how-to
Cabinet Refacing Time: How Long Each Phase Takes
Last Updated: November 7, 2026
Quick Summary
Cabinet refacing usually takes several weeks from first call to final walkthrough. Design, material selection, ordering and shipping take up most of that time, while the hands-on installation itself is much shorter.
- Consultation and estimate typically take a few days.
- Design and material selection usually take one to two weeks.
- Ordering or shipping delays often add more time than installation itself.
- Confirm lead times early and ask for a written schedule at consultation.
- Slow decisions and incorrect measurements are the most common causes of delay.
Table of Contents
- Cabinet Refacing Timeline: Phase by Phase
- The Cabinet Refacing Process Step by Step
- Problems That Can Delay Refacing and How to Avoid Them
- Frequently Asked Questions
Cabinet Refacing Timeline: Phase by Phase
Most homeowners expect cabinet refacing to take a few days, but the full project usually runs several weeks from first call to final walkthrough. Ziggy's Kitchens LLC has served Central New Jersey homeowners since 1995, and installation takes far less time than planning and shipping.
- Consultation and estimate: A few days.
- Design and material selection: One to two weeks.
- Measuring and ordering: Measurements are taken on site, then materials are ordered.
- Product arrival: Lead time depends on the materials ordered.
- On-site work: Removal, prep, veneer application, and reinstallation are the hands-on phase of the project.
Watch out: Ordering or shipping delays often add more time than installation itself, so confirm lead times early.
The table below summarises how each phase of a refacing project contributes to the overall schedule.
| Phase | Typical time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation and estimate | A few days | First step after the initial call |
| Design and material selection | One to two weeks | Choose door styles, finish, and hardware |
| Measuring and ordering | Measured on site, then ordered | Materials are ordered after measuring |
| Product arrival | Depends on materials ordered | Lead time varies by material |
| On-site work | Hands-on installation phase | Removal, prep, veneer, and reinstallation |
The Cabinet Refacing Process Step by Step
Cabinet refacing follows a set order, and skipping steps usually causes rework. If you'd rather have a team handle the whole sequence, Kitchen cabinets refacing services are available.
- Consultation: We review cabinet condition, layout, and goals.
- Measure: Accurate measurements prevent wrong-size doors and drawer fronts.
- Choose materials: Pick door styles, veneer or finish, and hardware.
- Order and wait: Parts are ordered and shipped to the job.
- Prepare the kitchen: Clear counters and protect floors. If you're considering new countertops too, you can view quartz countertop colors and full slab pictures.
- Remove and prep surfaces: Sand and clean cabinet faces so the new veneer bonds well.
- Apply veneer and install: Attach new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.
- Final walkthrough: Check alignment, hinges, and drawer operation before sign-off.
Ask for a written schedule at consultation so you know when your kitchen will be usable. To request a realistic schedule for your own project, fill out our contact form.
Problems That Can Delay Refacing and How to Avoid Them
Delays rarely come from the installation crew. They usually start earlier in the process.
- Slow decisions: Waiting on finish or hardware choices pushes back the order date.
- Incorrect measurements: Wrong sizes mean reordering and waiting again.
- Shipping lead times: Confirm arrival dates before scheduling on-site work.
- Hidden cabinet damage: Water damage or loose boxes may need repair first.
Make decisions quickly, confirm measurements in writing, and ask for realistic arrival dates.
Ready to plan your project? Contact Ziggy's Kitchens LLC for a free estimate and a clear timeline for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cabinet refacing take?
The full timeline for cabinet refacing includes consultation, design, measuring, ordering, and shipping of doors, drawer fronts, and veneer materials, so it is typically longer than the hands-on work alone. Ask your contractor for a written schedule that lists each phase separately so you know when your kitchen will be in use.
Can I use my kitchen while cabinets are being refaced?
In most cases you can keep using parts of your kitchen during refacing, though access will be limited on the days crews are working. Sinks and appliances may be disconnected for part of the job, so it helps to plan a temporary setup for meals in the meantime.
What can delay a cabinet refacing project?
The most common delays are slow delivery of doors or veneer materials, measurement changes, and cabinet boxes that need repair before veneer can be applied. Finish or hardware selections made late in the process can also push back the schedule. Make your design decisions early, confirm your order lead time in writing, and ask your contractor to flag any structural issues during the first visit.
