New Cabinets vs Refacing Your Cabinets
A lot of large companies like Kitchen Mart, promote that refacing your Kitchen Cabinets is better than getting New Ones. We disagree with that narrative and would like to offer our opinion on the subject.
Are new cabinets better than refacing Cabinets?
New cabinets are often better than refacing because they offer complete design freedom, higher quality and durability, the ability to fix hidden structural issues, better long-term value, and increased home value. Replacement provides a fresh start with new materials, hardware, and modern features that your old cabinets don’t have. With new cabinets, you can change the layout, add modern features and increase storage!
What are the typical costs of new cabinets vs refacing?
Replacement offers more design flexibility, a longer lifespan, and better long-term value, potentially making the initial cost difference less significant, though some sources find refacing can cost nearly as much as basic new stock cabinets. Refacing maybe beneficial if you want to save your current countertops.
What are the disadvantages of refacing cabinets vs new cabinets?
Refacing just updates the look by covering old boxes, leaving underlying problems and limited functionality. While refacing relies on the existing, often aging, cabinet structure. Problems with refacing kitchen cabinets often stem from hidden structural issues (like water damage or rot) that aren’t fixed, poor surface prep leading to peeling veneers, inaccurate measurements causing misalignment, low-quality materials that fail quickly, and limited design flexibility, as you’re stuck with your original cabinet layout, potentially masking deeper problems or failing to update functionality.
What is the installation start to finish time difference?
This is harder to answer. New cabinetry can be installed in a few days. But when you factor in removing walls, templating for new countertops, installing new flooring- this can take 2-4 weeks. Refacing might only make a big mess of sanding the old face frames, repainting them or laminating the frames, then installing new doors, moldings, etc. Refacing is a lot of work and can take a week at least to “install”.
New cabinets offer you a chance to change the configuration and the your choice of the type of wood you prefer. Also, our clients can take advantage of all the new products that can be installed inside your new cabinetry. Most times you can keep the same footprint of the kitchen and not have to change the flooring.
The cost difference all depends on who is quoting your project. The well-known companies like KitchenMart who do refacing generally are more expensive than just getting new cabinets. The main advantage of refacing is the cost savings of not having to replace the countertops.
The timeline from start to finish is 15-18 calendar days depending on what we are doing.
Refacing vs. New Cabinets FAQs
Should I reface my kitchen cabinets or replace them?
Refacing can make sense when the cabinet boxes and layout are still in good condition and you mainly want a different appearance. Replacement is worth considering when cabinets are damaged, storage is inadequate, the layout does not work well, or you want to significantly change the kitchen. The right choice depends on the condition of the existing cabinets and your remodeling goals.
Is cabinet refacing always much cheaper than replacing cabinets?
Not necessarily. The price difference depends on the kitchen, materials, labor, door styles, and changes being made. Loomis notes that in some situations the difference between refacing and replacement can be smaller than homeowners expect. Comparing both options is useful before assuming that refacing will provide the better overall value.
When does replacing cabinets make more sense than refacing them?
Replacement usually deserves consideration when the existing cabinet boxes are damaged, the layout wastes space, storage is inadequate, cabinets need to be added or removed, or the homeowner wants substantial changes to appliances and countertops. New cabinets also provide more opportunities to change drawer and storage configurations.
Can I change my kitchen layout if I reface my cabinets?
Refacing normally keeps the existing cabinet boxes and therefore maintains most of the current layout. If the goal is to relocate cabinets, significantly change appliance locations, add storage, change cabinet heights, or redesign how the kitchen functions, cabinet replacement generally provides more flexibility.