The Benefits and Drawbacks of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets: A Complete Analysis

Upgrading your kitchen can be an exciting yet daunting process. With so many options to consider, from new countertops to state-of-the-art appliances, one key decision is what to do about your existing kitchen cabinets. Should you replace them completely or simply give them a facelift by refacing them? Understanding the pros and cons of refacing cabinets can help you determine if it's the right choice for your kitchen remodel.

Refacing involves replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and exterior finish of cabinets while keeping the existing cabinet boxes intact. It offers a more budget-friendly way to give your kitchen a fresh new look compared to a full cabinet replacement. Let's explore the key benefits and potential drawbacks of refacing your kitchen cabinets in detail.

The Top Benefits of Refacing Your Kitchen Cabinets

Here are some of the main advantages of refacing your existing kitchen cabinets rather than replacing them completely:

• Cost Savings: The most significant benefit of refacing is the cost savings versus a full replacement. By keeping the existing cabinet boxes intact, you avoid the expense of removing and installing all new cabinets. Refacing typically costs around 50% less than replacing cabinets. For the average mid-range kitchen of 30 cabinets, refacing may cost $9,000 to $12,000 compared to $18,000 to $24,000 for replacement.
• Faster Project Timeline: With no need to demolish and dispose of old cabinets or install and level new cabinets, the refacing process takes much less time. Refacing can usually be completed in 3 to 5 days versus several weeks for a full kitchen cabinet replacement.
• Minimal Disruption: Refacing your kitchen cabinets causes much less demolition mess and dust compared to ripping out old cabinets and hauling in new ones. The streamlined process also involves less disruption to your household.
• Retain Existing Cabinet Footprint: Refacing preserves your current kitchen layout and cabinet footprint. You avoid potential costs and issues involved with reconfiguring plumbing, electrical or appliance fittings to accommodate a new cabinet layout.
• Wide Range of Style Options: Refacing your cabinets opens up endless possibilities for updating their style and finish. Add a modern look with sleek slab cabinet doors or go classic with recessed panel doors. Choose from wood stains, painted finishes, laminates and more to transform the cabinet style.
• Eco-Friendly: Refacing is a greener solution since existing cabinet boxes are reused instead of tossed in a landfill. The process also utilizes fewer new materials than totally replacing cabinets.

For kitchens with cabinets in good structural condition, refacing offers an excellent value proposition. You can give your kitchen a beautiful makeover for half the cost and time commitment of new cabinets.

When Refacing Makes the Most Sense

Here are situations where refacing truly shines as the best option:

• You need a budget-friendly update. Refacing delivers an affordable kitchen refresh.
• Your cabinets are structurally sound. Minor repairs may be needed, but no major issues.
• You want to retain your current kitchen footprint and layout.
• A faster project timeline is important to limit disruption.
• You want to avoid the dust and demolition of replacing cabinets.
• An eco-friendly and waste-reducing option is appealing.
• You want to match or complement new countertops or appliances rather than replace everything.

As long as your existing cabinet boxes are in good shape and you're happy with the layout, refacing often makes the most sense. It provides a lighter renovation with less expense, waste and disruption to your home life.

The Potential Drawbacks of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

However, refacing cabinets isn't the best solution for every kitchen. Here are some of the possible downsides to consider:

• Limited to Existing Footprint: A major limitation of refacing is the inability to alter the existing cabinet configuration or layout. If your goal is to rework the entire kitchen design, replacement will be required.
• Significant Investment Still Required: While refacing costs less than replacement, it still represents a significant expenditure, especially if using high-end materials and professional installation. Refacing materials alone can range from $2,000 to $7,000 for an average sized kitchen.
• Shorter Lifespan: The facelift provided by refacing may generally only last 5 to 10 years before replacement is needed. Replacing cabinets can prolong the service life 15 years or longer.
• Risk of Damage During Process: If refacing isn't performed properly, existing cabinet boxes can be damaged. Dings, dents and delamination are all possible during the refacing process.
• Less Dramatic Update: For homeowners seeking a major transformation, refacing provides a lighter facelift versus the dramatic "wow" factor of brand new cabinets throughout the kitchen.

Weighing your specific goals, needs and budget will help determine if replacement or refacing is the better route. Here are a few scenarios where replacement may be the wiser choice:

• Your existing cabinet layout needs significant changes.
• Storage, organization or accessibility issues cannot be solved with simple refacing.
• Your cabinets require major structural repairs beyond refacing's scope.
• You want a much longer lasting renovation of 15+ years.
• A completely new look and feel is your top priority.

4 Key Factors in the Refacing vs. Replacement Decision

When evaluating whether to reface or replace your kitchen cabinets, here are the top factors to weigh:

Budget and Costs

One of the biggest differentiators is cost. Refacing generally runs about 50% of the cost of full replacement. Exact costs will depend on factors like:

• Number of cabinets and kitchen size
• Choice of materials: paint grade, wood stain grade, laminates, etc.
• Door styles: slab, shaker, inset, etc.
• Inclusion of new drawers, shelving or other accessories
• Professional installation costs

Get detailed quotes for both options from contractors before deciding. This will allow an accurate comparison.

Desired Layout Changes

As highlighted earlier, a key limitation of refacing is being restricted to the existing cabinet footprints and layout. If your goal is to significantly reconfigure the kitchen architecture and flow, replacement will be required to alter cabinet locations, change appliance fitting needs, or adjust plumbing and electrical as needed.

Structural Cabinet Condition

Refacing assumes existing cabinet boxes and faces are in sound structural condition. Examine for:

• Loose joints or separation
• Warping or water damage
• Broken or cracked cabinet components
• Damaged surfaces that cannot be repaired

Minor issues can be addressed during refacing. More serious structural defects will require full cabinet replacement.

Style, Taste and Finish Selection

Refacing offers wide freedom to tailor the look of your kitchen. Some options include:

• Stained woodgrain finishes
• Painted and glazed finishes
• Colorful laminates
• Stylish door fronts like shaker, slab, inset and more
• Glass doors and inserts
• Custom crafted options

The only limit is your imagination! Refacing allows updating your cabinets' appearance to any preferred style.