Cabinet Refacing vs Replacement: Making the Right Choice

# Cabinet Refacing vs Replacement: Making the Right Choice

Kitchen cabinet replacement is major expense - often $15,000-$40,000 for typical kitchen. Refacing offers middle ground.

Refacing involves keeping existing cabinet boxes and replacing doors, drawer fronts, and applying veneer to visible surfaces. Hardware and hinges also updated.

Refacing makes sense when cabinet boxes are solid and functional, layout works well, and budget is limited. Usually costs 40-60% of full replacement.

Replacement makes sense when boxes are damaged or poor quality, layout needs changing, storage needs arent met, or budget allows.

Refacing limitations include inability to change layout, quality limited by existing boxes, and still-dated interiors unless upgraded separately.

Cost comparison for typical kitchen: full replacement $20,000-$40,000, refacing $8,000-$15,000, paint only $3,000-$6,000.

Timeline comparison: replacement takes 4-8 weeks, refacing takes 3-5 days, painting takes 1-2 weeks.

Disruption is less with refacing. Kitchen remains functional throughout most of the process.

ROI perspective: refacing recovers similar percentage at sale with lower investment.

Choose quality refacing company. Poor quality refacing looks cheap and doesnt hold up. Get samples and references.