Refacing vs. replacing cabinets

Refacing and replacing cabinets are two options for elevating the functionality and look of your kitchen or living space. One revives lackluster cabinets for those wanting a quick remodel. The other creates an entirely new layout for those embarking on an extensive renovation journey. 

The choice to replace or reface kitchen cabinets depends on your budget, the condition of your existing cabinetry, and your style preferences. This article delves into the key differences between cabinet refacing vs. new cabinet installation. Learn about their pros and cons, associated costs, and how DIY-friendly they are. 

Replacing cabinets: everything you need to know

Replacing cabinets involves removing existing cabinet boxes, frames, doors, and drawers and installing new ones. Choose this if you have outdated or broken cabinets or want an upgraded layout. 

It’s a more extensive and expensive project than refacing. You’ll need to consider the cost of new parts, prepare for a lengthy installation, and address any structural issues the new arrangement raises, like plumbing or electrical work. 

Replacing cabinets allows for a fresh start by providing many personalization options, including new materials, styles, and configurations. This will enable you to cultivate the kitchen of your dreams. Brand-new cabinets also add long-term value to your home with enhanced aesthetics and better functionality. 

DIY vs. professional

Deciding whether to DIY your cabinet replacement or hire a professional depends on your level of expertise, the complexity of the project, and your budget.

Cabinet replacement is a massive undertaking that is challenging for even the most seasoned DIYers. If you don’t precisely level the bases or there is just one inaccurate measurement, you risk compromising the durability of your cabinets. That’s not to mention the labor-intensive process of removing and disposing of your current cabinetry.

But if you are confident in your skills, cabinet replacement is a rewarding DIY project that can save you a lot of money in labor. It also gives you greater control over customization and the project’s work schedule. 

If you have a complex replacement project, a large kitchen, or simply want to ensure you get the best results possible, hire a professional. Expert installers provide peace of mind that your cabinets will fit perfectly and last for decades. While you get less flexibility, the work is faster and obstacles are easily managed, saving you a lot of headaches.

Estimated cost of replacing cabinets

It’s essential to consider your design preferences and financial constraints when planning a cabinet replacement project. The cost of replacing cabinets can vary significantly depending on various factors, including:

• Your cabinet style (stock, custom, or semi-custom).
• The size of your kitchen or living space.
• The materials and finishes you choose.
• The complexity of the installation.
• Your location (for things like shipping prices).

Buying stock or ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinet parts is the most cost-effective route. These are pre-built to standard sizes and come in a range of wood species. Here is an example cost breakdown for a single-drawer base cabinet in red oak:

• Base cabinet box: From $44.64 
• Flat-panel cabinet door: From $33.93
• Dovetail drawer box: From $33.99
• Flat-panel drawer front: From $33.93

The overall price will fluctuate depending on the specific sizes, materials, and finishes you require, as well as any hardware you need to buy, like hinges or pulls.

If you want your kitchen to feel bespoke, choose custom cabinets. Expenses encompass manufacturing and installation costs and the removal of the old cabinets. While this is a lot more expensive, you will have the power to create a totally unique concept that matches your personality and overarching decor.

With these prices in mind, replacing cabinets can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $30,000. You can do it for even less money if you have a small kitchen and finish the cabinets yourself. At the same time, prices quickly escalate as you address new challenges the project creates, like adding new flooring for base cabinets or taking care of any electrical work.

Pros and cons of replacing cabinets

Pros:

• Customization: You can craft a layout that suits your exact needs and matches your vision.
• Improved functionality: You can optimize storage and organization with features like pull-out shelves or deep drawers, which enhance usability.
• Increased home value: High-quality cabinets can add value to your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers in the future.
• Longevity: New cabinets often come with warranties that protect your investment for years to come.
• Aesthetic upgrade: You have the power to transform your space, giving it a fresh, modern appearance and making it more enjoyable to use.

Cons:

• Cost: Cabinet replacement is expensive, with costs escalating if you opt for custom or high-end materials.
• Time-consuming: A full cabinet replacement project disrupts your daily life and may take several weeks to complete.
• Complexity: You may need to coordinate additional work, such as plumbing and electrical adjustments, which adds to the overall complexity and cost.
• Waste: Disposing of your old cabinets is not as environmentally friendly as refacing work, and you may need to pay disposal fees.
• Design and planning: Designing and ordering custom cabinets can be time-consuming and may lead to delays. 

Refacing cabinets: everything you need to know

Refacing involves keeping your existing cabinet boxes and frames but replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and sometimes the hardware. You may also want to re-veneer or re-laminate your cabinet boxes to match the new door style.

The cost of refacing kitchen cabinets vs. replacing them is lower because you save on materials and labor. Refacing cabinets is also quicker and less disruptive than a full cabinet replacement, with completion typically taking a matter of days.

