Cabinet refacing and cabinet replacement are two common ways to update old kitchen cabinets, but they come with very different cost ranges, timelines, and levels of disruption.
Cabinet refacing usually costs less than full cabinet replacement because the existing cabinet boxes stay in place. Instead of removing the entire cabinet system, refacing updates the visible parts of the cabinets, including doors, drawer fronts, veneers, hinges, hardware, and exposed surfaces.
Cabinet replacement usually costs more because the old cabinets are removed and a new cabinet system is installed. Replacement may also involve layout changes, demolition, electrical work, plumbing adjustments, or other remodeling work depending on the project.
This guide compares the cost of refacing kitchen cabinets vs. replacing them, what affects pricing, and when each option makes the most sense.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement Cost: Quick Comparison
| Option | General Cost Expectation | What Is Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Refacing | Usually costs less than full cabinet replacement because the existing cabinet boxes stay in place. | New cabinet doors, drawer fronts, veneers, hinges, hardware, and exposed surface updates while keeping existing cabinet boxes. | Solid cabinet boxes with outdated doors, worn drawer fronts, or visible surfaces that need a new look. |
| Cabinet Replacement | Usually costs more than refacing because the existing cabinets are removed and a new cabinet system is installed. | Removal of existing cabinets and installation of a new cabinet system. | Damaged cabinet boxes, major layout changes, water damage, or a full kitchen redesign. |
What Is the Difference Between Refacing and Replacing Cabinets?
Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet refacing keeps the existing cabinet boxes in place and updates the visible cabinet surfaces. This can include new cabinet doors, drawer fronts, veneers, hinges, hardware, finishes, and exposed surfaces.
Refacing may be a good option when the cabinet boxes are still structurally sound and the kitchen layout works, but the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, or visible surfaces look outdated.
Cabinet Replacement
Cabinet replacement removes the existing cabinet system and installs new cabinets. This option allows for a larger transformation, especially if you want to change the kitchen layout, add storage, move appliances, or replace damaged cabinet boxes.
Replacement usually costs more because it involves more materials, more labor, demolition, and possible changes to plumbing, electrical, countertops, or layout.
What Affects the Cost of Cabinet Refacing?
The cost of cabinet refacing depends on the size of the kitchen, the number of cabinet doors and drawer fronts, the selected materials, the hardware, and any added upgrades.
1. Number of cabinet doors and drawer fronts
The more doors and drawer fronts you need to update, the higher the project cost can be. Larger kitchens usually require more materials and labor.
2. Door style and finish
Cabinet door style, veneer, finish, and material selection can affect the final cost. More detailed styles or premium finishes may increase the price.
3. Hardware and hinges
New handles, pulls, knobs, hinges, and soft-close features can add to the project cost but also improve the look and function of the cabinets.
4. Condition of the existing cabinet boxes
Cabinet refacing works best when the existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound. If the boxes are damaged, warped, or water-damaged, replacement may be a better option.
5. Added upgrades
Pull-out shelves, new drawer boxes, molding, trim, and other cabinet upgrades can increase the cost but may improve everyday function and storage.
What Affects the Cost of Cabinet Replacement?
Cabinet replacement usually costs more than refacing because the existing cabinets are removed and a new cabinet system is installed.
1. New cabinet materials
The material, construction quality, finish, and style of the new cabinets can have a major impact on the total cost.
2. Demolition and removal
Replacing cabinets usually requires removing the existing cabinet system. This adds labor, disposal, and preparation time.
3. Layout changes
If you want to change the kitchen layout, move appliances, add storage, or adjust the workflow, replacement may require more planning and labor.
4. Plumbing, electrical, or countertop changes
Cabinet replacement can sometimes affect surrounding features such as countertops, plumbing, electrical outlets, lighting, or appliance placement.
5. Installation labor
Installing a new cabinet system is typically more involved than refacing, which can increase labor costs and extend the project timeline.
Is It Cheaper to Reface or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
In many cases, cabinet refacing is cheaper than cabinet replacement because the existing cabinet boxes remain in place. This can reduce the amount of material, demolition, labor, and installation work required.
Cabinet replacement usually costs more because it involves removing the existing cabinets and installing a new cabinet system. The cost can increase further if the project includes layout changes, new materials, countertop adjustments, plumbing, electrical work, or other remodeling updates.
However, the cheapest option is not always the best option. Refacing may make sense if the cabinet boxes are still solid and the layout works. Replacement may be worth the added cost if the cabinet boxes are damaged, the layout no longer works, or you want a full kitchen redesign.
