replacing the legs of previously installed furniture is almost a complete repair in the kitchen: it is impossible to install them on the lower tier of cabinets without dismantling the sink, turning off the stove and other equipment. With all the simplicity of the operation, you will have to mess around all day.
Therefore, think twice if you are ordering a kitchen right now: immediately take the legs above the standard ones.
RELATED…
Important centimeters: Standard mounting heights
Photo idea: If the plinth is quite high, use this place. Built in a drawer to store your essentials.
Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects
Problem: head hitting wall cabinets
1. Most likely, the countertop is too narrow. The standard depth of the working surface (from the edge to the kitchen apron) is 60 cm. It turns out that the upper cabinets with a depth of about 30-35 cm cover more than half of the area. You stand nearby - you rest your face on them, you try to take something from the wall - you curl into three dooms.
Solution: Replace the countertop with a deeper one. Even 10 cm added to the standard 60 will greatly improve your working conditions.
Wall cabinets will move away, the view will increase, and the work surface will become larger. As a bonus, there will be an additional place to put a toaster or coffee maker.
Greenleaf Construction
Photo idea: Don't make the countertop too deep, otherwise getting to the contents of the wall cabinets (or opening the window) will be quite problematic. A folding ladder in the basement drawer or an electric opening drive on the window sash will solve the problem.
Anna Kolpakova-Sanasaryan
In the photo: pay attention to how conveniently the designer fit the wooden tabletop into the space — she added 15 extra centimeters to the set from the kitchen side
2. The second possible reason is that the facades of the cabinets are too low. In the first diagram in this article, I showed at what height it is recommended to hang kitchen cabinets.
But height is a relative and individual concept: perhaps with your height it will be more convenient for you if the distance between the countertop and the lower edge of the wall cabinet is not 60, but 55 or even 50 cm. The main thing is that you can easily get what you need from the cabinet .
How to calculate at what height to hang kitchen cabinets? - Add 25 cm to the height of the hostess / owner - get the height of the upper edge of the wall cabinet.
Solution: Hang cabinets for easy access. Yes, you will have to completely unload them. And, perhaps, there will be a problem with the kitchen apron (often it is laid out exactly to the border of the upper cabinet - when raised, a gap forms, and when lowered, the cabinet will stand back from the wall).
Natalia Preobrazhenskaya | Bureau "Uyutnaya Kvartira"
Problem: open doors of wall cabinets interfere
At what height kitchen cabinets should be hung, we have already found out.
But what about the doors? The problem most often occurs in a small kitchen, where the owners wanted to save on a headset. In the cabin, they were most likely told that two doors cost more than one of the same width. And they ordered the only one 60 cm wide. Now, in the open state, it blocks half the kitchen, and you can open it only by moving half a meter away.
Swing cabinets are not the most convenient solution in a small kitchen. Fortunately, today facades can be equipped with various lifting mechanisms, but they can also cause trouble (in the diagram above, I showed the right and wrong options).
LDa Architecture & Interiors
The main thing to pay attention to is the opening angle of the doors. If the facade rises 90 degrees, bumps cannot be avoided: the door will be just at the level of the forehead. It is better if the angle is at least 110 degrees. Ideally, all 180. A cabinet with a vertically rising facade is convenient and safe, but when open, the door will block the shelf or cabinet located above.
In my opinion, folding, upward opening facades are the best solution for the kitchen (example in the photo).
Solution: Change the cabinet opening mechanism. It is not necessary to install a lift on all facades, it is quite expensive. Choose the ones you use the most. Unfortunately, in most cases, you will have to buy not only new hinges / closers, but also a different facade.
Natalia Preobrazhenskaya | Bureau "Uyutnaya Kvartira"
Problem: splashes from the sink fly on the stove and refrigerator
A possible reason is the wrong size of the working triangle: the top (sink) is too close to other corners. Usually we lay the distance from the sink to the stove about 80-120 cm. If you make it smaller, standing at the sink, you can accidentally burn yourself on the stove. And splashes from washing dishes can get into hot oil. Too much distance is also bad: in order to control the cooking process, you will need to go extra meters.
Natalia Spivak and Nadezhda Bortsova
The required minimum from the sink to the refrigerator/stove is 40-60 cm. But life usually makes adjustments to the ideal recommended dimensions.
Solution 1 : Install a deeper sink. Standard stainless steel ones are about 15 cm, look for those that are about 19 cm deep: the walls will not allow water to scatter around. Do not overdo it! Too deep washing is inconvenient to use - the back will suffer again. Again, most likely it will not work to insert a new sink into the old circuit, you will have to change the entire countertop.
Ilia Musaelov
Solution 2: Replace the hob with a more compact one. The stove is smaller - two or three burners - will be 45 cm wide against 60 standard ones. You will have to spend money not only on equipment, but also on replacing the countertops.
