What to Expect During the Cabinet Refacing Process: A Homeowner's Timeline

Suppose your kitchen or bathroom cabinets are structurally sound but visually outdated. In that case, cabinet refacing offers a cost-effective and efficient way to transform your space without a full remodel. But before diving in, it's important to understand the timeline and the cabinet refacing process from a homeowner's perspective.

The good news? Refacing is far less disruptive than a traditional renovation. The entire project is usually completed in just a few days, with stunning, showroom-worthy results. Here's a step-by-step timeline to help you prepare and know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Planning (1–2 Days)

Every professional cabinet refacing project starts with a consultation. During this meeting, a design expert will visit your home to inspect your existing cabinetry, discuss your vision, and help you choose materials and finishes.

What to expect:

• Measurements of your current cabinet boxes

• Review of door styles, veneers, and hardware options

• Discussion about timeline, budget, and optional add-ons (like drawer replacements or soft-close hinges)

• A personalized quote and project plan

This phase is quick and exciting—your first step toward a refreshed space.

Step 2: Design Finalization and Material Selection (1–3 Days)

Once your estimate is approved, you'll finalize your selections. This includes your preferred door and drawer style, color, or wood grain veneer, and hardware finishes.

This stage includes:

• Confirming measurements

• Ordering custom cabinet doors and drawer fronts

• Scheduling the installation date

The design phase sets the foundation for a seamless installation.

Step 3: Preparation and Delivery (1–2 Weeks)

There may be a short waiting period while your materials are fabricated. During this time, you can prepare your space by:

• Clearing off countertops

• Emptying drawers and lower cabinets (upper cabinets may stay intact)

• Creating a temporary kitchen setup if needed

Once everything is ready and delivered, the actual cabinet refacing process moves quickly.

Step 4: Installation Day 1 – Removal and Prep

The first installation day begins with removing the existing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Your cabinet boxes stay in place, so there's no demolition or dust-filled construction.

Day 1 typically includes:

• Labeling and carefully removing all doors and drawer fronts

• Cleaning and sanding cabinet surfaces

• Prepping the frames for the veneer application

This step ensures a strong bond between the veneer and your existing cabinets.

Step 5: Installation Day 2 – Veneer Application

This is the heart of the cabinet refacing process. Veneer (either wood or laminate) is expertly applied to the exterior surfaces of your cabinet boxes, including sides, face frames, and exposed panels.

What you'll see:

• Meticulous trimming and smoothing of corners and edges

• Matching veneer is applied to any visible structural elements

• The new cabinet "skin" is coming together

You'll begin to see your new cabinets take shape at this stage.

Step 6: Installation Day 3 – New Doors, Drawers & Hardware

After veneering the boxes, the team installs your new custom cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Soft-close hinges, new drawer boxes (if applicable), and updated hardware have also been added.

This final phase includes:

• Precise alignment of doors and drawers

• Hardware installation (pulls, knobs, handles)

• A thorough cleanup of the workspace

Most refacing jobs are completed within 2–4 days, depending on kitchen size and add-ons.

Step 7: Final Walkthrough and Enjoyment

Once installation is complete, your contractor will walk you through the project. You'll inspect the work, ask final questions, and receive care instructions for your new surfaces.

Then it's time to enjoy your beautiful, like-new kitchen, without the mess or expense of a full gut renovation.

Final Thoughts

The cabinet refacing process is ideal for homeowners who want to refresh their kitchen or bathroom without tearing everything down to the studs. With minimal disruption and a fast timeline, it's a smart, stylish way to add value to their homes.

Knowing what to expect and working with a trusted professional makes your cabinet transformation smooth, affordable, and surprisingly quick. From consultation to completion, cabinet refacing is a streamlined process with transformative results.