Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs Replacement: Ottawa Cost Comparison

# Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs Replacement: Ottawa Cost Comparison

*Last updated: December 2025 | Read time: 7 min*

Should you reface your existing cabinets or replace them entirely? This is one of the biggest decisions in any kitchen renovation. Here's an honest breakdown to help Ottawa homeowners make the right choice.

**Quick answer:** Refacing costs $4,000-$12,000 and works great if your cabinet boxes are solid. Full replacement costs $8,000-$25,000+ but makes sense if your layout needs changes or boxes are damaged.

## Table of Contents

1. [Quick Comparison](#comparison)

2. [What is Cabinet Refacing?](#refacing)

3. [When to Reface](#when-reface)

4. [When to Replace](#when-replace)

5. [Cost Breakdown](#costs)

6. [Timeline Comparison](#timeline)

7. [Our Recommendation](#recommendation)

---

## Quick Comparison {#comparison}

| Factor | Refacing | Replacement |

|--------|----------|-------------|

| Cost | $4,000-12,000 | $8,000-30,000 |

| Timeline | 3-5 days | 2-4 weeks |

| Layout changes | No | Yes |

| New box interiors | No | Yes |

| Disruption | Minimal | Significant |

| Longevity | 10-15 years | 20-30 years |

---

## What is Cabinet Refacing? {#refacing}

Cabinet refacing involves:

- Keeping your existing cabinet boxes

- Installing new doors and drawer fronts

- Applying matching veneer to visible cabinet frames

- Installing new hardware

- Optionally adding new hinges and drawer slides

### What You Keep

- Cabinet boxes (the framework)

- Existing layout

- Countertops (usually)

### What's New

- All door and drawer fronts

- Visible frame surfaces

- Hardware (handles, pulls)

- Hinges (optional upgrade)

---

## When to Reface {#when-reface}

### Good Candidates for Refacing

**Your cabinet boxes are solid if:**

- No water damage or warping

- Drawers open and close smoothly

- Shelves are sturdy

- No musty odors

- Framework is level and plumb

**Refacing makes sense when:**

- You like your current layout

- Budget is limited

- You want minimal disruption

- Boxes are less than 20 years old

- You want a quick transformation

### Refacing Options

| Style | Description | Cost Range |

|-------|-------------|------------|

| Laminate | Durable, budget-friendly | $4,000-7,000 |

| Wood Veneer | Natural wood look | $5,000-9,000 |

| Solid Wood | Premium doors | $7,000-12,000 |

| Thermofoil | Smooth, modern | $4,500-8,000 |

---

## When to Replace {#when-replace}

### Signs You Need New Cabinets

**Structural issues:**

- Water damage or swelling

- Delaminating boxes

- Broken joints or frames

- Persistent odors

- Cabinets pulling away from walls

**Layout problems:**

- Dead corner space you want to fix

- Poor workflow

- Not enough storage

- Wrong cabinet sizes

**Age concerns:**

- Cabinets over 25-30 years old

- Outdated construction methods

- Particle board breaking down

### Benefits of Full Replacement

1. **Optimize layout** - Add corner solutions, pull-outs, dividers

2. **Better materials** - Modern plywood vs old particle board

3. **Maximize space** - Taller uppers, deeper drawers

4. **Modern features** - Soft-close, built-in organizers

5. **Higher ROI** - Better return on home value

---

## Cost Breakdown {#costs}

### Cabinet Refacing Costs (Ottawa)

| Component | Cost |

|-----------|------|

| New doors (20-25 doors) | $2,000-6,000 |

| Drawer fronts (10-15) | $500-1,500 |

| Veneer for frames | $500-1,500 |

| Hardware | $200-800 |

| Labour | $1,500-3,000 |

| **Total** | **$4,700-12,800** |

### Cabinet Replacement Costs (Ottawa)

| Cabinet Type | 10x10 Kitchen Cost |

|--------------|-------------------|

| Stock cabinets | $2,500-6,000 |

| Semi-custom | $6,000-15,000 |

| Custom | $15,000-35,000+ |

**Additional replacement costs:**

- Demo and disposal: $500-1,500

- Installation: $1,500-4,000

- New countertops (often needed): $2,000-8,000

- Backsplash touchup: $500-1,500

---

## Timeline Comparison {#timeline}

### Refacing Timeline

| Phase | Duration |

|-------|----------|

| Consultation & measurement | 1-2 hours |

| Door manufacturing | 2-4 weeks |

| Installation | 3-5 days |

| **Total from order** | **3-5 weeks** |

Your kitchen remains functional throughout - only one section at a time is worked on.

### Replacement Timeline

| Phase | Duration |

|-------|----------|

| Design & ordering | 4-8 weeks |

| Demo | 1-2 days |

| Installation | 3-7 days |

| Countertops | 1-2 weeks after cabinets |

| Finishing | 2-3 days |

| **Total from order** | **6-12 weeks** |

Your kitchen is out of commission for 1-3 weeks during installation.

---

## Other Options to Consider

### Cabinet Painting

Even cheaper than refacing:

- **Cost:** $2,000-5,000

- **Best for:** Solid wood doors in good condition

- **Pros:** Cheapest option, can DIY

- **Cons:** Shows wear faster, prep-intensive

### Partial Replacement

Mix and match approach:

- Replace lower cabinets (most wear)

- Reface upper cabinets

- **Cost:** $6,000-15,000

- **Best for:** Lowers with water damage, good uppers

### Add-Ons to Existing Cabinets

- Pull-out shelves: $100-300 each

- Lazy Susan: $150-400

- Drawer organizers: $50-200

- Soft-close hinges: $5-15 per door

- Under-cabinet lighting: $200-500

---

## Our Recommendation {#recommendation}

### Choose Refacing If:

- Budget under $12,000

- Cabinet boxes are solid (check for water damage)

- You like your current layout

- Need minimal disruption

- Cabinets are under 20 years old

### Choose Replacement If:

- Budget over $15,000

- Want layout changes

- Cabinet boxes are damaged

- Cabinets are 25+ years old

- Planning to sell soon (higher ROI)

### The Honest Truth

We've done hundreds of both. Refacing is an excellent value when conditions are right - you get a dramatic transformation for half the cost. But if your boxes are failing or you hate your layout, refacing is just putting lipstick on a pig.

We'll always give you an honest assessment during our consultation. Sometimes we recommend refacing even when clients expect to replace, and vice versa.

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## Questions to Ask Your Contractor

1. Can you show me the inside of my cabinet boxes?

2. Is there any water damage I should know about?

3. What's the quality of my current boxes?

4. Do you recommend refacing or replacement for my situation?

5. What's the realistic lifespan of each option?

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*Not sure which option is right for your kitchen? [Contact us](/contact) for an honest assessment and free quote.*