Is it cheaper to reface cabinets or replace them?

Author: Stacey Rath DDS  |  Last update: Saturday, September 13, 2025

The cabinet boxes remain in place, so labor costs are lower than replacing them. These factors make refacing less expensive upfront than replacing. However, you'll want to consider the long-term costs associated with this process.

What is the downside of cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refacing is considered to be less durable than a full replacement, as it does not replace the entire structure of the cabinets. Over time, cabinet frames can become worn or damaged; if that happens, you may need to replace them anyway.

Is it better to reface cabinets or buy new?

If you're changing the layout and design of your kitchen or your original cabinets are in bad shape, replacing them is the way to go. In most cases, refacing kitchen cabinets will save 30 to 50 percent in comparison to the cost of replacing kitchen cabinets.

What is the average cost to reface kitchen cabinets?

For homeowners who are looking to update their kitchen cabinets without having to replace them entirely, cabinet refacing is a popular and affordable option. The cost of refacing cabinets typically ranges from $4,500 to $7,000, depending on the materials and layout of your kitchen.

Is it cheaper to reface cabinets or repaint them?

If budget is your main consideration, refinishing is often the cheaper option. Estimates have shown that refinishing cabinets costs about 2/3 the cost of refacing, and refacing costs about 70 to 80 percent the cost of installing replacement cabinets. But if you have the budget, you may go with replacing the cabinets.

Should I Repaint, Reface, or Replace my Kitchen Cabinets?

What is the cheapest way to resurface cabinets?

If your goal is to update the look of your existing cabinets, the cheapest route is to simply reface them. This process involves either stripping the stain or paint from the existing cabinets and adding new stain, varnish or paint; in some cases, you might even want to refinish the cabinets with a stick-on veneer.

How much does it cost to repaint cabinets professionally?

Skilled pros will be able to complete this job in a couple of days, including prep work, priming, painting, and cleanup. Typically, professional painters will charge about $6 to $14 per square foot, so you can expect to pay between $400 and $1,300 in total for the cost of painting kitchen cabinets.

Does Lowes do cabinet refacing?

Kitchen Remodeling Made Easy and Affordable.

Lowe's cabinet refacing with National Refacing Systems uses your existing cabinets while transforming your kitchen with premium-quality cabinet doors, drawers, hardware, and accessories.

How long does cabinet refacing last?

The longevity of refaced cabinets depends on various factors, including the quality of materials used, the craftsmanship of the installation, and how well they are maintained. On average, refaced cabinets can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years or even longer with proper care.

Does Home Depot do cabinet refacing?

Learn more about cabinet refacing at The Home Depot. Use our online appointment scheduler to set up a time for an in-home cabinet refacing consultation. Then Home Depot Home Services will handle the installation with minimal kitchen down time.

Can I reface my cabinets myself?

Simply put, refacing kitchen cabinets can be done by the following: Remove the doors and drawers of each cabinet. Cover the front edges of the cabinets with peel and stick wood veneer. Hang the new cabinet doors with easy-to-install cup hinges.

How do you update cabinets on a budget?

Let's Begin!
  1. 9 Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets without Replacing Them. Paint Kitchen Cabinets. ...
  2. Distress the Cabinets. ...
  3. Whitewash. ...
  4. Two-Tone. ...
  5. Change the Cabinet Handles. ...
  6. Add Molding. ...
  7. Change the Kitchen Door Fronts. ...
  8. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting.

Does replacing cabinets increase home value?

Kitchen Remodel Average ROI

According to a 2023 survey from Remodeling Magazine, a major kitchen renovation or upgrade has an average ROI (return on investment) of 31.7%. That means that for every $100 you spend on your kitchen remodel, you are increasing the resale value of your home by about $37.

Does cabinet refacing include new drawers?

Yes, with cabinet refacing you're simply replacing the doors and drawer fronts with new, custom-made ones that better match your design sensibility. The boxes are repaired, as needed, and then painted or stained to match.

Do you have to remove countertops to reface cabinets?

The short answer is yes, and refacing your cabinets without removing your countertops is possible.

Do people still reface cabinets?

Many homeowners today are saving money by refacing rather than completely replacing their existing kitchen cabinets.

Why is cabinet refacing so expensive?

Type of Materials. While you won't need to remove and install new cabinet boxes like you would if you were replacing your cabinets, you will be replacing your old cabinet doors and drawer faces, as well as adding new veneer over the cabinet boxes. The quality of these materials will have a significant impact on price.

Do refaced cabinets peel?

Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Refaced Cabinets

One of the most critical concerns is exposure to heat and steam. Appliances like kettles, Instant Pots, and other high-heat devices can weaken the adhesive holding the laminate or veneer, causing it to peel or warp over time.

Can old cabinets be refaced?

Cabinet refacing is an affordable way to upgrade your cabinetry—better yet, it's a process that can be repeated down the road if your tastes have changed or your cabinet doors are looking worse for wear.

Is it cheaper to buy new cabinets or reface them?

Yes, cabinet refacing is worth it if you want to improve the look of your kitchen without spending too much money. Refacing can save you up to 25% – 50% of the cost of replacing cabinets and can be done in a much shorter time frame than fully replacing all cabinets.

What is the cheapest way to reface kitchen cabinets?

3 Budget-Friendly Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Ideas
  1. Paint your cabinets. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way. ...
  2. Strip paint from wood cabinets. Another option that costs even less than painting your cabinets is to strip and sand them. ...
  3. Get rid of the doors entirely.

How do you make old kitchen cabinets look new again?

You can transform your cabinets quickly by refacing them with a new veneer. You can make your veneer any color you like, but cabinet refacing is a step above painting. It replaces cabinet surfaces instead of just covering them with paint.

Is it cheaper to paint or buy new kitchen cabinets?

Cost Effective – Painting is generally much more affordable than purchasing new cabinets. You save money by keeping the existing cabinetry framework and simply refreshing the finish. Quick Turn Around – Repainting cabinets is usually a faster process than replacing them entirely.

What is the average price of kitchen cabinets?

Due to the wide-ranging differences in materials and quality, new kitchen cabinets typically cost anywhere from $2,500 to $24,000. However, most new cabinet prices average between $5,500 and $13,000. This wide price range can be divided into three cabinet categories: stock, semi-custom, and custom.

Do I have to sand cabinets before painting?

Yes! You will find many articles on the net about painting cabinets without sanding, but that is not best practice. Your paint needs to grab onto something. A good primer will help with this, but your primer also needs some grip if you want your paint job to stand the test of time.

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