Want to upgrade your cabinets but can’t decide which option is best?
Kitchen cabinet refacing vs. replacement is one of the first questions homeowners ask. Both will make cabinets look new again, but they come with very different price tags and timelines.
Here’s the dilemma:
Picking the wrong path can cost thousands in unnecessary expenses. Picking the right path can change the whole look and feel of a kitchen without costing a fortune. Plus, taking the time to plan extras like cabinet lighting can really elevate a kitchen from drab to fab.
Ready to weigh your options?
Here’s what you’ll find out:
- Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Defined
- When to Choose Full Cabinet Replacement
- The Importance of Under Cabinet Lighting
- Costs Associated With Cabinet Refacing vs Replacement
- Cabinet Refacing or Full Replacement: Which Is Better?
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Defined
The simplest way to define cabinet refacing is to describe it as replacing all of the visible surfaces of existing cabinets. Cabinet doors, drawer fronts, veneers, and hardware get switched out while the existing cabinet boxes remain intact.
It’s kind of like a kitchen facelift.
The base cabinets don’t get touched during the process. There’s less demolition and clean up. And most importantly, the project can typically be completed in 3-5 days versus several weeks for full replacement.
Refacing is ideal for cabinets that are still in great shape but need a fresh look. Because the box frames aren’t replaced, the kitchen layout stays the same.
It’s also a more budget-friendly approach. And since most of the demolition is avoided, cleanup and return to normal is quicker.
When Refacing Doesn’t Make Sense
But there are limitations with cabinet refacing. If kitchen cabinets are damaged, warped, or out of alignment, a quick facelift won’t fix those problems. Refacing is also not an option for changing the cabinet layout. The full replacement route is necessary for that.
Full Cabinet Replacement
Full cabinet replacement means completely ripping everything out and starting over. New cabinets are installed from the ground up and configured to exact specifications.
There are more expenses involved. The kitchen will be out of commission for longer. And most homeowners don’t enjoy the demolition process either.
However, in some cases – it’s necessary.
If cabinets are damaged from water, infested with termites, or the goal is a complete kitchen overhaul – cabinet replacement is the way to go.
There are also more customization options during a full replacement versus a reface. Deep drawers, pull out shelves, soft-close hinges, and integrated lighting solutions can create a kitchen that looks like new without completely breaking the bank.
If there are local Kitchen Saver Locations nearby, those are worth checking out. They offer professional services to homeowners looking for cabinetry help.
The Importance of Under Cabinet Lighting
Here’s a kitchen upgrade homeowners often overlook…
When cabinets get painted or refaced, most people don’t think about adding under cabinet lighting. It’s one of the easiest ways to brighten up countertops and really make a kitchen “pop.”
Installing puck lights or LED strip lights can run easily behind cabinets during a refacing project.
Best Of Both Worlds
Whether the choice is to reface or replace cabinets, adding under cabinet lighting should be high on the list. During a reface project, electricians can run the wires behind existing cabinets.
During a cabinet replacement, lighting can actually be integrated into the new cabinets.
Either way, lighting is an inexpensive upgrade that provides great value to a home and kitchen. It’s one of those kitchen upgrades that add value without a massive price tag.
Costs Associated With Cabinet Refacing vs Replacement
Alright – let’s crunch some numbers. This is usually the deciding factor.
Refacing cabinets is 30% to 50% cheaper than replacement according to HomeAdvisor’s 2025 Cost Guide. On average, most homeowners spend anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 on a cabinet refacing project. Full replacement costs start at $15,000 and can go up well beyond $35,000+.
And keep in mind, most full cabinet replacements include demolition of the existing cabinets. Sometimes during this process there are hidden costs like readjusting plumbing, electrical work, flooring damage from demolition – the expenses add up fast.
More Costs = More Expensive
Cabinet refacing saves all of those additional expenses. And since the process is quicker, labor costs are less as well.
Here is a general cost breakdown:
- Refacing: $4,000 – $10,000 | 3-5 days to complete
- Replacement: $15,000 – $35,000+ | 2-4 weeks to complete
Cabinet Refacing vs Replacement – Final Verdict
For an older kitchen that just needs to be refreshed, cabinet refacing is the way to go. It doesn’t have to be expensive and can still achieve that modern kitchen look homeowners have been craving.
Full cabinet replacement is necessary when cabinets are damaged beyond repair. Otherwise, try cabinet refacing first and save some money. Homeowners who want to stretch their budget even further should consider whether stainless steel appliances increase home value alongside a cabinet refresh.
Cabinet Refacing or Full Replacement: Which Is Better?
Think about a kitchen renovation like any other home improvement project.
The goal is the best value for the money.
As mentioned earlier, minor kitchen remodels provided a 96% return on investment while major kitchen remodels came in at 49%.
That’s a massive difference.
Cabinet refacing is considered a minor remodel while full cabinet replacement is a major renovation. So for homeowners looking to keep costs low and recoup that investment down the road – stick to cabinet refacing.
But for those looking to change the kitchen layout, need more storage, or have cabinets that are damaged – full replacement is the way to go.
No matter which route is chosen, adding under cabinet lighting during the cabinet installation will offer great value.
All Wrapped Up
When it comes to cabinet refacing vs. replacement there are three things to consider:
- Cost. Refacing saves 30% to 50% over full cabinet replacement.
- Condition of the cabinets. If they’re still in great condition with only cosmetic issues – cabinet refacing is the way to go.
- Are the cabinets damaged beyond repair? Is a kitchen layout change needed? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, replacing the cabinets is the best bet.
Just remember about the extras too. Something as simple as under cabinet lighting can take a kitchen from “blah” to amazing and won’t break the bank.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Check the condition of the current cabinets
- Set a budget
- Decide if the kitchen layout needs to change
- Add under cabinet lighting
- Upgrade cabinets with refacing or replacement
It all depends on the condition of the kitchen. But with this guide, deciding which route is best should be a whole lot easier.