What Determines Cabinet Refacing Cost?
The average cost of refacing kitchen cabinets can vary by kitchen size, material selection, door style, drawer fronts, hardware, finish, and added upgrades.
Cabinet refacing is often less expensive than replacement because it keeps the existing cabinet boxes in place and focuses on updating the visible cabinet surfaces rather than replacing the entire cabinet system.
For homeowners who want a more updated look without removing all existing cabinets, cabinet refacing can be a practical option.
What Determines Cabinet Replacement Cost?
Replacing kitchen cabinets usually costs more than refacing because it involves removing the existing cabinets and installing a new cabinet system.
The total cost can vary depending on cabinet materials, kitchen size, design complexity, installation labor, layout changes, and related remodeling work.
Replacement may be the better choice if your cabinet boxes are damaged, poorly built, warped, water-damaged, or if you want to change the kitchen layout.
How Long Do Refaced Cabinets Last?
Refaced cabinets can last for many years when the existing cabinet boxes are in good condition and the project is completed with suitable materials and proper installation.
The longevity of refaced cabinets depends on the quality of the cabinet boxes, the materials selected, the installation, daily use, cleaning habits, and moisture exposure.
Refacing is usually best for cabinets that are structurally sound but need a visual update.
How Long Do Replacement Cabinets Last?
Replacement cabinets can also last for many years, depending on the materials, construction quality, installation, and how the kitchen is used.
Replacement may be a better long-term investment if the existing cabinet boxes are damaged, the layout needs major changes, or the homeowner wants a fully new cabinet system.
Should You Reface or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
You should consider cabinet refacing if your cabinet boxes are still solid, your kitchen layout works, and you mainly want to update the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, hardware, and visible surfaces.
You should consider cabinet replacement if the cabinet boxes are damaged, warped, water-damaged, poorly built, or if you want to change the layout of your kitchen.
If you are also comparing cabinet surface updates, our guide on cabinet refacing vs. refinishing may help you understand when refinishing, refacing, or replacement makes the most sense.
If your main goal is to refresh older cabinets without replacing the entire cabinet system, you may also find our guide on how to make old wood cabinets look new helpful.
Customization Options: Refacing vs. Replacing Cabinets
Customization with Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet refacing allows you to update the visible cabinet style while keeping the existing layout. You may be able to choose new cabinet doors, drawer fronts, hardware, veneers, finishes, and matching details.
This is a good option when you like the current layout but want a newer cabinet appearance.
Customization with Cabinet Replacement
Cabinet replacement provides more design flexibility because the existing cabinet system is removed. This may allow you to change the layout, add storage, adjust cabinet sizes, or redesign the kitchen workflow.
Replacement is usually more involved, but it may be the better option when the existing layout no longer works.
Not Sure Whether to Reface or Replace Your Cabinets?
Choosing between cabinet refacing and cabinet replacement depends on your cabinet condition, budget, design goals, and whether your current kitchen layout still works.
If your cabinet boxes are still solid but the doors, drawer fronts, hardware, and visible surfaces need a fresh look, Southwest Kitchen & Bath can help you explore cabinet refacing, cabinet style options, and related kitchen remodeling solutions.
Call (520) 531-9187 to schedule a consultation.
FAQs About Cabinet Refacing Cost vs. Replacing
How much does it cost to reface kitchen cabinets?
Cabinet refacing costs vary by kitchen size, materials, door style, drawer fronts, hardware, finish, and added upgrades. The best way to understand the cost is to review your cabinet condition, project scope, and selected design options.
Is it cheaper to reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
Cabinet refacing is often cheaper than cabinet replacement because the existing cabinet boxes stay in place, which can reduce materials, demolition, labor, and installation work.
What affects the cost of cabinet refacing?
The cost of cabinet refacing can depend on kitchen size, the number of doors and drawer fronts, selected materials, hardware, hinges, finish options, and added upgrades.
What affects the cost of replacing kitchen cabinets?
The cost of cabinet replacement can depend on cabinet materials, kitchen size, layout changes, demolition, installation labor, and related remodeling work such as countertops, plumbing, or electrical updates.
When is cabinet refacing worth it?
Cabinet refacing may be worth it when the cabinet boxes are still solid, the kitchen layout works, and the doors, drawer fronts, hardware, or visible surfaces need a fresh look.
When should I replace cabinets instead of refacing?
Cabinet replacement may be better if the cabinet boxes are damaged, warped, water-damaged, poorly built, or if you want to change the kitchen layout.