Cabinet Refacing vs Replacing: Which Makes Sense for Your Kitchen?

If your kitchen feels dated but the layout still works, you’ve probably asked yourself the big question: do I reface the cabinets, or rip them out and start fresh? Both are valid. The right answer depends on the bones of your kitchen, your budget and how much you want to change.

Here’s a straight comparison to help you decide — no upselling, just how we’d talk it through with you in the showroom.

What refacing actually is

Refacing keeps your existing cabinet boxes and replaces everything you see: new doors, new drawer fronts, new hardware, and matching veneer or panels on the exposed sides. The result looks like a brand-new kitchen, because almost every visible surface is new — but you’ve kept the structure that was already working.

A quick reality check we always give people: refacing is for whole kitchens, and it still takes roughly 2–6 weeks end to end. It’s not a weekend job, and it’s not for swapping a single door. But for the right kitchen, it delivers a dramatic change for noticeably less.

What replacing involves

Replacing means new everything — boxes included. It costs more and takes longer, but it’s the only option if you want to change your layout, add storage, or your current boxes are past saving. You also get to choose a completely different configuration, which refacing can’t do.

Cost: the honest numbers

As a rule of thumb, refacing runs about 30–50% less than full replacement. On a typical Island kitchen that often looks like:

• Refacing: roughly $7,000–$15,000
• New cabinets (installed): roughly $10,000–$40,000+, depending on custom vs semi-custom

Want the full breakdown? See our 2026 kitchen cabinet cost guide.

When refacing makes sense

• Your boxes are solid (plywood or good-condition cabinets, not swollen particle board).
• You’re happy with the layout — same footprint, fresh look.
• You want a big visual change for less money and less disruption.
• You’re staying in the home a while, or refreshing to sell.

When replacing is the smarter call

• Your boxes are failing — sagging shelves, water damage, crumbling particle board.
• You want to change the layout or add an island, pantry or different storage.
• You want soft-close everything and modern internal organisers throughout.
• You’re already opening up walls or moving appliances.

Time and disruption

Refacing is generally quicker and tidier — your kitchen stays largely usable and there’s less dust. A full replacement takes longer and is more disruptive, but you end up with a completely new kitchen built exactly how you want it. Either way, our own crew does the work, so you’re dealing with one team start to finish.

The one thing we won’t do

We get this call a lot: “Can you just replace two of my doors?” For a full kitchen, we can reface every door and front and make it look new. But we don’t take on one- or two-door swaps on an existing kitchen — for something that small, a finish carpenter is a better fit. We’d rather point you to the right person than overcharge you for a job that isn’t ours.

FAQ

Is refacing as durable as new cabinets?

The new doors, fronts and hardware are new and built to last. Durability mainly comes down to your existing boxes — if they’re sound, a refaced kitchen will serve you for many years.

Can I change my cabinet colour by refacing?

Yes — that’s one of the best parts. New doors and fronts mean you can go lighter, darker, two-tone, or a completely different style.

How long does refacing take?

Most refacing projects run about 2–6 weeks from approved design to finished kitchen.

Not sure which way to go? Send us a few photos and rough measurements and we’ll tell you honestly whether refacing or replacing makes more sense for your kitchen. Get your free assessment →