Home Improvement Kitchen Remodel & Repair Cabinets

Refacing vs Replacing Kitchen Cabinets Comparison Guide

Learn the key differences

White cabinets in open kitchen with stainless steel appliances

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

When kitchen cabinets need freshening, there are a few quick fixes like painting the cabinets, repairing them, or updating the hardware. But when cabinets need extra help, there are two more avenues: cabinet refacing or cabinet replacement.

Cabinet refacing is a veneering process that updates the look of the cabinets. Cabinet replacement updates both the look and the functionality of the cabinets. Learn the differences between cabinet refacing and cabinet replacement and which is best for your kitchen.

Cabinet Refacing vs Cabinet Replacing: Key Differences

Cabinet refacing consists of two major processes: installing new drawer fronts and cabinet doors and applying veneer to the outsides of the cabinet boxes. New cabinet hardware is often installed, too. The insides of the cabinets usually remain the same.

With cabinet replacement, the cabinets are removed and replaced. Experienced installers set and precisely level the base cabinets, as well as hang new upper cabinets on the walls. Cabinets come without hardware, so hardware is installed as a last step.

The key difference between cabinet refacing and cabinet replacing is that refacing does little to improve the structural quality of the cabinets as a whole. It does improve the function of the doors since they are completely replaced. Drawer roller guides might be tightened when the installer replaces the drawer fronts.

Reface Cabinets
  • Cabinet boxes not replaced

  • New doors and drawers

  • Box insides not replaced

  • Less expensive

  • Boxes must be solid

  • Appearance close to replacement

Replace Cabinets
  • Cabinet boxes replaced

  • New doors and drawers

  • Box insides replaced

  • More expensive

  • Boxes in any condition

  • Appearance better than refacing

Appearance

On the outside, refaced cabinets and replaced cabinets look essentially the same. The goal of cabinet refacing is to transform and update the outer look of cabinets, and most installers can do this with a combination of veneer, doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.

On the inside, refaced cabinets and replaced cabinets sharply differ. The insides remain the same with cabinet refacing. With cabinet replacement, the insides are updated since all-new cabinet boxes are installed.

DIY vs Professional Installation

Cabinet Refacing

A few companies sell cabinet refacing materials and equipment to the public. But experience is more of an issue. Cabinet refacing requires veneering techniques that take time to perfect. Cabinet refacing is usually done by experienced professionals.

Fewer companies reface cabinets than replace cabinets. Cabinet refacing is a niche industry, so don't expect a general carpenter or handyman service to be able to provide this service.

Cabinet Replacement

Cabinet replacement is more DIY-friendly than cabinet refacing.

From home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's to local kitchen remodel centers to individual contractors, there is no shortage of companies that replace cabinets.

Tip

One way to save money with cabinet refacing is to provide your own cabinet hardware rather than buying from the refacing company.

Cost

In some cases, cabinet refacing can be just as expensive as cabinet replacement. If that's the case and you're trying to save on costs, painting cabinets is another alternative.

Cabinet refacing costs $7,000 on average.

Expect to pay an average of $26,000 when replacing cabinets, but the cost can go down to as low as $13,500.

Which to Choose

When Cabinet Refacing Is Best

  • When the cabinet boxes are in solid shape
  • When cost is an issue
  • When remodeling, as opposed to building a new house
  • When you like your current kitchen layout

When Cabinet Replacement Is Best

  • When constructing a new house, bumping out your kitchen, or building a new addition containing a kitchen
  • When changing the current kitchen layout
  • When cabinet boxes, drawers, or doors are in bad shape
  • When doing a whole-kitchen remodel

Environmental Considerations

Cabinet Refacing

The only items that get landfilled are cabinet doors and drawer fronts, making cabinet refacing an eco-friendly option.

Cabinet Replacement

Often, every bit of the cabinets—from boxes to hardware—gets landfilled. It's possible, though, to donate good cabinets to recycling yards such as Habitat for Humanity's ReStores.

Tip

If you're at all handy, seriously consider RTA (ready to assemble) cabinets. They come flat-packed, and you assemble and install them yourself.

FAQ
  • What is kitchen cabinet refacing?

    To reface kitchen cabinets, the cabinets must be in good shape as only the outer layer or skin of the cabinet is removed and replaced with a new one. Doors and drawer fronts are also replaced.

  • What is kitchen cabinet replacement?

    With kitchen cabinet replacement, the old cabinets are removed and replaced with new ones. If you're changing the layout and design of your kitchen or your original cabinets are in bad shape, replacing them is the best choice.

  • Is it less expensive to reface kitchen cabinets or replace them?

    In most cases, refacing kitchen cabinets will cost about 1/3rd of the cost of cabinet replacement.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. How Much Does Cabinet Refacing Cost? Bob Vila

  2. How Much Does Cabinet Refacing Cost? Forbes Home