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One of the most popular home remodeling projects is the kitchen. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into the space. But in other cases, more substantial upgrades—like cabinet refacing or replacing—are needed. These projects fall between simple cosmetic updates and full-scale renovations. In this article, we break down the key differences between cabinet refacing and cabinet replacement to help you decide which is right for your kitchen’s style, function, and budget.
WHAT IS CABINET REFACING?
Cabinet refacing is more than just refinishing—it’s a transformative process that gives your kitchen a brand-new look without the disruption or cost of full replacement. The process involves removing all the doors, hinges, hardware, moldings, drawer fronts, and sometimes even the drawer boxes. Once the cabinetry is stripped back to the frames, any desired improvements, such as
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Modifying appliance openings to accommodate modern sizes.
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Adding cabinetry.
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Adding drawers and roll-outs.
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Upgrading corner storage solutions.
Once the updates are made, new moldings, doors, and hardware are installed to complete the look. The result is often dramatic, giving the appearance of brand-new cabinetry without changing the existing kitchen layout. Whether you prefer a modern, traditional, or farmhouse style, refacing offers a cost-effective way to upgrade your kitchen’s aesthetic.
WHEN DOES CABINET REFACING MAKE SENSE?
Cabinet refacing often makes the most sense for homeowners who are looking to change the appearance of their cabinetry but plan to keep the existing footprint or layout. If the existing cabinetry is solid, just older and outdated, or if you simply want to change the color of your existing cabinetry, you should consider refacing rather than replacing.
If you would like to keep your existing countertops, flooring, or backsplash, you may have to resurface rather than replace your cabinetry. Homeowners may have installed beautiful granite or quartz countertops and later decided they disliked the cabinetry. In this situation, it is nearly impossible to remove the countertop, install new cabinetry, and reinstall the countertops; thus, refacing is a lifeline for updating the cabinetry.
Cabinet refacing is a viable option for homeowners to upgrade their kitchen cabinets without breaking the bank. A full kitchen project, including all new cabinetry, can become quite costly, often accounting for 15-20% of the home's value. In contrast, a refacing project keeps things simple, allowing homeowners to get brand-new-looking cabinetry without the heavy investment. The kitchen is one of the most visited rooms in a home, so homeowners deserve to have a kitchen they enjoy.
Another reason you may consider cabinet refacing is if you plan to sell your home sometime in the next 5 years. Given that shorter timeframe, you may not recoup the large investment of a new kitchen. Your home’s value is tied to many factors, including kitchen aesthetics and functionality. Homeowners often deal with their homes as they are, but they must consider how a potential buyer would view their kitchen. If the kitchen cabinets need a lot of work, opting for cabinet refacing could provide a great return on investment, making it look like a brand-new kitchen.
COST CONSIDERATIONS FOR CABINET REFACING
Cabinet refacing is considered a mid-range investment. It’s more expensive than painting or refinishing but significantly less costly than a full cabinet replacement. The total cost will depend on several factors, including
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Kitchen size
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Scope of modifications
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Material and finish choices
While prices vary widely, most homeowners can expect to spend between $8,000 and $18,000 on a cabinet refacing project.
WHEN IS IT BETTER TO REPLACE YOUR CABINETS?
There will be times when cabinet replacement is necessary as opposed to cabinet refacing. Homeowners should consider the overall condition of their existing kitchen cabinets as well as potential changes to the layout in order to decide whether refacing or replacing is the best option. Consulting an experienced kitchen designer can help you evaluate your options and determine the best route based on your kitchen’s current condition, your goals, and your budget. Use BBB.org to start your research.
If the cabinet boxes are broken or beginning to sag, then replacement is most likely required. Refacing can provide minor restructuring of the cabinetry, and things like shelves and drawers can be replaced as well, but refacing cannot save cabinetry that is falling apart. If you have outgrown your existing kitchen or want to redesign it to meet your family’s needs, then replacement may be your best option. Relocating appliances, taking down walls, and expanding the overall footprint of the kitchen are all indicators that you may need new cabinetry rather than refacing.
ARE REFACING OR REPLACING KITCHEN CABINETS BEST FOR YOU?
In either situation, it’s best to rely on experienced professionals to reface or replace your kitchen cabinets. You may consider interviewing a few different kitchen designers and getting their opinions on whether you can enjoy the benefits of cabinet refacing or if replacing them is required for any reason. Your designer should provide recommendations based on your best interests, budget, and other factors to ensure you are satisfied with the finished project. In many cases, if kitchen cabinets are structurally sound, then cabinet refacing makes sense. But if the structural integrity is compromised, then cabinet replacement will most likely be recommended.
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This article was written in collaboration with Interstate Custom Kitchen & Bath, Inc., and the BBB of Central New England.
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