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4 Easy Yet Efficient Ways to Renovate a Kitchen

4 Easy Yet Efficient Ways to Renovate a Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of every home… Unless you prefer to order food delivery more than cooking. Installing a new kitchen from scratch and renovating an old one are both expensive undertakings. According to HomeStars, the average cost of kitchen renovation in Canada is $30,944 or $195 per square foot. However, a kitchen renovation is also the one that offers the highest return on investment when it comes to selling your house. If these numbers are way beyond what you can spend and you are still dreaming of a newer-looking kitchen, here are four ways to update your old kitchen look without breaking your budget.

How to Save Money On a Kitchen Renovation and Still Get the Kitchen of Your Dreams?

Go for butcher block countertops

Quartz and marble countertops no doubt look gorgeous with any kitchen design, but they are also the most expensive materials for countertops. To save money and still have a beautiful and practical countertop, go for the butcher-block type of countertops. They have a lower fabrication cost, so they won’t be as expensive as marble or quartz and still offer a no less stylish look.

Upcycle your cabinets

Cabinets upcycling has become a huge trend in the last few years. One of the most popular ways to upcycle your kitchen is to install new thermofoil cabinet doors on your cabinets. Installing kitchen cabinet replacement doors is a simple and cost-effective way to transform the look of your kitchen without breaking the bank. If you are keen on all things DIY and upcycling, you will definitely like the DIY kitchen cabinet doors idea.

Backsplash

Updating just the backsplash will give your kitchen a breath of fresh air. Choose between tile patterns, vinyl film or no backsplash at all to experiment with different looks. If you go for tile backsplash, experiment with the patterns to find the one that fits your kitchen style best.

Update the appliances

Sometimes, it’s not all about the kitchen cabinets or countertops. Outdated appliances that have been there since the 2000s can make your kitchen look old and tiring. If you are not ready to spend on new countertops or cabinets, consider updating the appliances. Not only will you refresh your kitchen look, but you will also make your cooking experience more enjoyable with a new and more efficient stove and oven.

Conclusion

Kitchens are no longer only about storage and cooking. They are also about being a place where families and friends gather to share good food and good times. With a bit of creativity and DIY spirit, you can make your old kitchen look brand new and feel welcoming without spending a lot of money.

FROM THE SAME CATEGORY

Sep 8 2026 BY Ksenija Lebec, Blog

Landlords: inspect cabinets, run vacancy based ROI, budget $1,000–$13,000, and plan 1–3 day refacing installs with bulk order tips.

Build a Door MADE TO FIT YOU!

DIY Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

DIY Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

A full kitchen remodel is a great way to improve the outdated appeal of your kitchen. But it is also one of the most expensive home renovation projects. By replacing all the cabinets and appliances, you can end up spending a good deal of money. However, updating your kitchen look doesn’t always have to be about demolishing the entire kitchen and installing new cabinets from scratch. If all that bothers you are old-looking cabinet doors, consider DIY kitchen cabinet refacing. In this blog, we will dive into the subject of cabinet refacing, what it is, its different aspects, where to find kitchen cabinet refacing suppliers and how to DIY your kitchen cabinet refacing project. Read on.

What is cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refacing involves replacing existing doors and drawer fronts of your kitchen cabinets with new ones. If the base cabinets are in good shape and haven’t lost their colour, you can leave them as is and make do without veneer panels or painting them. If you are considering updating the colour of the base cabinets too, you can paint them with a new colour or glue a new veneer on them. The hardware (handles, drawer pulls and hinges) is normally replaced during DIY kitchen cabinet refacing too.

How does DIY cabinet refacing work?

While many people think kitchen cabinet refacing is the same as cabinet renovation, in reality, it is not. Cabinet refacing primarily involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of the kitchen cabinets with newer replacement options. The average process would look something like this:

  1. You get precise measurements of your cabinets doors and drawer fronts. Check out this video guide on measuring kitchen cabinet doors for your DIY kitchen cabinet refacing project.Ā 
  2. Do your research on cabinet door suppliers and choose the one you can trust. Select the desired colour for your new cabinet replacement doors and drawer fronts and place the order.Ā 
  3. Remove your old cabinet doors.
  4. Install new hardware on the new cabinet replacement doors. This step is unnecessary if the old hinges and handles are still in good condition and you decided to keep them.Ā 
  5. Mount new doors and drawer fronts on the cabinets.Ā 

If you are serious about transforming your kitchen, step #4 would include installing veneer sheets on the outer sides of the cabinets.Ā 

The major advantage of cabinet refacing is that you can easily handle this project by yourself. In fact, many people do it themselves because it is incredibly cost-effective and relatively easy to do. It is also a fun little project you could do with your family on the weekend.