Solution 3: Moving a stove or sink in a finished kitchen is unlikely, but with a refrigerator there may be options.
Ekaterina Nesterenko
Problem: little space to move around the kitchen
Quite a common problem in compact kitchens: you open the door and take something out of the lower cupboard - the second person can't get through. How to calculate how much space you need to leave in order to move comfortably? Look at the diagram above.
Distance A allows two people to be in the kitchen at the same time and includes a free movement zone C for one and a working zone D for the other with open cabinet doors and drawers pulled out. The minimum possible distance between objects located opposite each other is 150 cm. This is especially important when organizing the kitchen in parallel lines. Plan distance B at least 120 cm. It allows one person to comfortably stay in the kitchen, but excludes the movement zone for the second.
Mascheroni Construction
Tip: If you have a dishwasher, it will take up more space when opened than other appliances. So in this case, increase the segment A to at least 177 cm. And in order to be able to freely load and remove the dishes, there should be 102 cm of unoccupied area D in front of the closed machine. enlarge a little.
Idea with photo: Roll-out cabinets are ideal for a small kitchen: put forward - get an additional surface, removed - free passage.
Entrance Fastighetsmäkleri
Problem: hard to find the right item
Small items tend to end up in the farthest corner of the closet, although it seems that you put them in plain sight. To avoid having to unload the contents of the entire cupboard in search of a tea strainer, store small items in drawers at the bottom of the kitchen.
Solution: If you don't have enough storage drawers in your kitchen, install a drawer system with shelves or baskets in your cabinet.
Think carefully about the depth of the drawers and the height of the shelves: if you make them shallow and low, you can put only little things there - there will simply be no place to store pots and dishes. Think about what exactly you will keep in retractable containers and only then place an order.
Ekaterina Nesterenko
To help you - a reminder on the height of the storage units in the kitchen: from the bottom drawer to the top mezzanine. I took the standard values as a basis, but ideally it is better to adjust them for yourself - depending on your height.
Tip: Use special trays and dividers for kitchen drawers. So even the smallest item will not get lost, it will always lie in its place.
RELATED…
Out of the blue: How to organize storage in the kitchen?
Ksenia Bobrikova. Xenia Design Studio
Problem: it is inconvenient to use the oven
For many years, ovens were inseparable from the hob, making up a single whole with it, and, of course, were located below.
Nowadays, you can place the oven anywhere, but many, out of habit, place it under the hob. This is really convenient, but only if you use the oven very rarely.
Solution: Position the oven so that the top tray is at chest height. You don't have to constantly bend over to see how the dough has risen. Yes, and getting hot baking sheets will be much more convenient. But do not raise the cabinet too high so that you do not have to reach for the baking sheets. Pulling something hot from shoulder level is simply not safe.
RELATED…
- Kitchen Ergonomics: Basic Principles and Pitfalls
- What to save when buying a kitchen, and on which it is better to try and try
- How to make a convenient kitchen even more convenient: 12 tips
Your queue ...
And what are the difficulty of your difficulty. and inconvenience in using the kitchen? How are you trying to solve them? Share in the comments under the article
Sponsored
Badplanung | Kuchenplanung | Renovierungen - Prompt und günstig
Height of kitchen cabinets: how to calculate correctly?
The kitchen is the most attractive place in the apartment, where the family gathers for dinner in the evening, where you are distracted from pressing problems.
And so you want comfort. And in order to create it, you need to carry out repairs, arrange furniture. And here some points are important that directly affect the convenience of the kitchen, its functionality.
Beautiful and cozy kitchen with modern style fittings
Perfect spacious kitchen with roomy base cabinets and no wall units
Each kitchen has a suite, including wall cabinets. It's comfortable. But you need to choose the right height for placing cabinets, where they mainly keep dishes, jars of cereals. As you can see, the load is large. It is necessary to provide reliable fastening. Let's figure out at what height to hang kitchen cabinets.
Minimum and maximum height of wall cabinets relative to the work surface
Contents
- 1 Important points when hanging kitchen cabinets
- 2 Optimum dimensions of kitchen cabinets
- 3 Height of upper cabinet
- 4 Dimensions of lower cabinets
- 5 Video: Standard dimensions of kitchen furniture.
Important points when hanging kitchen cabinets
Minimum height of the hood above the stove
In order to accurately indicate the height for the furniture canopy, the following data should be borne in mind.
- Your and your relatives' height.
- The level of the ceilings of the room.
- Height of furniture - specifically cabinets.
- Estimated spacing between work area and wall cabinets.
- How to use cabinets.
