Do your kitchen cabinets deserve an upgrade? Have you been staring down the cabinet aisle of Home Depot, totally overwhelmed? Do you go all-in and replace everything, or do you spend somewhat less by keeping your cabinet skeletons and giving them a facelift? When it comes to cabinet refacing vs. replacing, it can be a tough decision. However, getting a new kitchen doesn’t always require you to rip your kitchen down to the studs.
Karin Ross Designs breaks it down, including how much it will cost and whether or not you’ll be able to add a coat of paint when you’re bored next season. Continue reading to learn the nitty-gritty of kitchen transformations without the need for full-on demolitions.
What Is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is relatively popular in kitchen makeovers. You keep the bones of your existing cabinetry (the cabinet boxes) and only swap out the doors, drawer fronts, and sometimes the hardware. The visible surfaces get covered with a veneer, such as wood, laminate, thermofoil, or whatever material you prefer. With refacing, your cabinets look brand new without tearing your kitchen apart.
Refacing is a great option if your cabinets are structurally sound but aesthetically outdated. This works great when you love the current layout, but do not love the look. With kitchen cabinet refacing, you can update the style without the chaos of a full renovation. You’ll ultimately get a major transformation with a minimal mess.
How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets
How do you reface kitchen cabinets properly? First, remove your cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Next, clean and sand the surfaces to ensure the new veneers or laminate will properly adhere. Apply the veneer to all the visible parts of the cabinet boxes, including the sides, face frames, and toe kicks. After that, install your brand-new doors, fronts, and hardware. You’ll have amazing “new” cabinets without a total gut job.
If you’re not super confident wielding a jigsaw, hiring a Kansas City kitchen remodeling company is always a solid move. It will still be less expensive than a full replacement, plus you’ll have the assurance that you won’t wake up to a crooked cabinet door.
Is Cabinet Refacing Worth It?
Yes, cabinet refacing is worth it, but only if your existing cabinets are in good shape. It’s comparable to upgrading your wardrobe without getting rid of every old piece of clothing. Refacing can give you that custom, high-end kitchen look for significantly less money, and it takes less time to complete. As an added bonus, it’s a sustainable option, as you’re not tossing tons of perfectly fine wood into a landfill.
However, if your cabinets are falling apart, warped, or made of particleboard that’s been through one too many spills, it’s probably not worth the facelift. In that case, replacing is the move.
Is It Cheaper to Reface or Replace Cabinets?
Many people wonder, “Is it cheaper to reface or replace cabinets?” In almost every scenario, refacing is going to be less expensive. You’re skipping the labor costs of demolition, not touching your plumbing or countertops, and you’re using fewer materials.
To put numbers on it, refacing generally costs 30% to 50% less than a full cabinet replacement. That could mean the difference between luxury vinyl plank and real hardwood in your budget. However, if your layout needs to change or your cabinets are seriously dated in function, replacement might be the smarter long-term investment.
What Is the Difference Between Refinishing and Refacing Cabinets?
It’s easy to mix up refinishing and refacing cabinets, but they’re completely different. Refinishing is when you keep the existing doors and drawer fronts and only strip and re-stain or paint them. You’re working with what you already have. This makes it cost less, but it also limits your options.
Refacing, on the other hand, is a slightly larger endeavor. You’re swapping out the exterior parts and covering up the frames for a more modern, cohesive look. Refinishing can be thought of as a cabinet spa day while refacing would be compared to getting plastic surgery. There is no judgment either way, but rather just different levels of transformation.
Can You Paint Over Refaced Cabinets?
If you went the refacing route but now you’re bored of the color, can you paint over refaced cabinets? The answer is that it depends on what your new surfaces are made of. If you used wood veneers, painting can easily be done. You’ll need to make sure to sand and prime properly. However, if you went with laminate or thermofoil, you’ll need a specific type of paint and primer. Even then, the results might be subpar.
This means you can paint, but it’s not quite as easy as it would be with traditional wood. With this in mind, choose your finish wisely if you’re the type who likes to switch things up with the seasons.
When Should You Replace Cabinets Instead?
Sometimes, you need to start fresh. If your cabinet boxes are damaged, moldy, or falling apart, replacement is the way to go. Also, if your kitchen layout is not ideal, such as your refrigerator door hitting your island every time you open it, then it might be time to rethink the layout.
With kitchen cabinet door replacement or a full remodel, you’re not limited by your existing structure. That means more freedom in design and functionality. Though it will cost more, it can also add additional value to your home.
How Long Does Cabinet Refacing Take?
Not everyone has the luxury of living without a functioning kitchen for weeks on end. One of the biggest perks of refacing? Speed. Most kitchen cabinet refacing jobs can be completed in 3 to 5 days. Replacing cabinets, on the other hand, can take weeks or possibly longer, especially if you’re waiting on custom orders or dealing with permits.
If you have a tight timeline because you’re hosting a gathering, refacing might be your saving grace.
Pros and Cons of Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacing
Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of cabinet refacing vs. cabinet replacing.
Cabinet Refacing Pros:
- Cheaper than replacing
- Faster turnaround
- Less mess and disruption
- Environmentally friendly
Cabinet Refacing Cons:
- Can’t fix layout issues
- Limited if cabinet boxes are damaged
- It may not increase home value as much as new cabinets
Cabinet Replacing Pros:
- Total freedom in design
- Can increase the resale value
- Fixes structural/layout issues
Cabinet Replacing Cons:
- Costs more
- Takes longer
- Requires more labor and patience
When deciding between cabinet refacing vs. replacing, think about your priorities: budget, timeline, kitchen condition, and aesthetic goals.
Time to Transform Your Kitchen?
Whether you’re refacing or replacing, your kitchen deserves to be more than just a place to grab a coffee. It should reflect your style while making your kitchen more functional. If you’re still debating cabinet refacing vs. replacing, we understand. It’s a big decision with many variables. Fortunately, we’re here to help.
Do you need help figuring out how to reface cabinets? Do you want to explore options for kitchen cabinet door replacement, or are you just ready to ditch your dated cabinetry altogether? Let’s talk. Schedule a remodeling consultation with our expert design team today and get one step closer to the kitchen of your dreams. Be sure to check out our kitchen and bath remodeling blog as well for more inspiration!