Where to get materials for DIY cabinet refacing?

There are multiple cabinet-refacing suppliers in Toronto, the GTA and throughout Ontario. As someone dreaming of a perfect kitchen, you want to be sure the cabinet door replacements you buy are high-quality, long-lasting and of the best possible price. You can start by researching cabinet thermofoil door suppliers online and sorting them by reviews. Next, compare the pricing and the quality of the materials, and find out if the supplier has a physical location where you can visit and ask for samples. All this will help you choose the best supplier at a reasonable price.Ā 

Why Choose The Door Maker For Your DIY Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Project?

The Door Maker is the number one provider of cabinet thermofoil doors in Ontario and all across Canada. Having been in the business for over 48 years, we have gained a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy kitchen/bath cabinet doors supplier with the best quality products.Ā 

Not only do our clients get to choose from a wide range of colours, door profiles and edge designs, but they also take advantage of the most affordable prices and flexible payment options. Our clients are never left to wonder about the door’s design as our staff is always available to help with colour and design considerations. Our product is easy to install and gives the appearance of painted wood or finely stained natural grain cabinet doors. We are also the manufacturer of our product, so we can offer our customers the best pricing on the market.Ā 

To top up our exceptional service and excellent product, we use only the latest in technology and machinery to ensure a high level of efficiency in the manufacturing process and zero carbon footprint. TDM is your go-to source for exceptional quality thermofoil cabinet doors in North America.

All You Need To Know About DIY Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

How much does DIY kitchen cabinet refacing cost?

According to the Home Guide, the average kitchen cabinet refacing cost is $6,518 (~ CAD 8,950). A 10′ x 12′ kitchen will cost between $4,214 and $8,110 (~ CAD 5,783 to CAD 11,130) to reface. Of course, these numbers greatly depend on aspects such as the quality of the materials, hardware, kitchen size and more. Labour costs are also important to keep in mind. If you hire kitchen refacing contractors, expect to pay between $30 to $100 per hour on top of the materials and hardware costs. But if you want to save even more money and are up for a challenge, consider a DIY option.

Pros and Cons of DIY kitchen cabinet refacing

When considering DIY kitchen cabinet refacing, it is crucial to weigh all pros and cons of this venture.Ā 

Why go for DIY kitchen cabinet refacing?

  1. Brand new kitchen cabinets for a fraction of the cost – DIYing your kitchen cabinet refacing is definitely cheaper than renovating your entire kitchen from scratch.Ā 
  2. No city permits are required – Since cabinet refacing doesn’t involve any major plumbing or electrical work, you don’t need to apply for any permits to reface your kitchen cabinets.
  3. Boosted home-resale value – With cabinet refacing, your kitchen will look as stunning as a brand new kitchen, so expect to get a higher resale value when selling your home.
  4. An outlet for creativity – If you are keen on all things DIY, especially those concerning home design, kitchen refacing is a great opportunity to allow your creativity to run wild.Ā Ā 

When to stay away from DIY kitchen cabinet refacing?

  1. Not worth the money if cabinets are old or damaged – cheap, old plywood cabinets showing signs of wear may not be worth the effort of refacing them.Ā 
  2. Doesn’t help change kitchen layout and cabinet space – if kitchen layout is what bothers you more than the cabinet fronts themselves, refacing may not be the best option as it will not change the kitchen’s layout.Ā 

FAQs

Can you DIY kitchen cabinet refacing?

Yes, you can! In fact, this process is so easy that you shouldn’t even bother hiring a professional installer to complete your kitchen cabinet refacing project. All you need is ordering the rightĀ  supplies and a little DIY spirit.

How long do kitchen cabinet refacing projects take to complete?

Depending on the kitchen size, it could take you from a weekend to a week or two to finish a DIY kitchen cabinet refacing project. The installation time will also vary depending on your skill level. An experienced DIYer will complete the installation in less time than a novice.Ā 

Is DIY cabinet refacing worth the money?

Indubitably, yes. Aside from saving you a big chunk of money, your kitchen will obtain a brand-new look without the hassle of a full remodel.Ā 

FROM THE SAME CATEGORY

Sep 8 2026 BY Ksenija Lebec, Blog

Landlords: inspect cabinets, run vacancy based ROI, budget $1,000–$13,000, and plan 1–3 day refacing installs with bulk order tips.

Build a Door MADE TO FIT YOU!

