N-Hance cabinet refinishing typically costs about $4-$12 per square foot of cabinet surface, or roughly $1,500-$5,000 for a common kitchen. The final quote depends on the number of doors and drawers, finish choice, cabinet condition, labor rates, and local franchise pricing; floor area is not usually the measurement used.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet surface rate | $4 per sq ft | $7 per sq ft | $12 per sq ft | Approximate face-area comparison |
| Small kitchen | $1,200 | $2,200 | $3,500 | Fewer doors, limited prep |
| Typical kitchen | $1,800 | $3,200 | $5,000 | Average door and drawer count |
| Large or detailed kitchen | $3,500 | $5,500 | $8,000 | More cabinetry or extensive repairs |
Assumptions: U.S. residential kitchen, existing cabinets remain in place, and standard access; franchise quotes and measurement methods vary.
What N-Hance charges for a typical kitchen
For budgeting, many standard kitchens fall near $2,000-$4,000, with smaller or simpler jobs below that range and large projects above it. The per-square-foot figure is an estimate for comparing scope, not a guaranteed N-Hance rate. A contractor may instead price by cabinet door, drawer front, linear foot, or the full kitchen.
Square footage can mean the combined visible area of cabinet fronts, rather than the kitchen floor. A 200-square-foot kitchen floor does not necessarily contain 200 square feet of cabinet surface. Ask the local provider what area it measures and whether the quote includes cabinet frames, exposed ends, interiors, and both sides of doors.
Refinishing generally preserves the cabinet boxes and changes their finish or color. It is not the same as replacing cabinets, and it may not correct warped doors, damaged boxes, or poor layouts. Compare quotes only after confirming they cover the same doors, drawer fronts, frames, repairs, and finish process.
How doors, labor, and finish shape the N-Hance quote
The table shows common budget categories rather than a published, uniform company rate. Some franchise quotes combine preparation and finishing into one line, so the amounts should not be added mechanically.
| Quote component | Typical range | What it covers | Price effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning and surface prep | $200-$700 | Degreasing, sanding, masking | Higher for buildup or difficult coatings |
| Doors and drawer fronts | $800-$2,800 | Removal, finishing, reinstallation | More pieces and detailed profiles add time |
| Cabinet frames and ends | $400-$1,500 | Finishing fixed cabinet surfaces | More exposed sides increase area |
| Repairs and hardware | $100-$900 | Minor filling, hinge or handle work | Replacement parts may cost extra |
| Delivery, protection, cleanup | $0-$400 | Job setup and debris handling | May be bundled into labor |
Labor and surface preparation are major parts of the price. A rough comparison for labor planning is $50-$100 per hour, with a two-person crew often working 2-5 days depending on the number of pieces, drying schedule, and process. The provider’s estimate should clarify whether removal, labeling, masking, and reinstallation are included.
Door count, cabinet condition, and finish options change the rate
Piece count and condition often matter more than kitchen floor area. A kitchen with 20 doors and 8 drawer fronts is usually less labor-intensive than one with 35 doors, deep grooves, and many exposed ends, even if both rooms have similar floor dimensions.
Surface condition also changes preparation time. Grease, peeling finish, water damage, or previous paint can require extra cleaning, sanding, or repair. Minor filling may add $100-$400; more extensive door or box repairs can add $500-$1,500 or lead to replacement recommendations.
Finish choices affect materials and process. A standard color or stain may fit the base estimate, while custom color matching, specialty coatings, glazing, or a more involved multi-step finish can add about 10%-30%. Ask whether the price covers the inside edges of doors and the visible sides of cabinets.
Three kitchen examples show how totals can differ
These examples illustrate plausible quote ranges, not guaranteed N-Hance offers. Each assumes existing cabinet boxes remain in place and no major structural repair is needed.
| Scope | Approximate surface | Labor assumption | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact kitchen, 18 doors and 6 drawers | 140 sq ft at $5-$8 | Two-person crew, 2-3 days | $1,800-$2,700 |
| Mid-size kitchen, 28 doors and 10 drawers | 230 sq ft at $6-$10 | Two-person crew, 3-4 days | $2,800-$4,400 |
| Large kitchen, 40 doors and 14 drawers | 340 sq ft at $8-$12 | Two-person crew, 4-5 days | $4,500-$7,000 |
The estimates include typical preparation and finishing but may exclude new hardware, extensive repairs, tax, or unusually complicated access. Per-square-foot calculations may not match a franchise’s pricing method.
Local labor rates can move the N-Hance price
Regional differences commonly shift a comparable quote by about 10%-25%. Large metro areas and higher-cost coastal markets may price above the national middle, while some rural markets may come in lower. Travel distance, local demand, and the specific franchise’s schedule can also matter.
Request a written estimate from the nearest provider and compare it with another local cabinet-finishing quote using the same scope. A lower estimate may omit frame surfaces, repairs, or removal and reinstallation. Ask whether sales tax, travel charges, and any minimum service fee are included.
Extra prep and hardware can add to the bill
Confirm add-ons before scheduling because they can make a low base price misleading. New knobs or pulls may cost $2-$15 each for basic hardware, plus installation if it is not included. Hinge replacement, door alignment, and filling old handle holes may add roughly $100-$500 depending on quantity and complexity.
Removing contents, clearing counters, and providing a workable path to the kitchen can reduce setup delays, but homeowners should not attempt stripping or sanding unless the provider requests it. DIY preparation can damage surfaces or complicate the finishing process. Confirm who moves appliances and protects nearby flooring.
Where can homeowners trim the refinishing estimate?
The most reliable savings usually come from controlling scope, not choosing the cheapest coating. Keep sound cabinet boxes, refinish only the surfaces that need a color change, and avoid premium effects unless they are important to the finished look. If only a few doors are damaged, ask whether targeted door replacement and refinishing is less costly than a full kitchen project.
Get itemized quotes for the same door and drawer count, frame coverage, finish, repairs, and warranty. Ask for separate prices for hardware, interior cabinet surfaces, and exposed ends so optional work is easy to compare. Scheduling outside a contractor’s busiest period may help with availability, but the discount depends on the local franchise and should not be assumed.