Kitchen cabinets can transform the entire look of your kitchen. Faded, yellowing facades will send your space straight back to the 70’s. While a fresh coat of paint or even full cabinet replacements can immediately modernize your space. But how do you know whether it’s time to replace your cabinets or simply reface them?
When you’re ready to give your kitchen an upgrade, one of the first big decisions you will make is whether you should reface or replace your cabinets. There are pros and cons to each choice. So, it’s important to weigh all of the factors before making a choice. Your kitchen designer can help you decide which answer will work for you.
At Southwest Kitchen & Bath in Tucson, our expert team can advise you on the best methods for achieving your dream kitchen. This information will also help.

The Refacing Process
Cabinet refacing is a great way to update your kitchen without the extra demolition and construction time that replacements require. Refacing is an efficient process that involves the application of new doors and drawer fronts, soft close hinges as well as wood veneer on the face frame of existing cabinets. Any exposed segments are also covered in quarter-inch wood panels and then trimmed out with moldings to complete the look. Depending on the size of your kitchen this process takes approximately 3-4 days. Our team can also upgrade drawer boxes and glides for an additional charge.
Condition of Cabinets
What is your main reason for wanting new cabinets? Do you simply want to change how they look, or are they damaged in some way? If the cabinets are in good general condition, but you just wish they looked different, then refacing is likely to be the right solution for you. If your cabinets are in poor overall condition, then replacing them is likely to be the better option. You may also prefer to replace your cabinets if they are in decent condition but you want them to be different shapes or sizes than they are currently.
Replacements
Not all cabinets are good candidates for refacing and may require full replacement. If your cabinets are made from a low-quality material like particle board, for example, they won’t be sturdy enough to support the refacing process. The condition of your cabinets matters too. If they are severely damaged by water, pests, or the ravages of time, it may be best to replace them completely. Additionally, if you’re unhappy with your current kitchen layout, refacing may not be a great solution.
Budget
One of the leading reasons that people decide to reface their cabinets is budget. Refacing is significantly less expensive than replacing your cabinets. If you want to remodel your kitchen but need to keep a close eye on your budget, refacing is a great way to make it work. Replacing your cabinets is a significant investment. On the other hand, it may be worthwhile if your kitchen is particularly outdated.
Timing
Replacing your kitchen cabinets is a major undertaking. If you’re planning a full kitchen remodel and have budgeted the time for the process, then you will be happy with your brand-new cabinets. But, if you like the layout of your kitchen and are more interested in making less involved cosmetic changes, then refacing might be a better fit for you.
If You’re Not Sure, Ask!
To the untrained eye, completely salvageable cabinets may seem beyond repair. If you’re unsure about the condition of your cabinets, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re more than happy to help. We can also advise you on the perfect color scheme and design for your new kitchen.
Meet with our expert interior design team at Southwest Kitchen & Bath today to determine if you should reface or replace your cabinets. With years of experience and glowing client reviews, you can be sure your Tucson kitchen is in great hands. To schedule a complimentary consultation, call (520) 531-9187