How long does cabinet refacing take?

Most kitchen cabinet refacing projects are completed in 3 to 5 days. Compare that to a full kitchen renovation, which can take 6 to 12 weeks once you factor in demolition, plumbing, electrical, and cabinet lead times. Refacing lets you transform the look of your kitchen in under a week while keeping your existing cabinet boxes, countertops, and plumbing exactly where they are.

What Happens During Those 3 to 5 Days?

Understanding the refacing timeline helps you plan around the project. Here is how the work typically breaks down for an average Edmonton kitchen:

• Day 1: Preparation and removal. The team removes all existing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, hinges, and handles. Face frames are cleaned, lightly sanded, and prepped for veneer application. This is also when any minor repairs to the cabinet boxes are addressed.
• Day 2: Veneer application. Matching veneer is applied to all visible face frames, end panels, and fillers. This step gives the cabinet boxes a fresh, uniform appearance that matches the new doors you have selected.
• Days 3 to 4: Door and drawer front installation. New doors and drawer fronts are hung with soft-close hinges. New handles and pulls are installed. Each door is aligned and adjusted so everything opens and closes smoothly with consistent gaps.
• Day 5: Final details and walkthrough. Touch-ups, final adjustments, and a thorough cleanup. The team walks through the finished kitchen with you to confirm everything meets your expectations before leaving.

What Can Extend the Timeline?

A few factors can push a project beyond the standard 3 to 5 day window:

• Kitchen size: A compact galley kitchen with 15 doors may finish in 2 to 3 days. A large kitchen with 30 or more doors and an island may take the full 5 days or slightly longer.
• Custom door orders: If you choose a specialty material or style that requires custom fabrication, door production adds lead time before the installation begins. Standard styles are typically stocked and ready.
• Additional work: Combining refacing with new countertops, a backsplash, or interior cabinet organizers adds scope and time.

Keep Your Kitchen Functional

One of the biggest advantages of refacing is that your kitchen stays usable throughout the project. Your sink, plumbing, and appliances remain connected. You can still access your cabinets in the evenings. There is no need to set up a temporary kitchen in the basement or eat takeout for weeks. Book your free in-home consultation to get a specific timeline for your kitchen. Mourad and the iPaint team will walk you through the process, materials, and schedule before any work begins.