Is it Better to Reface or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
In the reface or replace kitchen cabinets debate, make sure you understand the pros, cons, and cost to reface cabinets
Your cabinets are the most important part of your kitchen remodel, so making sure they look great is essential. But is installing all new cabinets the best way to do that? Or is refacing your existing cabinets a better option?
The choice to reface or replace kitchen cabinets all comes down to your budget, your design needs, and your priorities. Let’s take a look at the pros, cons, and cost to reface kitchen cabinets vs. replace them, and what that means for your kitchen remodel.
The Pros & Cons of Cabinet Refacing vs Replacing
To help understand your kitchen cabinet options, consider this list of pros and cons for both refacing and replacement. Which factors are the most important in your kitchen remodel decision-making process?
Click each item in the lists below for detailed explanations.
LEARN MORE: What is Cabinet Refacing?
Pros of Cabinet Refacing
The cost to reface kitchen cabinets is significantly lower than replacing them. A kitchen remodel that includes cabinet refacing can often save 60% or more compared to a full kitchen remodel.
READ MORE: Host much Does Kitchen Remodeling Cost?
Refacing typically takes a few days to complete, minimizing disruption to your daily routine.
By reusing your existing cabinet boxes, refacing reduces waste and is a more sustainable option.
With a wide range of cabinet door styles and colors, you can achieve a fresh, updated look without a full replacement.
Cons of Cabinet Refacing
Refacing doesn’t allow for modifications to your kitchen’s layout or the addition of new cabinets. While Improveit can extend a run of cabinetry or help you add a kitchen island, the rest of your existing cabinets will stay in place. Plumbing, gas lines, and electrical also remain the same with refacing.
If your cabinet boxes are heavily damaged or in poor condition, refacing may not be a viable option. Ask your kitchen refacing company about the ability to replace or repair damaged cabinets before refacing.
Pros of Installing All New Cabinets
Tearing out existing cabinets gives you the freedom to change your kitchen layout, add storage, or and fully reconfigure your kitchen.
For kitchens with severely outdated or damaged cabinets, replacement lets you identify and repair underlying issues, and install good condition materials to bring your kitchen back up to standard.
Starting with new cabinets means you’re only limited by your budget as you select from countless available styles, colors, and cabinet accessories.
Cons of All New Cabinets
Cabinet replacement is a bigger investment, both in materials and labor. A full-tear out kitchen remodel can cost upwards of $80,000, the bulk of which goes toward new cabinetry.
Installing new cabinets often takes weeks and can require extensive preparation, including demolition.
Old cabinets often end up in landfills after they’re removed from you home. If the cabinets are in good shape, look into reuse or donation options when remodeling your kitchen.
How Much Does it Cost to Reface Kitchen Cabinets?
Installing new cabinets will cost considerably more than the cost to reface kitchen cabinets. According to the most recent Cost vs. Value report, a major midrange kitchen remodel costs nearly $80,000. Most of this expense comes from choosing all new cabinetry. However, the cost to reface kitchen cabinets is much more reasonable. A midrange kitchen remodel – including the cost to reface kitchen cabinets – averages just over $27,000.
Read More: How Much Does Kitchen Remodeling Cost?
Don’t forget: The cost to reface cabinets is about more than the bottom line. Be sure to account for:
- Return on Investment (ROI): The Cost vs. Value report shows that cabinet refacing has a whopping 96.1% ROI. This means that for every $100 dollars you spend on cabinet refacing, you can add $96 to the value of your home. Full tear-out kitchen remodels only see ROI between 38% and 49.5%.
- The Value of Your Time: If you’re considering a do-it-yourself kitchen update, you may be able to lower your product and materials costs, but your time is valuable too! Consider how many days, evenings, and weekends you’d spend updating your own kitchen vs. the convenience of a professional team completing the project in a week or less.
- Lifetime Warranty Benefits: Most typical remodels come with a minimal (1-year) warranty, while DIY projects have no warranty at all. Improviet, on the other hand, offers a lifetime warranty on your kitchen refacing project so you can rest easy knowing that any issues down the line are covered by a professional service department.
Ultimately, the cost of any kitchen remodeling project will come down to the type and quality of materials you select. Always make sure to consider the value you’re adding to your home as part of your project, alongside the investment you’re making. Connect with an Improveit design consultant for a free, no-obligation quote for your project as you compare your options.
How to Know Whether to Reface vs Replace Kitchen Cabinets
As you weigh the pros and cons of cabinet refacing vs replacing, remember to keep your budget, design needs, and priorities in mind.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself during the planning process:
Budget:
- Does full replacement fit into the investment you’re planning to make in your kitchen?
- Would cabinet refacing help you get the refresh you’re looking for with less expense?
Design Needs:
- Is your current kitchen layout working for you and your family? If not, does your cabinet refacing company offer the ability to add more storage or cabinet organization accessories to improve your kitchen functionality?
- Are your cabinets in a good enough condition to go through the refacing process?
Personal Priorities:
- Is salvaging or reusing materials important to you during a remodeling project?
- What type of product and labor warranties do you want supporting your investment?
- How much time do you have to devote to a remodeling project, including time you may need to take away from work?
Is Cabinet Refacing Worth It?
Compared to full cabinet tear-out, cabinet refacing is absolutely worth it! The fast, affordable, and convenient process is a budget-friendly way to give your kitchen a stylish upgrade while keeping your existing layout intact.
While all new cabinet installation certainly has its benefits, cabinet refacing is an excellent investment that adds value to your home. Its added benefits of sustainability, a lifetime warranty, fast installation, and high ROI, cabinet refacing is filled with added value that new cabinet installation can’t match.
“I just had my kitchen refinished by Improveit. They did an outstanding job; My entire kitchen looks new even though I did not replace the countertop or backsplash. The installer was friendly and professional. He was able to finish in four days as promised. The company communicated with me throughout the process, from scheduling and checking in while the work was being done to after the completion. The quality of the materials, the workmanship, the warranty, and the follow-through were worth the price. Thank you!”
— Dwayne M., Blacklick, OH
Explore the Pros, Cons & Cost to Reface Kitchen Cabinets with Improveit
As you start planning your kitchen remodel, Improveit’s team of design consultants are ready to serve as your trusted advisors with answers to all your questions about refacing vs. replacing kitchen cabinets. With 35 years of experience, award-winning service, and a commitment to helping you improve your home with confidence, we’ll help you create a kitchen that fits your style, your needs, and your budget.
Click here or use the form below to learn more about kitchen remodeling options today!
Start Your Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Project Today
Starting your Kitchen Refacing project is free and easy! Fill out the form below or click “Schedule Now” at the top of this page. The Improveit team will be happy to answer your questions, schedule a no-obligation appointment, and provide a down-to-the-penny project quote that’s good for a full year.
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