How Long Does Cabinet Refacing Take? Complete Timeline Guide

Short answer: Cabinet refacing typically takes 3-5 days for an average-sized kitchen. But the full project timeline from start to finish is a bit longer. Here's what to expect at each stage.

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Quick Timeline Overview

Phase	Duration
Initial Consultation	1-2 hours
Design & Material Selection	Same day or follow-up
Material Manufacturing/Ordering	2-4 weeks
Installation	3-5 days
Total Project Timeline	3-5 weeks

Day-by-Day Installation Breakdown

Here's what happens during the actual installation phase:

Day 1: Preparation & Door Removal

Protect floors, countertops, and appliances
Remove all existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts
Remove old hardware (hinges, pulls, knobs)
Clean and prepare cabinet boxes for veneer
Take final measurements for any adjustments

Day 2-3: Veneer Application

Apply matching veneer to all exposed cabinet surfaces
Cover cabinet frames, sides, and filler pieces
Ensure seamless color matching throughout
Allow proper curing time between applications

Day 3-4: New Doors & Drawer Fronts

Install new cabinet doors with proper alignment
Mount new drawer fronts
Install soft-close hinges (if selected)
Adjust doors for perfect operation

Day 4-5: Hardware & Finishing

Install new knobs and pulls
Add crown molding or trim (if included)
Final adjustments and alignment checks
Thorough cleanup of work area
Final walkthrough with homeowner

Factors That Affect Timeline

Kitchen Size

Kitchen Size	Typical Duration
Small (10-15 doors)	2-3 days
Medium (16-25 doors)	3-4 days
Large (26-35 doors)	4-5 days
Extra Large (35+ doors)	5-7 days

Other Factors

Add-on work: Crown molding, new drawer boxes, or pull-out organizers add time
Cabinet condition: Repairs to damaged boxes require extra attention
Material complexity: Specialty finishes or custom elements may need more precision
Layout complexity: Kitchens with many corners or irregular shapes take longer

Refacing vs. Replacement Timeline Comparison

Option	Installation Time	Kitchen Usable?
Cabinet Refacing	3-5 days	Yes, mostly
Cabinet Replacement	4-8 weeks	No
Full Kitchen Remodel	6-12 weeks	No

Can You Use Your Kitchen During Refacing?

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of refacing is that your kitchen remains largely functional. You'll have access to your appliances and can prepare simple meals. However, plan for some inconvenience:

Cabinet contents should be removed before work begins
Some counter space may be limited during work hours
Work typically runs 8am-5pm on installation days
Consider meal prep the day before each work day

How to Prepare for Faster Installation

Empty cabinets completely before the crew arrives
Clear countertops of small appliances and decor
Remove items from drawers that will get new fronts
Ensure clear access to the kitchen work area
Have decisions finalized before installation day

Want to understand costs? See our Cabinet Refacing Cost Guide for Sarasota 2024.

Not sure if refacing is right? Read Cabinet Refacing vs Replacement: Complete Guide.

Looking for style ideas? Check out Best Cabinet Styles for Florida Coastal Homes.

Service Areas

We provide fast, efficient cabinet refacing throughout Sarasota County. Visit our homepage or explore service areas: Lakewood Ranch, Siesta Key, Venice, Nokomis, and Osprey.