Navigating one of the most common homeowner questions, questioning whether to go with cabinet refacing vs. replacement. Exploring this can be time-consuming and confusing. Here, we discuss both options to help you better understand this complex question.

When approaching changes to your kitchen, there are generally two camps: cosmetic improvements and complete reconstruction improvements. Cosmetic improvements are less costly, take less time, and typically have less impact, depending on your perspective. Complete reconstruction improvements (full replacement) have higher costs, take more time and typically net a more significant effect.

Benefits of Refacing Your Cabinets

Refacing is a cosmetic improvement, a quick win requiring less time and budget. The main advantage of refacing your cabinets is total renovation budget savings. When you choose this option, you don’t have to replace your countertops, flooring, tile backsplash, or appliances unless you want to.

Depending on your regional building codes and bylaws, you may not have to update your plumbing and electrical to comply with current codes, which may be a requirement in a full renovation or remodel, depending on the year the home was built and where your property is located. When in doubt, always check with your General Contractor. If you plan on assuming the role as your own General Contractor, you can read more on this here.   

The Cabinet Refacing Process

Not all refacing journeys are the same, and the process depends on the firm you select. Generally speaking, this process entails removing all the old cabinet doors and fronts, hinges, hardware, and edge tape on the cases. From there, any remaining pieces (boxes, frames, fillers, etc.) have the damage fixed, and they are painted or stained to the desired new colour. New edge tape is applied to match the new colour, and, in some cases, the cabinet edge tape is painted to match. New premade doors and fronts are prepared and installed. In some cases, new drawer boxes and hardware are reinstalled.

This process is far more complicated than discussed, but it will give you an idea of the amount of work, time, and costs involved. Essentially, it is akin to restoring a classic car. Some existing parts may be reused and refinished, while others that no longer exist may need to be custom fabricated to match what is there to complete the project.

Is Cabinet Refacing Cheaper than Replacing?

Yes, when you look at the total budget, it is generally less expensive than a full overhaul. Again, this is because you don’t have to replace your countertops, flooring, tile backsplash, or appliances unless you want to. It is well known that refacing your cabinetry can sometimes cost upwards of 80-90% of the cabinet cost you may have spent on new cabinets. The additional work, time, and parts required to remove and rebuild the old cabinets have a significant cost.  

Why Reface Your Cabinets?

A big advantage of refacing cabinets is that the process can sometimes be completed in a much shorter timeline, as an average full kitchen renovation can take 5-10 months, depending on the scope of work. This is why refacing is popular for real estate flipping, cosmetically improving the cabinetry for the home to be sold or for short-term use. 

• Flipping Your Home.
• Not Your Forever Home or Forever Kitchen.
• Selling Soon.
• Save Money (Total Renovation Budget).

Other Cosmetic Improvement Options

Painting your existing cabinetry can also be a nice option for a quicker timeline and lower-cost cosmetic improvement projects. Always hire a professional who understands the preparation work, decontamination, painting, and finish coatings (top coat) process well. If painting over wood cabinetry, remember that the paint could crack over time due to shifting in the wood caused by humidity fluctuations. It is recommended that you discuss all these nuances with the firms you are vetting.

Refinishing is also a terrific way to restore some wood cabinets, depending on how the cases, doors, and fronts are constructed. It is a great option if the wood is in good condition but the top coat or stain is damaged.  

Why Fully Replace Your Cabinets?

• Built to Last with Warranty Protection: Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with brand-new, durable cabinetry backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
• Tailored to Your Lifestyle: Your kitchen, designed specifically for your needs, space, and unique preferences.
• Future-Proof Your Home: Create a kitchen that supports aging in place, ensuring comfort and accessibility for years to come.
• Transform Functionality and Flow: Say goodbye to awkward layouts and inefficient space planning with a kitchen designed for modern living.
• Modern Comforts and Ergonomics: Upgrade to zoning, better accessibility, and ergonomic designs that make daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.
• Smarter Storage Solutions: Maximize your space with cutting-edge storage, organizational features, and pullout accessories designed to simplify your life.

This is the preferred method for the Superior Cabinets Corporate Design Studios and Authorized Dealer Partners. It is the longer and more expensive option, but it allows you to improve the space to ensure it lasts for many years. Choosing this option allows you to fix functional issues in the space, correct the layout (if required), and update all moving components, such as hinges and drawer glides, to ensure they have all the modern features and last for many years.

Having things that work functionally and make your life easier is a huge plus. A kitchen of good residential-grade quality can last 15-40 years with normal usage, not to mention huge gains on the resale value of your property.  

Cabinetry and design methods are not what they once were. The approach to kitchen design methodologies has changed drastically, such as the theory of the Kitchen Work Triangle concept, which is considered antiquated by most professional kitchen and bath designers. Learn more about this and aging in place in the Designing for Today and Tomorrow article.

Today, there are so many more design solutions and accessories available than even 10 years ago. A complete replacement vs. refacing allows you to reimagine the entire space as part of a renovation or remodel. Many that are interested in ageing in place in their home.  

Summary

When it comes to cabinet refacing vs. replacement, always hire a professional. Check reviews, current jobs, and their portfolio of work to ensure they are the right fit for your job. Get in touch, if you would like to speak with a Professional Kitchen and Bath Designer from a Superior Cabinets Design Studio or an Authorized Dealer Partner in your area about the complete replacement of your cabinets.

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