How Much Does Cabinet Repair Cost? [2025 Data]

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

Cabinet repair cost is a key concern for homeowners facing damaged or aging cabinets. On average, most cabinet repairs cost between $200 and $490, with an average of $280 per project. Costs vary based on repair type, materials, and labor rates. Understanding these factors helps you budget for your cabinet repair cost.

Common repairs may be priced by the hour, with labor rates ranging from $50 to $100 per hour, or per linear foot if refinishing, at $20 to $60 per linear foot. This guide will help you plan for your project and choose the right repair approach.

Cabinet Repair Cost Factors

Several factors shape the total cabinet repair cost for your home. Let’s break down what goes into your budget so you know what to expect before you start a project.

Type of Repair

The type of repair is often the biggest driver of cabinet repair costs. Repairs can range from essential fixes like hinge or structural repairs to cosmetic updates such as refinishing or replacing hardware. Some issues, like water damage or broken drawers, are more urgent and affect daily use, while others, like scratches, are more about appearance.

The frequency of repairs can vary: hinges and hardware might need attention every few years, while structural repairs are less common but more involved. Here’s a look at common cabinet repairs and their average cost range.

Hinge Replacement

Hinge replacement is needed when cabinet doors become loose, squeaky, or no longer close properly. This repair is essential for the safe and effective use of cabinets, as faulty hinges can cause doors to sag or fall off. Hinges may need replacement every five to 10 years, depending on usage and quality. The average cost for hinge repair or replacement ranges from $30 to $80 per door, including parts and labor.

Door Repair 

Cabinet doors may warp, crack, or become misaligned over time, impacting both function and appearance. Repairing a door can involve tightening screws, filling cracks, or replacing panels. If the damage is significant, full replacement may be necessary. Door repairs are fairly common, especially in high-traffic areas. Repair costs range from $100 to $400 per door, depending on material and design.

Drawer Repair

Drawers often face issues like sticking, broken slides, or damaged fronts. Repairing these problems is important for daily use and storage. Drawers in kitchens and bathrooms see frequent use and may need repairs every few years. The cost to repair a drawer is $120 to $350 per drawer.

Water Damage Repair

Water damage is a serious concern, especially under sinks or near dishwashers. Signs include swelling, warping, or discoloration of cabinet surfaces. Addressing water damage quickly is crucial to prevent mold or further structural problems. Cabinets in bathrooms and kitchens are most susceptible. Repair costs for water-damaged cabinets range from $150 to $500 per affected area, depending on severity.

Structural Repair

Structural repairs address issues with the cabinet box, frame, or shelves. These repairs are less frequent but vital for safety and longevity. If the cabinet is sagging, cracked, or unable to support weight, structural repairs are urgent. Costs for these repairs can be higher, between $200 and $600, reflecting the complexity and time required.

Refinishing or Touch-Ups

Touch-ups are cosmetic repairs that restore the cabinet’s appearance by fixing scratches, chips, or faded finishes. Refinishing is recommended every five to 10 years or when cabinets look worn but are structurally sound. Costs for refinishing and touch-ups range from $200 to $600, depending on the number of cabinets and finish type.

Hardware Replacement

Replacing knobs, pulls, or handles is a simple way to refresh cabinets. This update is mostly cosmetic but can improve usability if the hardware is damaged. Many homeowners update hardware every few years or when remodeling. The cost for cabinet hardware replacement is $40 to $150, depending on style and quantity.

Type of Cabinet

The type of cabinet you have—base, wall, tall/pantry, custom, stock, or semi-custom—impacts repair cost. Custom cabinets may require specialty parts or more labor, while stock cabinets are quicker and less expensive to fix. Wall and tall/pantry cabinets can be harder to access, increasing labor time.

Brand

Cabinet brand can affect repair costs due to part availability and design complexity. Major brands may use proprietary hardware or unique dimensions, making replacements more expensive. If your cabinets are from a lesser-known brand or custom-built, sourcing parts might require extra time and cost. Well-known brands may offer better warranty support, but branded parts can still raise your overall cabinet repair cost.

