The Cost of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets vs. Replacing Them

Kitchen remodeling is a major project with excellent returns, so it pays to do it right. The cost of refacing kitchen cabinets vs. replacing them is generally less, but not always. Replacement opens up various customization options and may be needed depending on the condition of your cabinets. Use this guide to compare the two and help you choose.

Is It Worth It to Reface Kitchen Cabinets?

When deciding whether to reface your cabinets or fully replace them, consider the following reasons for each project.

Warranties

If your existing cabinets are covered by a manufacturer's warranty, certain material defects, such as broken hardware, can often be replaced. Workmanship defects may also warrant replacement materials. Damage from natural aging, environmental factors, and misuse is not typically covered, nor is the labor to replace defective materials.

If you were the original purchaser of the cabinets and they are less than 25 years old, the warranty may still be active. Some warranties are only about 5 years long.

How Long Do Kitchen Cabinets Last?

When installed correctly, new cabinets should last anywhere from 20 to 50 years depending on the quality of the material. High-quality solid wood cabinets last much longer than cabinets made from engineered wood like MDF. Some of the lowest quality cabinet materials may begin to show signs of wear after just five years.

Cabinet boxes can be damaged through the course of normal use, whether due to excessive wear or accidents. Serious problems include mold, mildew, crooked doors, and stuck drawer boxes.

Cost to Reface Kitchen Cabinets vs. Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets

The average cost to reface kitchen cabinets is about $2,100, which includes the cost of professional labor for the removal of existing cabinet doors and the installation of new ones. Total costs typically range anywhere from $900 to $6,000, though larger projects can cost upwards of $25,000. Expect to pay roughly $220 per cabinet door.

The average cost to replace kitchen cabinets is $6,400 on average, including old cabinet removal and labor. Total costs range from $2,000 to $30,000 and depend mostly on materials and style. For example, you can do a budget-friendly cabinet replacement with pre-made stock cabinets rather than custom designs. Expect to pay roughly $600 per cabinet box.

As you gather quotes, remember the 50% rule: If the cost to reface cabinets would exceed 50% of the total cost of cabinet replacement, then replacement may be the better choice.

Regardless of the route you take, this project can be expensive. If you don't have the needed cash on hand, look for cabinet installers who offer monthly financing options. Inquire about special financing programs with low or no interest rates to help you save. Never purchase a financing plan if you aren't confident you can keep up with the payment schedule.

When to Reface Kitchen Cabinets

There are many scenarios in which cabinet refacing is preferable to full replacement.

Cabinet Boxes in Good Condition

Refacing cabinets involves removing and replacing existing doors and drawer fronts, but leaving the cabinet boxes intact. If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and in good condition, refacing is a great way to refresh the look of your cabinets while spending less on materials.

You Like Your Current Cabinet Layout

If you like the layout of your kitchen cabinets, refacing allows you to keep everything where it is. However, you won't be able to update kitchen functionality or increase cabinet space.

Smaller Remodeling Budget

Kitchen cabinet refacing costs less on average than full cabinet repair. This makes it a great remodeling option for homeowners on a tight budget who still want a new, updated look in their kitchen, or for those who want to save money for other aspects of a larger kitchen remodel.

Cabinets Less Than 10 Years Old

Kitchen cabinets last anywhere from 20 to 50 years on average. Cabinets that are less than 10 years old typically don't have the sort of wear that would require full replacement.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Repair Kitchen Cabinets

If you have the tools and materials, you can likely handle DIY cabinet refacing. However, the process requires a few days to complete and involves detaching, cleaning, measuring, and reattaching cabinet doors. If you don't have the patience for all of these steps, you can keep things simple by hiring a cabinet refacer near you.

When to Replace Kitchen Cabinets

Despite the pros of refacing cabinets, there are some instances in which cabinet replacement is the better option.

Cabinets Are Damaged or Showing Signs of Age

If your cabinets are seriously damaged, have mold or mildew growth, or are crooked, these are all signs that it's time to replace them. Problems like stuck drawers can also begin to occur, impacting the function of your kitchen and making it overall less enjoyable to use.

You Want to Improve Layout, Features, or Function

If your kitchen layout isn't quite what you want, new cabinets allow you to change the entire layout. Create more storage, add deeper drawers or pull-out shelves where you need them most, and include specialized features such as spice racks, dividers, mixer lifts, and lighting.

You Have the Budget for a Long-Term Investment

Cabinets last for many decades when properly cared for. The average ROI for a kitchen remodel is up to 96%, helping to increase your home's value while also providing you with long-term enjoyment for as long as you remain in your home.

Cabinets Are More than 20 Years Old

Because the average lifespan of kitchen cabinets is 20 to 50 years, cabinets that pass the 20-year mark are good candidates for replacement. One problem with refacing old cabinets is that while it may provide short-term benefits, those cabinets will still eventually require replacement. If you replace your cabinets the first time, they can end up lasting you a lifetime.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Replace Kitchen Cabinets

DIY kitchen cabinet installation is possible, but it involves a steep learning curve. You'll need at least one other person to assist you, and you'll need many tools and fine-tuned measurement and carpentry skills. To save yourself the hassle and to avoid the increased risk of installation mistakes, hire a local cabinet contractor to handle the job for you.