# How Long Does Cabinet Refacing Take? (Timeline) > Most cabinet refacing projects finish in 3-5 days. The stage-by-stage timeline, what affects duration, and kitchen usability. URL: https://columbuskitchenpros.com/guide/how-long-does-cabinet-refacing-take/ Last-Modified: 2026-07-01 ![Installer fitting new refaced cabinet doors mid-project](/images/misc/installer-fitting-new-refaced-cabinet-doors-in-cen.webp) Our team often hears homeowners ask exactly how long does cabinet refacing take when planning a modern kitchen transformation. For most Central Ohio projects, the on-site installation runs just three to five days once the custom doors are fabricated. That rapid turnaround is the real secret behind this method. We at Columbus Kitchen Pros recognize that tearing out perfectly good cabinet boxes is often a huge waste of time and money. By keeping your structural framework intact, you skip the massive plumbing and electrical disruptions that drag out full renovations. Let’s look at the exact schedule, what happens each day, and how to prepare your home. ## The full timeline: How long does cabinet refacing take? Our project calendar for a complete cabinet refacing spans four to six weeks from the initial design choice to the final walkthrough. This cabinet refacing timeline breaks down into three distinct phases to keep your kitchen fully functional until the very end. Industry data from 2026 shows that waiting for full custom cabinets often takes eight to sixteen weeks. We proudly deliver premium refacing materials in a fraction of that time. Here is how those phases unfold for a typical home in Dublin or New Albany. Each stage requires specific preparation. ### Phase 1: Consultation and design (1-2 weeks) Our designers begin with a free in-home consultation to inspect your structural boxes and review material options. You will see real samples of door styles, wood veneers, durable laminates, and hardware right in your kitchen. This step ensures everything looks cohesive before any orders go to the shop. We always help you match new colors to your existing countertops and flooring. Proper coordination prevents costly design mistakes later. The entire selection process feels relaxed and straightforward. ### Phase 2: Material lead time (3-5 weeks) Our fabrication partners custom-build your new doors, drawer fronts, and veneers to exact dimensions. This is the longest chunk of the calendar, but your daily routine remains completely unaffected. Your kitchen functions normally during this entire waiting period. We source high-quality components to guarantee a durable, modern finish. Premium materials simply take a few weeks to manufacture properly. Patience here guarantees a flawless installation. ### Phase 3: On-site install (3-5 days) Our installation crew arrives to handle the highly visible transformation. This stage includes removing old elements, applying fresh exterior coverings, and hanging the new components. The total turnaround time is just four to six weeks from the first meeting to a stunning finished room. We focus on precision during this brief window to minimize household disruption. Dust and noise stay strictly managed. You get a beautiful upgrade without the endless construction headache. ## What happens on-site, day by day Our standard on-site schedule for a typical Central Ohio kitchen takes five days or less. This timeframe covers a standard space with roughly 20 to 25 cabinet doors and 8 to 12 drawers. A quick visual check prevents delays during the final assembly. We highly recommend inspecting the new materials with your installer on the first morning to confirm the correct styles arrived. Here is exactly what you can expect to see happening in your home each day. The daily sequence follows a very strict order. | Day | Installation Focus | What Actually Happens | | --- | --- | --- | | Day 1 | Prep and demo | Protect floors, remove old hardware, and clean box surfaces. | | Day 2 | Veneer application | Apply new matching veneer to exposed exterior box faces. | | Day 3 | Door and drawer install | Hang new fronts and install modern Blum soft-close hinges. | | Day 4 | Hardware and finishing | Mount pulls, tune alignment, and clean the workspace. | | Day 5 | Final Walkthrough | Review the project together and finish minor touch-ups. | Our highly trained installers treat your property with complete respect. This organized approach is exactly why this renovation method is so popular. Messy demolitions simply do not happen with this service. We guarantee a clean workspace at the end of every single shift. ![Compact refacing timeline graphic](/images/misc/compact-refacing-timeline-graphic-measure-order-in.webp) ## Kitchen usability during refacing Our clients are always thrilled to learn that their kitchen remains highly functional throughout the process. Because the cabinet boxes stay anchored to the walls, you never lose your basic cooking setup. Since your 220V stove and sink plumbing do not move, you avoid the hefty $1,500 to $3,000 plumbing relocation