5 Do It Yourself Cabinet Refacing Trends

5 Do It Yourself Cabinet Refacing Trends

Are you tired of staring at your outdated kitchen cabinets but don’t want to break the bank with a full renovation? Look no further! Cabinet refacing is an affordable and stylish solution that can completely transform the look of your kitchen. From minimalist modern designs to rustic farmhouse vibes, we’ve rounded up five do-it-yourself cabinet refacing trends that are sure to inspire your next home improvement project. Get ready to elevate your space and impress all those dinner party guests with these must-try cabinet transformations!

5 must-follow modern DIY cabinet refacing trends

Shaker-style cabinets:

If you are looking for a way to update your kitchen cabinets without spending a fortune, cabinet refacing is a great option. Cabinet refacing involves replacing the door and drawer fronts, as well as the hardware, of your existing cabinets. This can be done by either painting or staining the cabinets, or by using new veneer or laminate to give them a fresh look. It is one of the easiest do-it-yourself cabinet refacing trends that prevail today.

One of the most popular do-it-yourself cabinet refacing trends is shaker-style cabinets. Shaker-style cabinets are characterized by their simple, clean lines and lack of ornate details. This style of cabinet is perfect for those who want a sleek and modern look for their kitchen. If you are interested in giving your kitchen a shaker-style makeover, there are a few things you will need to do. First, you will need to remove all of the doors and drawer fronts from your cabinets. Next, you will need to measure the openings for replacement doors and drawer fronts. Once you have the measurements, you can order new doors and drawer fronts from a local kitchen cabinet door manufacturer.Ā 

Once you have received your new doors and drawer fronts, it is time to install them. This is relatively easy to do, but if you are not confident in your ability to do it yourself, there are plenty of companies that offer installation services. Once your new doors and drawer fronts are installed, you can then add any hardware that you desire.

Open Shelving:

Open shelving is one of the hottest trends in do-it-yourself cabinet refacing kitchen designs right now. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, you should definitely consider this trend. Open shelving can give your kitchen a more open and airy feel, as well as make it easier to keep your kitchen organized and tidy.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to go with open shelving in your kitchen. First, you will want to make sure that the items on your shelves are neatly arranged and not cluttered. You also want to be sure that the items on your shelves are ones that you use often and that are easily accessible. Finally, you will want to make sure that the shelves themselves are made of sturdy materials so they can support the weight of whatever you put on them.

Modern & Retro Knobs and Handles:

When it comes to do-it-yourself cabinet refacing there are many different trends that come and go. However, there are always certain elements that remain popular among homeowners. One of these trends is the use of modern and retro cabinet knobs and handles. There are many different styles of cabinet knobs and handles available in the market today. When it comes to choosing the right ones for your home, it is important to take into account the overall style of your kitchen or bathroom. For a more modern look, consider cabinet hardware with a sleek and simple design. If you prefer a more retro or vintage style, there are many options available with intricate details and unique finishes.

Glass Doors:

Another popular do-it-yourself cabinet refacing trend is to replace solid doors with glass doors. This gives your kitchen a more open and airy feel, and it also makes it easier to find what you’re looking for in your cabinets. If you’re not sure about committing to all glass doors, you can always start with just a few and see how you like the look. Fixing glass doors might seem difficult but it is easy if you follow the required steps.Ā 

Scandinavian Style Cabinets:

There is something about Scandinavian-style cabinets that make them perfect for a do-it-yourself cabinet refacing project. They are simple, yet elegant and can be easily transformed with a few simple changes. One of the most popular trends is to replace old cabinet doors with a white thermofoil MDF alternative . This gives your cabinets a clean and fresh look that is perfect for any kitchen. If you want to add a bit of colour, you can always add some new hardware or even change the door handles. Another popular trend is to stain the cabinets. This gives them a rich and warm look that will complement any kitchen dƩcor.

No matter what trends you decide to follow, remember that cabinet refacing is a great way to save money and still get the kitchen of your dreams! Even though the aforementioned do-it-yourself cabinet refacing trends might seem difficult to do, they are actually not. These trends are easy to follow if you plan them accordingly and mainly, source your materials from a trusted supplier.

Hope these 5 unmissable do-it-yourself cabinet refacing trends help you transform your kitchen into an open and lively space.Ā 

FROM THE SAME CATEGORY

Sep 8 2026 BY Ksenija Lebec, Blog

Landlords: inspect cabinets, run vacancy based ROI, budget $1,000–$13,000, and plan 1–3 day refacing installs with bulk order tips.

Build a Door MADE TO FIT YOU!