Cabinet Refacing vs Replacement: 2025 Cost Guide

Cabinet Refacing vs Replacement: 2025 Cost Guide

Refacing saves 40-60% over replacement while giving you a fresh look. We've helped 500+ homeowners make this choice—and honestly, the answer depends on your cabinet box condition and goals. Here's what our 15 years in the trenches has taught us.

What's Cabinet Refacing and How Does It Actually Work?

Cabinet refacing replaces doors and drawer fronts while keeping existing boxes. It runs $4,000-$12,000 for average kitchens and takes 3-5 days. Simple concept, but this process only works when your cabinet "bones" are solid.

We recently refaced a kitchen in Maple Grove where the homeowner wanted farmhouse style. Those 1990s oak cabinets had strong construction—perfect candidates for refacing! The transformation blew her away.

Here's how we tackle it:

1. Remove all doors and drawer fronts

2. Clean and prep surfaces (critical step most DIYers skip)

3. Apply wood veneer or laminate to visible areas

4. Install custom doors in your chosen style

5. Add new hardware for the finishing touch

Our team uses contact cement—not the cheap peel-and-stick stuff. Why? Because we've seen those failures firsthand. They're ugly and embarrassing.

Sound familiar? You want a new look but can't swing $30,000. Refacing might be your answer.

The Screw Test (Do This Before You Decide)

Remove a hinge screw from your cabinet. Does the wood feel soft? Does it crumble? Then your cabinet "bones" are weak—don't waste money on refacing.

We inspected a 1980s kitchen last month where this happened. The particleboard couldn't hold new hinges. Doors would've sagged within two years. Better to know upfront than deal with that headache later.

Pro Tip: The Hybrid Approach

You don't have to choose all-or-nothing (though many contractors won't tell you this). We often reface most cabinets but replace one strategic unit. Maybe add a new pantry while refacing the rest. Smart homeowners save thousands this way.

When Should You Choose Full Cabinet Replacement?

Replacement becomes necessary when cabinet boxes are damaged, poorly designed, or don't meet your needs. It runs $15,000-$40,000 but gives you complete design freedom and modern storage solutions.

We recommend replacement when:

• Cabinet boxes show water damage or warping
• Layout wastes space (common in older homes)
• You need specialized storage for your lifestyle
• Cabinets are over 20 years old with significant wear
• You're changing cabinet heights for accessibility

What's the real benefit? Modern cabinets offer pull-out shelves, soft-close mechanisms, and organization systems that actually work. These upgrades can boost home value by 10-15%—not bad for a kitchen investment.

Our certified technicians recently replaced cabinets for a family of five. They needed better organization for school supplies and sports equipment. Refacing wouldn't have solved their storage crisis.

Warning Signs You Need Replacement

Honestly? Some situations demand new cabinets. Here's what makes us shake our heads:

• Visible warping or cracking in cabinet boxes
• Water stains inside cabinets (especially under sinks)
• Doors that won't close properly—frame issues, not hinges
• Outdated layouts that waste corner space
• Need for modern appliance integration

Real Project: Why We Chose Refacing Over Replacement

Last spring, we worked with Sarah in Eden Prairie. She wanted modern farmhouse style but had a $12,000 budget. Her oak cabinets from 1995 were solid as rocks—good bones matter.

Here's what we did:

• Applied warm gray stain to existing boxes
• Installed new shaker-style doors
• Added brushed brass hardware
• Used high-quality contact cement (not cheap adhesive)

Total cost: $8,500. Replacement estimate: $28,000.

That transformation took four days. Sarah saved $19,500 and got exactly the look she wanted. The catch? This only worked because her cabinet boxes were in excellent condition—no shortcuts there.

Cost Breakdown: What You'll Actually Pay

Refacing costs $100-$300 per linear foot. Replacement runs $500-$1,200 per linear foot. For a typical 10x12 kitchen (25 linear feet), here's the math:

**Refacing:** $2,500-$7,500

**Replacement:** $12,500-$30,000

Those numbers assume standard materials. Want premium finishes? Add 30-50% to both options—and trust me, it shows.

Why the big range? Material quality makes a huge difference. Cheap laminate costs less than solid wood doors. Our licensed professionals help you choose materials that fit your budget and timeline.

We offer financing for both options. Refacing often qualifies for smaller personal loans. Replacement might need home equity financing—something to consider early in planning.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Refacing seems cheaper, but watch for extras that add up quickly:

• Crown molding installation: $300-$800
• Interior cabinet painting: $400-$1,200
• New countertops to match: $2,000-$8,000
• Electrical updates: $500-$2,000

Replacement includes most of these in the base price—one reason the upfront cost looks higher.

Design Options: What's Really Possible?

Refacing limits your choices—let's be honest about this. You're stuck with existing cabinet sizes and basic door styles. Can't change depths or add specialized storage.

**Available options include:**

• Wood veneers (oak, maple, cherry)
• Laminate finishes (budget-friendly)
• Thermofoil (moisture-resistant)
• Limited door styles that fit existing frames

Replacement offers unlimited possibilities. Want a coffee station? Wine storage? Charging drawers? No problem with new construction.

We recently designed a kitchen for avid bakers. They needed specialized storage for stand mixers and baking sheets. Refacing couldn't have delivered those solutions—sometimes you need the full monty.

Looking for modern features? Soft-close hinges, under-cabinet lighting, and pull-out organizers work best with new cabinets. Retrofitting gets expensive fast.

Timeline: How Long Will You Wait?

Refacing takes 3-5 business days. You can cook throughout most of the process (though cabinet access is limited).

Replacement takes 2-4 weeks. You'll need alternative cooking arrangements—some families rent temporary kitchenettes or eat out frequently.

Pro scheduling tip? Order cabinets early. Custom orders often take 6-8 weeks for delivery, which surprises many homeowners.

Our background-checked technicians coordinate with other trades. Electricians, plumbers, and countertop installers must work in sequence. One delay affects everyone—project management matters here.

Quality Standards That Matter

Professional cabinet work requires proper licensing and insurance. We maintain liability coverage and provide written warranties on all installations—non-negotiables for this investment.

Here's what separates pros from amateurs:

• Door alignment within 1/8 inch tolerance
• Proper edge sealing to prevent moisture damage
• Real wood veneers (not vinyl wraps)
• Premium adhesives rated for kitchen environments
• Detailed care instructions for maintenance

We've seen DIY refacing disasters. Peeling veneer. Sagging doors. Poor alignment. Don't risk it with your investment—some mistakes can't be undone.

Research shows professional installation adds 5-7 years to project lifespan compared to DIY attempts. Worth considering when you calculate true costs.

Making Your Final Decision

Choose refacing when:

• Cabinet boxes are structurally sound
• You like the current layout
• Budget is your primary concern
• Timeline matters (quick turnaround)
• You're planning to sell within 5-10 years

Choose replacement when:

• Cabinets show structural problems
• Layout needs improvement
• You want modern storage features
• You're staying long-term (10+ years)
• Budget allows for complete upgrade

Still unsure? We offer free consultations with licensed professionals. They'll assess your specific situation and provide honest recommendations—no sales pressure.

Our certified team has helped over 1,000 families make this decision. We don't push the expensive option—we find what works for your situation and budget. That's how we sleep at night.

Bottom line: Both options can transform your kitchen. The right choice depends on your cabinet condition, goals, and timeline. Get professional input before you decide—it'll save headaches later.

Contact our experienced team for a free estimate. We'll inspect your cabinets and explain all options clearly. No pressure, just expert guidance from professionals who've seen it all.