Size

The size of your repair project—whether it’s a single cabinet or an entire kitchen—has a direct effect on cost. Repairing a single cabinet is less expensive than addressing multiple units or a large pantry. Larger projects involve more labor and materials, increasing the total bill.

Material

Cabinet materials—such as solid wood, plywood, MDF, particleboard, laminate, or metal—affect both the repair process and cost. Solid wood is durable but more expensive to repair or refinish. Laminate and MDF are less costly but can be harder to repair if damaged by water. Material choice also influences labor, as some require specialized tools or skills.

Warranties

Cabinet warranties can offset some cabinet repair costs, especially for newer installations or higher-end brands. Most warranties cover defects in materials or workmanship but exclude normal wear, cosmetic damage, or repairs from misuse. Check your cabinet paperwork or contact the manufacturer to see if your repair is covered. Warranties rarely include accidental or water damage, so review the terms closely.

Maintenance Plans

Some pros and manufacturers offer cabinet maintenance plans, which may include annual inspections, minor repairs, and cleaning. These plans cost $100 to $400 per year on average but can save you money by catching small issues early. Regular maintenance can extend cabinet lifespan and reduce the need for major repairs, lowering your out-of-pocket cabinet repair costs over time.

Labor

Cabinet repairs are performed by carpenters, cabinetmakers, or skilled handypersons. Labor rates range from $50 to $100 per hour, with more experienced pros charging at the higher end. Some repairs are priced per project, especially for larger jobs. 

Labor costs often make up 50% or more of your cabinet repair cost, especially for complex repairs or refinishing. 

Location

Where you live affects cabinet repair cost. Urban areas and regions with higher labor rates will see higher prices than rural locations. The cabinet’s location within your home also matters—repairs in kitchens or bathrooms with plumbing or electrical nearby may require more time and skill, raising costs. Hard-to-reach cabinets or those behind appliances can also increase the final bill.

Additional Repairs or Services

Sometimes, cabinet repair projects include additional services such as painting, refacing, installing soft-close hardware, mold remediation, or even minor plumbing or electrical work when cabinets are under sinks. These add-ons can increase your total cabinet repair cost by $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on the service.

Cabinet Repair vs. Replacement

Deciding whether to repair or replace cabinets depends on their age, the extent of the damage, and your budget. Repairs make sense for newer or high-quality cabinets with minor to moderate issues. If the cabinet repair cost is less than 50% of replacement, repair is usually the better investment.

For example, repairing cabinets averages $280 per cabinet, while replacing all cabinets in a kitchen (eight to 12 cabinets) can cost $4,000 to $25,000 or more. If your cabinets are outdated, severely damaged, or no longer meet your needs, replacement may offer better value and a higher return on investment (ROI). Repairs can freshen up your space and maintain home value, but replacement provides a full update.

DIY Cabinet Repair vs. Hiring a Pro

DIY cabinet repair can reduce costs, especially for minor fixes like tightening hinges or replacing hardware. Materials and tools for small repairs may cost $20 to $100, but you’ll need the right skills and time. DIY projects save on labor, but mistakes can lead to more expensive repairs or void warranties.

For complex repairs—such as structural fixes, water damage, or specialty finishes—it’s best to hire a professional. Pros have the expertise and equipment to deliver long-lasting results and ensure safety. Professional repairs cost more but reduce the risk of further damage.

DIY repairs may cost $20 to $200, while hiring a pro runs $150 to $600 or more, depending on the scope. We recommend assessing your comfort level and the repair’s complexity before deciding.

Tips to Reduce Cost While Repairing Cabinets

Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your cabinet repair project more budget-friendly:

• Get multiple quotes from local cabinet repair pros.

• Address minor cabinet issues early to prevent costly repairs.

• Choose standard materials and hardware for easier, less expensive repairs.

• Maintain cabinets regularly to extend their lifespan.

• Consider partial repairs or touch-ups instead of full refinishing.

• Reuse or repurpose existing hardware when possible.

• Schedule repairs during off-peak seasons for potential savings.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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