Pros and Cons of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

If your tired kitchen cabinets leave you yawning, a full replacement is not your only option. Refacing offers an affordable middle ground, giving your existing cabinetry a fresh new look without the price tag that comes with a complete gut job. Here, we break down the bolts, hinges, and knobs—here are the pros and cons of refacing kitchen cabinets.

What Is Kitchen Cabinet Refacing?

If your current kitchen cabinets have good bones, refacing is an excellent option to get the new look you crave. Instead of ripping out your existing cabinetry to replace it, which is messy, costly, and time-consuming, a local cabinet refacing expert will apply a new veneer or laminate over your existing cabinets or replace the fronts. Typically, they will also update the hardware to complete the refresh. The entire process is more budget-conscious for homeowners than replacing your entire cabinetry.

Pros of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Homeowners have lots to appreciate when reusing their existing cabinets. Here is why it’s a popular choice for fast and impactful makeovers.

Less Expensive

Refacing your cabinets costs less than installing brand-new ones because it eliminates the labor costs of demoing old cabinets and preparing walls for the new installation.

That said, homeowners can expect their costs for cabinet refacing to hover between  $4,230 and $10,230 based on the number of cabinets, the veneer and hardware selected, and local labor costs. In comparison, new cabinetry prices fall into the $2,010 and $11,060 range.

Faster Than Replacing

Replacing cabinets can take weeks or even months between choosing new cabinets, waiting on shipping, and scheduling installation. Pros can reface cabinets in just a few days, minimizing disruption and keeping your kitchen out of commission for far less time.

Eco-Friendly

If your cabinets are structurally sound, refacing is a more sustainable option that keeps the existing framework out of the landfill. That choice alone helps reduce the environmental impact of your kitchen upgrade.

Customizable

Refacing your cabinets might sound like you're settling or giving up on custom options, but that's far from the truth. Refacing offers plenty of design flexibility, whether you prefer modern flat fronts or shaker-inspired styles. Think of it as a makeover where you can refresh the paint color, swap out hardware, and even upgrade functionality with features like soft-close drawers or roll-out shelves.

Cons of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

While refacing is a fabulous way to refresh outdated kitchen cabinets, there are drawbacks, some of which could impact function and long-term value.

Not a Full Upgrade

We can't stress enough that refacing changes cabinet exteriors but leaves the interior untouched. Of course, you can add features like roll-out shelving, but refacing won't magically create more interior cabinet space. You will still have the same interior width, depth, and height.

Functionality Unchanged

Refacing is, for the most part, purely cosmetic. You won’t be able to reposition cabinets for better workflow or adjust your cabinets' height to make prep and cooking more ergonomic. Any functional frustrations with your current layout will remain part of your daily routine.

Can't Reface Bad Boxes

Unfortunately, damaged, warped, uneven, or poorly built cabinet boxes are not good candidates for refacing. Homeowners should remember that refacing is a cosmetic fix and will not repair deeper issues. If your cabinet frames are cracked, water damaged, or not level, it is best to start fresh with new cabinetry; it is a much better investment.

ROI Not as High

While refacing boosts visual appeal, it may not deliver the same return on investment as full cabinet replacement. Although you can upgrade certain features, like adding soft-close hardware, many homebuyers look beyond the surface, prioritizing modern, spacious designs made from high-end materials that improve kitchen layout and functionality.

Cabinet Refacing Alternatives

If your cabinets are in good structural shape but need a refresh, consider comparing refinishing vs. refacing.  Refinishing can dramatically change your cabinetry's appearance for far less money than refacing.

The average cost for cabinet refinishing is $3,115, but homeowners could pay less or even a bit more depending on the number of cabinets and the cost of labor in your area.

Is Cabinet Refacing Right for You?

Cabinet refacing offers a fresh update that’s easier on your budget than replacing all your existing cabinetry. The process is also faster and less disruptive while offering many customizable options. However, refacing won’t fix layout issues or structural problems. When in doubt, always weigh the pros and cons and speak to a kitchen cabinet specialist to determine the best fit for your kitchen.