If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is whether to reface or replace your kitchen cabinets. Each option offers distinct advantages, but the best choice for you will ultimately depend on your budget, your desired updates, and the current condition of your cabinets.
Are you looking to give your kitchen a facelift or a complete makeover? Do your cabinets need structural work, or are your motivations primarily aesthetic?
In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of kitchen cabinet refacing and replacing, offering insights and tips to help you make an informed decision. From cost to time considerations, we’ll cover everything you need to know to choose the best option for you and your kitchen.
What Is Kitchen Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinets are a central focal point in any kitchen, shaping the room’s aesthetic appeal and functionality. Because of their large presence, there’s a good chance you won’t love your kitchen if you don’t love your cabinets. Fortunately, completing a comprehensive (and costly) renovation is not your only option.
Refacing your kitchen cabinets involves exchanging the cabinet doors and drawer fronts and applying a wood veneer over the existing cabinet boxes. During refacing, you can change the style of your cabinets to match your preferences and complete the transformation by also installing new hardware, including hinges, handles, knobs, and drawer pulls to your new cabinet doors.
- Average cost: $1,350 - $12,500 (Forbes Home)
- Average completion time: 3 to 5 days (Home Depot)
What Is Kitchen Cabinet Replacing?
Replacing your kitchen cabinets involves a more extensive renovation process. This option requires you or a hired contractor to remove your existing cabinets, including everything from the cabinet boxes and drawers to doors and hardware. Once you fully dismantle your old cabinets, you can install new cabinets in their place, or you can completely redesign the layout of your kitchen.
- Average cost: $2,200 - $24,600 (Forbes Home)
- Average completion time: 5 to 7 days (Puustelli Kitchens)
Pros and Cons of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
Kitchen cabinet refacing is a popular option for homeowners looking to update the look of their kitchen without the expense and hassle of a full renovation. While it offers several advantages, there are also some limitations to consider before deciding if it's the right choice for your project. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Cost-effective: Refacing is generally more affordable than completely replacing your entire cabinets, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
- Less disruptive: Refacing is quicker and less invasive, often completed in a matter of days, allowing you to enjoy your updated kitchen with minimal downtime.
- Eco-friendly: Refacing allows you to reuse your existing cabinet structure, reduces waste, and is more sustainable than completely replacing your cabinets.
Cons
- Limited flexibility: Since the underlying structure of the cabinets remains the same, your ability to alter the layout or improve storage solutions is restricted.
- Less comprehensive: Refacing focuses on the exterior appearance of the cabinets, so this process will not address any internal issues or damage to your cabinet boxes.
Pros and Cons of Kitchen Cabinet Replacing
Replacing your kitchen cabinets is a more extensive renovation option, offering the opportunity to transform your kitchen's design and functionality. While this approach provides significant benefits, it also comes with some challenges. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of this option:
Pros
- Complete customization: Replacing cabinets allows you to redesign the kitchen layout and choose from a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes. For example, in the above photo of a before and after cabinet replacement, the appliances were re-located and countertops replace.
- Addresses structural issues: New cabinets can be customized to fit your space and address any underlying structural problems.
Cons
- More expensive: Replacing cabinets is generally more costly than refacing, making it a significant investment.
- Takes longer: The process of replacing cabinets is more time-consuming, often requiring several weeks to complete.
- Difficult: Replacing cabinets requires precision to avoid damaging additional kitchen elements, such as countertops, backsplashes, and flooring.
- More disruptive: A total cabinet replacement can be disruptive, especially if it involves changes to the kitchen layout.
How to Decide Which Option Is Best For You
Cabinet refacing and replacing are two distinct processes. Each offers unique benefits that can be advantageous for homeowners. However, deciding which option is best for you can be daunting, especially when you're torn between undergoing a complete kitchen remodel or making targeted updates here and there to refresh your kitchen's style.
If you're struggling to make a decision, asking yourself these questions can help:
- What is the current condition of my cabinets? Are they structurally sound or showing signs of wear and tear?
- How much do I want to change the look of my kitchen? Would a new cabinet style significantly enhance the space?
- Is my current kitchen layout functional, or do I need more flexibility to redesign the space?
- What is my budget for this project? Am I seeking a cost-effective solution or ready to invest in a more extensive renovation?
- How much time am I willing to commit to this project? Can I accommodate a lengthy renovation process?
- Will refacing be enough to achieve the look and functionality I want, or do I need to replace the cabinets to reach my goal?
- How long do I plan to own my home? Will this renovation add value to my property in the long run?
- Is the cost of renovating your kitchen worth the hassle? Am I prepared to deal with the potential mess and disruption associated with a complete renovation?
The odds are that quite a few homeowners will decide to reface their kitchen cabinets after asking themselves these questions and weighing the pros and cons of a renovation. However, others may still be torn between managing the costs, hassle, and inconvenience of a complete kitchen renovation and realizing the kitchen of their dreams.
What if there was a third option?
New Construction: An Alternative to Replacing
For homeowners seeking a completely fresh start in their kitchen, there’s an alternative to replacing your cabinets: new construction. Although it may not seem like the obvious choice, when you weigh the costs of a complete renovation, the lengthy timeline, and the disruption it can cause your daily life, moving into a newly built home might be a great solution.
Moving into a new home will allow you to start from scratch, giving you complete control over every aspect of your kitchen’s design. Whether you collaborate with a builder to select the exact cabinet styles, materials, and finishes that match your vision or purchase a recently built home with a modern floor plan and design, new construction offers the flexibility to secure the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of.
Find Your Dream Kitchen
At Century Communities, we know how essential a well-designed kitchen is to everyday life. From practical layouts that simplify food prep and dishwashing to providing ample space for cooking, bar seating, and storage, the best kitchens make life easier and more enjoyable.
That’s why we design every home with the kitchen as a central focus. If you're searching for the kitchen of your dreams, explore our properties in your area with our Find Your Home feature.
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing FAQ
Is it worth it to reface kitchen cabinets?
Refacing kitchen cabinets is worthwhile if you’re looking to enhance the style of your kitchen and give it a new look to match your aesthetic preferences. However, if you’re looking to improve the functionality of your kitchen, replacing your cabinets is possibly a better option.
How much does it cost to reface an average size kitchen?
According to Forbes Home, refacing cabinets in an average-sized kitchen will cost a homeowner between $1,350 - $12,500, depending on the number of cabinets, door styles, materials used, and labor time. Of course, high-quality materials and larger cabinet refacing projects will demand a higher cost.
Do you have to remove countertops to reface cabinets?
It is possible to reface your kitchen cabinets without removing your countertops. However, you’ll need to carefully remove doors, drawers, and other components to avoid damaging your kitchen during refacing.