Refacing vs. Replacement vs. Custom
The right choice depends on the condition of your existing cabinets and what you want to change.
Refacing
Keep the boxes, replace the doors, drawer fronts, and exterior veneer. Lowest cost, fastest install, layout stays the same.
Replacement
New stock or semi-custom cabinets in the same layout. Higher cost than refacing, but a fresh start if existing boxes are failing.
Custom
Built to your exact dimensions and storage needs. Best for unusual layouts and specific design goals. Highest cost and longest lead time.
What's Included in a Refacing Project
When Refacing Makes Sense
- Cabinet boxes are structurally sound, with no water damage, warping, or sagging shelves.
- The current layout works well for how you use the kitchen.
- You want a dramatically different look without a full renovation.
- Budget or timeline rules out full replacement.
When Custom Cabinetry Is the Right Call
- The existing cabinets are damaged or poorly built.
- You need non-standard sizes — tall ceilings, deep islands, awkward corners.
- You want specific storage solutions like spice pull-outs, appliance garages, or built-in pantries.
- You're after a fully bespoke look that catalog cabinets can't deliver.
What Drives the Cost
- Number of cabinets — more doors and drawers means more material and labor.
- Door material — thermofoil and laminate are the most affordable; solid wood and painted finishes cost more.
- Door style — simple slab and shaker doors cost less than detailed raised-panel or beaded styles.
- Hardware — soft-close mechanisms, specialty pulls, and interior organizers add up.
- Custom features — pull-outs, lazy susans, and built-in inserts each add cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cabinet refacing?
Cabinet refacing keeps your existing cabinet boxes in place and replaces the visible parts: doors, drawer fronts, and the veneer on the box exteriors. New hinges, drawer glides, and hardware are usually installed at the same time. The result looks like new cabinets without the cost of full replacement.
Is refacing cheaper than replacing cabinets?
Yes. Refacing typically costs significantly less than full replacement because you keep the existing cabinet boxes and avoid demolition, disposal, and rebuilding. Exact savings depend on the size of the kitchen and the door style and material you choose.
When is refacing not a good idea?
Refacing is not a good fit if the existing cabinet boxes are damaged, warped, or built from low-quality particleboard that can't hold new hardware. It also doesn't help if your layout doesn't work — refacing keeps the cabinets exactly where they are. In those cases, replacement or custom cabinetry is the better path.
How long does cabinet refacing take?
A typical refacing project takes about 3 to 5 days of on-site work once the new doors and materials have arrived. Door and material lead times usually add 3 to 6 weeks before installation can begin.
What door styles and finishes are available?
Hundreds of combinations are available, including shaker, slab, raised panel, and beaded styles in painted, stained wood, thermofoil, and laminate finishes. The right choice depends on the look you want and how much wear and tear the doors will see.
What is custom cabinetry?
Custom cabinetry is built to the exact dimensions and specifications of your kitchen rather than chosen from a stock catalog. It's the right choice for unusual layouts, non-standard ceiling heights, specific storage needs, or when you want a fully bespoke look. Lead times are longer and cost is higher than stock or semi-custom.
Can I add soft-close hinges to my existing cabinets?
In most cases yes. Soft-close hinges and drawer glides can be retrofitted onto existing cabinets as part of a refacing project or as a standalone upgrade. The cabinet boxes need to be sound and use standard hinge cup sizes.
Not Sure Which Approach Is Right?
Schedule a free consultation and we'll help you decide between refacing, replacement, and custom cabinetry based on your kitchen and budget.