Ease of use of kitchen furniture is the first sign of pleasant and functional use
How tall you and your household is the main feature, this nuance affects how they will be placed and how convenient it is to use them. Ideally, the height should correspond to eye level - this will allow you to easily reach the desired shelf. In order not to make mistakes in the calculations, remember that the top of the cabinet should exceed the height of a person by no more than 20-25 cm. If the height is 175-178 cm, the lower edge of the cabinet is placed at a level of 1 m 55 cm from the floor.
If you are 1 m 85 cm tall, hang furniture no lower than 1 m 60 cm from the floor level. If you are taller than two meters, hang the cabinet at a height of 1 m 75 cm.
A custom kitchen is a great opportunity to create furniture that would suit our needs and habits.
If the ceilings in the kitchen are low, you should not buy high cabinets - this is taken into account without fail. The modern arrangement of cabinets allows them to be mounted at the height that is convenient, the level of the ceilings is taken into account. The kitchen set includes various hooks and hinges. They are fixed on the back of the cabinet, then the furniture is hung on a bar attached to the wall partition.
Convenient roomy shelving allows you to make hanging modules small
If it turned out that hanging furniture is high enough, it must be mounted so that there is a gap between the cabinets and the working area. One thing - they will be placed high, it will be difficult for the hostess to reach the upper shelves, which will cause some discomfort.
It is better to purchase small cabinets or decide - for you, the gap between the upper and lower zones or the comfortable placement of hanging furniture is above all.
Attention should be paid to the door opening mechanisms on the upper cabinets
The optimal distance between the worktop and the wall cabinets is 0.55-0.6 m. Household appliances and other items can be placed here. If lockers are for rarely used items, hang them higher so that they can be used to store such inventory. And on the lower shelves it is better to store those things that you constantly use.
Optimum dimensions for kitchen cabinets
Standard dimensions for kitchen furniture
All types of dimensions, both wall cabinets and floor cabinets, must be considered individually, as there are some differences. Mostly it refers to the depth. Basically, cabinets are made according to standard sizes. If you have an average height, the acceptable height of floor furniture should be 85 cm.
This value includes: foot - 10 cm, base - 72 cm, countertop height - 3 cm. For tall women, the optimal height is 90 cm. Depth of wall cabinets - 35 -45 cm, lower - 70-90 cm.
The height of the front of the wall cabinets is 70-90 cm. The length of the wall units is identical to the length of the lower ones. The distance from the bottom of the wall cabinets to the countertop should be 45 cm, this will create comfortable conditions for cooking. The height between the stove and the hood is 75 cm. The drawers in the kitchen have a height of: small - 14 cm, medium - 28, large - 35 cm. kitchen walls and are 60 cm, side walls adjacent to adjacent drawers - 31.5 cm. Width of the front door - 38 cm. Back - 16.5 cm.
Storage areas in kitchen cabinets, access to which should be free and convenient
Custom-made kitchen sets are mainly made in standard sizes. If everything is arranged correctly, then the small kitchen will visually increase and look great. If you neglect the rules when measuring, then the room will lose its attractiveness due to piling up with objects.
By following standard sizes, get a stylish and comfortable kitchen.
At what height from the worktop to hang cabinets depends on the height of the kitchen users and their wishes
Top cabinet height
Standard height for kitchen cabinets
How high should kitchen cabinets be hung? As already mentioned, mostly kitchen furniture is made in an acceptable size. There are standards for their location.
Recommended cabinet height for convenient use
| Bottom edge of top cabinet | Above the worktop at a height of 45 cm |
| Depth of top cabinets | 30 cm - this is less than the depth of the floor. If you want to build a microwave oven into the wall cabinet, increase the depth to 40 cm |
| Wall cabinet height | 70 cm, largest size - 90 cm - 1 m 20 cm |
Optimum height of the top point of the wall cabinet from the worktop
But sometimes these dimensions are not suitable.
Then the furniture is made according to the measurements of the customer. The hood is installed above the stove: if electric - at a height of 70-75 cm, if gas - 75-80 cm. The oven or microwave is installed so that the hostess can use them without difficulty. It is not recommended to place various kinds of equipment in mounted modules, in this regard, their width varies from 15 to 80 cm, and the depth is 37 cm.
In the case of corner kitchen cabinets, experts recommend not to reduce the height above the countertop level to less than 60-65 cm
Important! All hanging furniture should be identical, it is this feature that will enliven the interior of the kitchen and make it perfect.
Approximate height of cabinets in the kitchen
The height of wall cabinets is an important component, it determines how functional the kitchen will be. This parameter is taken into account when designing. When determining all values, proceed from what you are going to store.
Hanging drawers must be placed in such a way that access to the shelves above is convenient, without using any additional items
Dimensions of lower cabinets
Standard dimensions of floor cabinets
How tall is the hostess - this should be considered when designing a headset.
