Refacing vs Replacing Kitchen Cabinets: What’s Better?

If you’re thinking about ways to revamp your kitchen, two popular options are refacing or replacing your cabinets. While both methods can breathe new life into your kitchen space, homeowners in Tallahassee who plan on staying in their homes for the long haul should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each.

Both refacing and replacing provide certain benefits, but the long-term value of each approach depends on things like durability, design freedom, and cost-efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between the two to help you decide which option is better for your kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Replacing your cabinets means taking them completely out of the kitchen and installing new ones, sometimes in a different layout and with modifications.
• Refacing your cabinets means leaving the boxes but adding materials to the sides and faces, to give them a new look, and installing new doors and drawer faces. Some modifications are possible, but the footprint of the kitchen stays basically the same.
• Replacing is best when you’re renovating the kitchen, changing the layout, replacing countertops, or when the cabinet boxes are not in good shape.
• Refacing is best when you already love the layout, the cabinets are the only part of the kitchen that needs upgrading, and the boxes are solid.
• Refacing is cheaper, but not significantly enough that cost should be your deciding factor.

What is Cabinet Refacing?

Kitchen cabinet refacing involves giving your existing cabinets a “facelift,” of sorts, by updating their external surfaces. This process leaves the original cabinet boxes in place while replacing the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Veneers or laminates will also be applied to the cabinet’s exterior during this process.

The appeal of refacing is clear — it’s a faster, less invasive, and typically more affordable way to modernize your kitchen. If your current cabinet boxes are in good shape, but the exterior feels dated, this could be a great option.

However, while this process may provide a cosmetic improvement to your cabinets, it won’t resolve deeper structural issues or wear that might exist inside your kitchen cabinets. If your cabinets do have structural issues, you’ll probably want to replace them rather than reface them.

How Does Cabinet Refacing Work?

The process of cabinet refacing starts with the removal of the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and any existing hardware. After this, a thin veneer or laminate is carefully applied to the exposed surfaces of the cabinet boxes. This part of the process is where you can choose from different materials, colors, and textures.

Next, brand-new cabinet doors and drawer fronts are installed. This will give your kitchen cabinetry a fresh face. The final step involves adding new hardware to your cabinets — like knobs and handles — which will complete the transformation.

The Downsides of Cabinet Refacing

While cabinet refacing can save you a lot of time and money upfront, there are a few potential drawbacks you’ll want to consider, especially if you’re planning on staying in your home for a long time:

Fixed layout

Refacing doesn’t allow for changes to your cabinet layout. If your current kitchen lacks functionality, such as insufficient storage or awkwardly placed cabinets, refacing won’t solve those issues. You’ll still have the same layout but with a different look.

Costs can add up

Although refacing is generally more affordable than replacing, it’s still not very cheap. Depending on the condition of your existing cabinets, you may have to replace them eventually anyway, meaning the money spent on refacing might be better invested in a long-term solution.

Doesn’t address underlying problems

If your cabinets have structural damage, refacing will only cover it up. Issues like water damage, cracks, or worn interiors will remain. This could potentially lead to more expensive repairs down the line.

Incomplete finish

Refacing typically focuses on the visible parts of your cabinets. The insides, undersides, and less visible parts may still show signs of wear unless you put in additional effort and expense to properly address them.

Cabinet Replacement

Cabinet replacement is another great option. It involves removing your current cabinets entirely and installing new ones from the ground up. Taking this approach will allow you the freedom to redesign your layout, pick out new materials, and improve the functionality of your kitchen overall.

While it’s a much bigger project than refacing (it requires more time, effort, and expense), replacing your cabinets might be a more comprehensive solution, especially if your existing cabinetry is outdated or damaged. Let’s talk about when you should consider replacing your cabinets vs. refacing them next.

With refacing your cabinets stay in place and we replace the door, drawer fronts and trims. 

When to Reface vs Replace Your Cabinets

It’s not always easy to figure out whether you should reface or replace your cabinets. Here are some factors that you should consider:

Condition of your cabinets

If your cabinets are still structurally sound but simply outdated, refacing can be a quick and relatively inexpensive way to upgrade them. That said, if they’re showing signs of wear, water damage, or structural issues, replacement is going to be the better long-term solution.

Kitchen design plans

Refacing your cabinets is ideal if you’re just looking to give your kitchen a visual refresh. However, if you’re planning a full kitchen remodel or need more storage and a better layout, replacing your cabinets might offer more design flexibility.

Budget considerations

Refacing is the more budget-friendly option in the short term. However, replacing your cabinets will give your home better value over time because you’ll be installing brand-new cabinets that should last for decades. Refacing your cabinets may eventually lead to the need for replacement anyway (meaning you could end up paying more).

The Benefits of Cabinet Replacement

Although replacing your kitchen cabinets is a bigger investment upfront, it comes with several benefits that homeowners in Tallahassee should consider, especially if you want your kitchen to remain functional and aesthetically pleasing for a long period of time.

Durability and longevity

One of the main advantages of replacing your cabinets is the quality and durability you get with new materials. Modern cabinets are designed to withstand years of daily use. Most newly installed cabinets have a lifespan of up to 50 years.

Refaced cabinets, on the other hand, might look good on the outside but still have the same old cabinet boxes underneath. Over time, this could lead to repairs, touch-ups, or even a full replacement — which can add up in terms of time and money.

Customization options

When you replace your cabinets, you have the freedom to design a kitchen that fits your preferences and needs. Whether you want more storage space, a better cabinet layout, or even more modern features (like soft-close drawers or specialized storage solutions), cabinet replacement will allow you to fully customize your kitchen.

With refacing, your choices are limited to what you can do with the existing layout and structure of your kitchen. This lack of flexibility can be a disadvantage for homeowners who are looking to make bigger home improvements.

Increased home value

A full cabinet replacement can also increase the value of your home. If you’re planning to stay in your home for a long time, having high-quality, durable cabinets is a worthwhile investment. New cabinetry will give your kitchen a fresh, modern look (which can be a major selling point if you ever decide to sell your home in the future).

Long-term satisfaction

Perhaps the most compelling reason to choose replacement over refacing is the long-term satisfaction that comes with knowing you’ve made a lasting upgrade to your home. New cabinets not only look better but also function more efficiently. This will make your kitchen a more enjoyable space to cook and spend time with your family.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision between refacing and replacing your kitchen cabinets comes down to your needs, budget, and long-term home improvement goals. Refacing can be a great option if you want to give your kitchen a quick, affordable makeover, but replacement provides greater durability, customization, and long-term value.

If you’re a homeowner in Tallahassee who’s looking to update your kitchen, investing in cabinet replacement might be the best choice when it comes to making sure that your kitchen remains functional and aesthetically pleasing for the long haul. Contact Us today to explore your options and get started on your kitchen renovation project.