Cabinet refacing and refinishing costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
A cabinet resurfacing pro in San Francisco will likely charge between $35 and $75 per hour, with the average hourly rate of $55 per hour.
Homeowners will need to factor in kitchen size, cabinet material, and type of resurfacing when budgeting for this project
Homeowners who live in one of San Francisco’s many historic or Victorian homes should expect higher labor fees due to limited accessibility.
Looking to sell your home soon? Hiring a pro to resurface your kitchen cabinets can yield a ROI of 80% to 90%.
San Francisco homeowners can expect to spend an average of $11,570 to resurface their kitchen cabinets, with most projects falling between $6,875 and $16,936. The main factors influencing cost are kitchen size, cabinet material, and type of resurfacing. Homeowners in the City by the Bay will likely pay more for labor if they live in one of the city’s historic homes, which often have cramped kitchens and tight corners to get around. Let’s review how to budget for the cost of resurfacing kitchen cabinets in San Francisco.
The price tag of San Fran kitchen cabinet resurfacing projects depends on several factors, ranging from kitchen size to hourly labor rates. Consult a local cabinet resurfacing expert to get an accurate estimate based on your project needs.
The size of your kitchen—measured in linear feet or the number of cabinets—directly affects the total cost of resurfacing kitchen cabinets. You can expect to pay $150 to $450 per linear foot for resurfacing kitchen cabinets in San Francisco. More cabinets or a larger space means more materials, labor, and time.
A small galley kitchen, about 10 linear feet, will cost less than a spacious kitchen with 30 or more linear feet of cabinetry. Given San Francisco’s density, it’s likely your kitchen falls on the smaller side. That said, the average cost will likely be on the higher end of the average range, given the higher cost of living in the Bay Area.
Here’s how size and layout can impact costs:
| Kitchen Size | Linear Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 10 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Medium | 20 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Large | 30+ | $5,000–$10,000 |
Material selection is a major driver in the cost of resurfacing kitchen cabinets. Veneer options include wood species like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut, each with its own price point. Laminate and thermofoil are more affordable and easier to maintain. For doors and drawer fronts, options range from solid wood to MDF (medium-density fiberboard), plywood, or rigid thermofoil (RTF).
Hardware upgrades—like new handles, pulls, hinges, or soft-close mechanisms—can add to the total cost. The quality and finish of materials matter, too: matte, gloss, and custom colors will each impact your final price.
| Material Type | Description | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Wood veneer | Oak, maple, cherry, walnut | $100–$250 |
| Laminate | Durable, easy-clean surface | $50–$125 |
| Thermofoil | Vinyl-wrapped, smooth finish | $60–$125 |
| Solid wood/plywood | Classic appearance, high durability | $200–$500 |
There are three main approaches to resurfacing kitchen cabinets: cabinet refacing, painting, or refinishing. Cabinet refacing involves replacing doors and drawer fronts and covering cabinet boxes with a new veneer or laminate. Cabinet painting updates the color and finish with paint, while refinishing means sanding and applying new stain or finish to existing surfaces.
The method you choose greatly impacts the cost of resurfacing kitchen cabinets. Refacing is the most expensive because it uses new materials and hardware. Painting or refinishing cabinets is more budget-friendly but may not deliver the same dramatic transformation as refacing. Custom cabinets or unique layouts can also increase costs compared to standard or stock cabinets.
| Type of Resurfacing | Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Refacing | New doors, drawer fronts, and veneer on boxes | $4,000–$13,500 |
| Painting | Sanding, priming, and painting existing surfaces | $180–$3,200 |
| Refinishing | Sanding and applying new stain/clear finish | $2,000–$7,000 |
Your contractor’s ability to access your cabinets is a factor in the cost of this project. Cramped kitchens with tight corners can slow workers down. San Francisco, with its dense neighborhoods and historic apartment buildings, has many charming but small kitchens. Expect higher costs to coincide with the extra time workers need to adjust to the space.
Homeowners who live in a Victorian home of Noe Valley might see higher prices than those who have contemporary kitchens—workers might need to navigate compact kitchens and historic landmarking rules, both of which can add time, bureaucracy, and cost to the project.
A cabinet resurfacing pro in San Francisco will likely charge between $35 and $75 per hour, with the average hourly rate being $55 per hour. You might pay closer to the higher end of the range if you want to complete this project during busy renovation seasons (spring and autumn) when demand for home remodeling professionals will be higher.
While resurfacing cabinetry is largely a cosmetic upgrade, this project can increase your home’s value–with an ROI of 80% to 90%. San Francisco’s housing market is incredibly competitive, especially in neighborhoods like Golden Gates Heights and Sunset—freshly resurfaced kitchen cabinetry can make your home stand out in a crowded market. To get the most value out of your resurfacing project, consult your cabinet pro to determine the best plan based on your kitchen size and budget.
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 survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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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I recommend DevArt8 Construction for any remodeling needs; they deserve a 5-star rating. Our kitchen remodel went well from start to finish, thanks to Alex, Ray, and the team. They were helpful during the planning process and detailed in their work and cleanup. We're also grateful to them for...
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