fees common in full construction. We know that avoiding expensive takeout meals is a major financial relief. Coffee preparation and simple dinner cooking remain perfectly fine during the week. This predictable access makes living through the project much easier. - **Day 1 (Prep and demo):** Kitchen is 60% usable. The doors are off, but the storage boxes remain fully accessible for grabbing snacks or plates. - **Day 2 (Veneer application):** Kitchen is 40% usable. The exterior box faces have wet adhesive drying. Access is limited to avoid bumping the fresh surfaces, and sensitive individuals may want to avoid the mild odor. - **Day 3 (Door install):** Kitchen is 40% usable. The installation crew occupies the space, but you can safely grab coffee or make a sandwich. - **Day 4 (Hardware):** Kitchen is 80% usable. The doors are fully functional on their new hardware. - **Day 5 (Walkthrough):** Kitchen is 100% usable. Everything is perfectly functional. Our realistic schedule shows exactly how much access you retain each day. You do not need to move out or set up a temporary cooking station in the garage. Life continues mostly as normal. We love seeing homeowners enjoy their spaces without intense disruption. ## What extends a refacing timeline Our standard three-to-five-day window occasionally stretches if a project involves significant structural upgrades. Three specific variables usually push an installation beyond the typical timeframe. Planning for these factors prevents frustration later. We always review these potential delays during the initial planning stages. Here are the most common reasons a project might need an extra day or two. Simple awareness keeps everyone on the same page. - **Kitchen size and footprint.** A very large layout exceeding 30 cabinets might take five to seven days. Small galley kitchens with 12 to 15 cabinets often wrap up in three. - **Added storage features.** Upgrading your organization adds immense daily value. Integrating Rev-A-Shelf pull-out trash bins, lazy susans, or custom spice drawers requires precise carpentry that takes time. - **Specialty finish selections.** The 2026 trend of two-tone cabinetry requires extra coordination. Matching a warm wood island with a crisp white perimeter finish might extend the initial fabrication lead time slightly. Our project managers monitor these details closely to keep everything on track. You will always have a clear finish date before the first tool enters your home. Communication remains a top priority throughout the job. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the exciting results. ## Compared to a full remodel Our industry records show that a full kitchen remodel typically forces you into six to twelve weeks of active on-site construction. That massive disruption happens only after you wait eight to twelve weeks for structural materials to arrive. Recent 2026 real estate data reveals that minor kitchen remodels return an impressive 96% to 113% of their cost at resale. > “A $28,000 kitchen refresh beats a $164,000 gut renovation on ROI in almost every market, making refacing the smartest financial move for modern homeowners.” We view cabinet updating as a fundamentally different lifestyle experience that is measured in days instead of months. Major luxury gut renovations often struggle to return even half of that financial investment. Saving time clearly equals saving money in this market. Our strategic approach protects both your daily routine and your hard-earned equity. For a full construction breakdown, see our kitchen remodel timeline guide [/guide/kitchen-remodel-timeline/ →](/guide/kitchen-remodel-timeline/) . Rapid aesthetic updates make incredible financial sense for most properties. If you are new to the process, our what is cabinet refacing guide [/guide/what-is-cabinet-refacing/ →](/guide/what-is-cabinet-refacing/) explains exactly how it works, and our full cabinet refacing service [/cabinet-refacing/ →](/cabinet-refacing/) page covers the finishes and hardware we offer. If you are wondering how long does cabinet refacing take for your specific layout, simply book a free in-home consultation [/contact/ →](/contact/) to confirm your boxes are structurally sound and view beautiful material choices. Smart planning starts right now. ## Frequently Asked Questions How many days does cabinet refacing take? + Most projects finish in 3-5 days on-site because the existing cabinet boxes stay in place. There's typically 4-6 weeks of design and material lead time before the on-site install begins. Can I use my kitchen during refacing? + Largely yes. Since your cabinet boxes don't move, the kitchen is functional for most of the process. Full usability is restricted for the 1-2 days doors are being installed and hardware is going in. What makes a refacing job take longer? + Larger kitchens (more cabinets = more install time), added custom features (pull-outs, lazy susans, drawer organizers), and specialty finishes that require extra fabrication or curing time all extend the schedule.