Refacing provides an opportunity to revamp your cabinets with new door styles, colors, and hardware without the huge price tag. Choose this option if your cabinet boxes are in good structural condition and you’re satisfied with your current arrangement. 

DIY vs. professional

It’s easier to DIY cabinet refacing than it is to replace your cabinets yourself. Refacing requires simpler measurements, and the installation process is also more straightforward.

If you’re buying finished cabinet doors and drawer fronts, you just need to reattach them to your existing boxes using the correct-sized screws and hardware. Installing unfinished parts requires a little more effort, as you will need to stain, paint, or finish them yourself. 

Refacing gets a little more complicated when you want to veneer your cabinet boxes to match the new doors. In addition, if you want to refinish your doors and drawers without buying new ones, hiring a professional is beneficial for a number of reasons:

• They have training in handling the chemicals needed to remove old finish.
• They ensure you don’t further damage your cabinets during the refinishing process.
• They get the job done faster with better tools, materials, and dedicated teams.

Estimated cost of refacing cabinets

Depending on the materials and finish you choose, the cost of refacing kitchen cabinets is sometimes just as expensive as replacing them. But on average, cabinet refacing is 30% to 50% cheaper than a full cabinet replacement project. This is because:

• Refacing requires less materials (e.g., cabinet and drawer boxes).
• You can save on hardware costs by reusing your existing hinges and pulls.
• Installing new cabinet doors is DIY-friendly, saving you labor costs.

For example, you can buy pre-manufactured, unfinished Shaker cabinet doors from $33.93 each. Not only is this budget-friendly, but it gives you full control over the staining, painting, and finishing process. Stock cabinet doors also offer a range of profiles to suit every style and come with matching drawer fronts, making it easy to maintain visual consistency.

Semi-custom cabinet doors are the next most affordable option. With this, you choose a pre-manufactured cabinet door in your desired wood species, frame width, and finish. For example, a standard 19-by-28-inch Shaker cabinet door with a 2½-inch frame width, made from red oak and finished in a clear satin top coat, would cost $119.64.

Overall, the price of cabinet refacing vs. installing new cabinets is much more cost-effective, often ranging between $3,000 and $12,000. For extra savings, buy unfinished doors and paint them yourself. Costs will increase based on the scope of your project, like if you are refinishing your cabinet boxes, which may require professional assistance. 

Pros and cons of refacing cabinets

Pros:

• Cost-effective: Cabinet refacing is more affordable than replacing cabinets. It allows you to achieve a fresh appearance without the expense of new boxes.
• Time-efficient: Refacing cabinets is quicker than a full replacement. Most projects take a matter of days to complete.
• Less disruption: Since the cabinet boxes remain in place, there is less demolition and mess involved. You also keep almost full use of your cabinets so that your life runs as normal.
• DIY-friendly: Basic cabinet refacing requires simple measurements and easy installation. This makes it more DIY-friendly than a full-scale cabinet replacement.
• Eco-friendly: Refacing cabinets reduces waste by reusing the existing cabinet boxes, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Cons:

• Limited changes: Refacing doesn’t allow for major structural changes. All boxes stay where they are, and the insides also remain the same.
• Not suitable for damaged cabinets: If your existing cabinet boxes are in poor condition, refacing may not be a viable option.
• Adds less value: While refacing improves the look of your cabinets, it won’t add as much long-term value to your home as replacing cabinets will.
• Functionality stays the same: Refacing cabinets won’t improve storage capacity or functionality, which is a limitation if you want to enhance efficiency.

Cabinet refacing vs. new cabinets: What’s right for me?

Weighing refacing vs. replacing cabinets is ultimately a personal choice. Buying entirely new cabinets offers complete customization, addresses structural issues, and allows for significant changes. It’s the better option if:

• Your current cabinets are in poor condition.
• You are planning an extensive renovation.
• You have specific functional requirements.
• You want to update your existing layout.
• You have a larger budget to work with.

Compared with installing new cabinets, cabinet refacing is an easier way to update your cabinets. Choose this option if:

• Your current cabinets are in good condition.
• You are happy with their layout and functionality.
• You only want a cosmetic upgrade.
• You have a stricter financial plan.

Your decision to replace or reface kitchen cabinets should align with all these factors. If you are still unsure, consult a professional contractor to make an informed choice based on your unique circumstances.

Learn more with The Cabinet Door Store

Your decision between refacing vs. replacing cabinets should address your specific needs. Refacing is a cheaper and quicker way to refurbish cabinets without changing their functionality. Replacing cabinets is a more extensive and customizable option that allows you to achieve a completely new atmosphere in your home.

Whichever direction you choose, The Cabinet Door Store is here to help. Our range of high-quality cabinet parts makes it easy to bring your vision to life. Browse our selection today and enjoy discounts on bulk orders. If you need further assistance, contact us about your project and we’ll be happy to help.