Cabinet refacing vs New cabinets! Hey there, it’s your friend and resident home improvement enthusiast. Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions from friends and family about whether they should reface their kitchen cabinets or replace them altogether. As someone who has been through the renovating process myself, I can definitely understand the dilemma. Cabinets play a crucial role in the overall look and functionality of the kitchen, so it’s important to make the right choice. Through my research and personal experience, I’ve discovered that these two options have their pros and cons, and it all depends on your needs and budget. In this blog post, I’ll delve deeper into the pros and cons of both choices and hopefully help you come to a decision that works best for you.
=>For Short answer: The decision between refacing or replacing cabinets will depend on the condition of your existing cabinets, your budget, and your overall design goals.
=> Read More: Understanding Cabinet Refacing: Where to Get Start?
What Does It Mean to Refacing Cabinet?
Refacing cabinets (known as resurface cabinets) involves replacing the doors, drawers, and hardware of your existing cabinets while leaving the cabinet boxes in place. It is a great alternative to a full-blown kitchen renovation, which can be much more time-consuming, expensive, and disruptive. By refacing your cabinets, you can achieve a fresh and updated appearance without tearing down and rebuilding walls, plumbing, or electrical components. This can save you weeks, if not months, of inconvenience and thousands of dollars in construction costs. Refacing allows you to customize your cabinets to your taste and style. Not only can you choose from a wide range of materials, colors, and finishes, but you can also add features such as soft-close hinges, pull-out trash cans, or built-in charging stations. By giving your cabinets a unique and personalized touch, you can elevate the overall look and feel of your kitchen and make it more functional and ergonomic.
=> Read full: Refacing Cabinet Solution: Pros & Cons – Solve All Your Problems
The process typically of Refacing Cabinets involves:
- Removing the old doors, drawers, and hardware
- Preparing the surfaces for new veneer, laminate, paint…
- Installing new doors, drawers, and hardware
- Adding trim or molding to complete the look
=> Read more: Is It Possible to Reface Cabinets a Second Time?
Pros of Refacing Cabinets:
- Easy and Cost Effect
- Quick, Save Time, and Convenient
- Less Mess, More Ease
Cons of Refacing Cabinets:
- Limited design option
- Not suitable for damaged cabinets
=> Read More: The Common Problems With Refacing Kitchen Cabinets?
What are Replacing Cabinets?
Replacing cabinets refers to the process of removing old or worn cabinets from a kitchen or other area and installing new ones. This can involve updating the layout, materials, and design of the cabinets to improve the overall look and functionality of the space.
=> Related Service: Full Kitchen Remodel Service in California | Guilin Cabinets
The process typically of Replacing Cabinets involves:
- Removing the old cabinets
- Installing new cabinets
- Adding trim or molding to complete the look
- Installing new hardware
Pros of Replacing Cabinets:
- Design flexibility
- Increased home value
=> Read More: 8 Home Remodels That Will Increase the Sale Value of Your Home
Cons of Refacing Cabinets:
- Higher cost
- More disruptive
- More waste
=> Read More: Kitchen Remodel Mistakes That Need to Avoid
How to Decide Between Refacing and Replacing
There isn’t a Best Solution. The choice depends on your budget, the condition of the existing cabinets, the desired look and layout, and what you want to be. Refacing involves keeping the existing cabinet boxes and replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while replacing involves removing the old cabinets and installing entirely new ones. Refacing is typically less expensive and quicker, but replacing allows for more customization and potentially higher-quality materials. A consultation with a professional can help determine the best option for a specific situation.
=> Related Article: Refinishing vs Replacing Cabinets- What Different
| Criteria | Refacing | Replacing |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 30-50% of replacement cost | Full cost of new cabinets |
| Time | 3-5 days | 2-6 weeks (depending on complexity) |
| Disruption | Minimal disruption to daily life | More significant disruption, may need to relocate during construction |
| Materials | Existing cabinet boxes remain, new doors, drawers, and hardware | Entire cabinet system is replaced with new materials |
| Design Flexibility | Limited design changes possible | Complete design overhaul possible |
| Quality of Construction | Original cabinet construction remains, new finishes applied | New cabinets built to current standards and quality |
| Environmental Impact | Less waste generated, existing materials reused | More waste generated, old cabinets disposed of |
| Warranty | Varies by manufacturer, typically 1-5 years | Typically 5-10 year warranty on new cabinets |
| Resale Value | Can increase resale value, but not as much as replacement | Can significantly increase resale va |
Cost Comparison:
Cabinet refacing vs new cabinets cost? Cabinet refacing vs replacement cost? and Is refacing cabinets cheaper than replacing them? YES! Refacing cabinets option can save you anywhere from 25% to 50% over the expense of new cabinets. Cabinet refacing is a popular alternative to complete replacement because it’s less expensive and generally takes less time to complete. Refacing involves replacing cabinet doors, hinges, and drawers with newer versions while preserving the existing cabinet boxes.
- Refacing cabinets: On average, refacing your kitchen cabinets can cost between $3,500 and $9,000, depending on labor cost or DIY, the size of your kitchen, and the material you choose. The process involves removing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts and replacing them with new ones. The cabinet frames are covered with a veneer, laminate material, or repainting, and new hardware is installed.
- Replacing cabinets: Replacing your kitchen cabinets can cost between $8,000 and $15,000 on average, and the price can vary greatly based on the size of your kitchen and the type of materials you choose. This process involves removing the existing cabinets and installing brand-new ones. This process tends to take longer and may require more labor hours, especially if the kitchen layout needs to be changed.
Environmentally Friendly Comparison: Refacing vs Replacing Cabinets
- Refacing cabinets: is considered more environmentally friendly than replacing them because it avoids the waste of perfectly adequate cabinets. Refacing involves removing the cabinet doors, covering the exterior with a wood veneer or laminate, and replacing the hardware. This process requires fewer materials, generates less waste, and uses less energy. Additionally, refacing cabinets helps to conserve wood resources. Trees take time to grow and forests are important to absorb carbon, so it is better to use existing wood resources before cutting down new trees for new cabinets. Refacing cabinets can also be a quicker process with less disruption, saving time and energy that would otherwise be spent on demolishing and disposing of the old cabinets.
- Replacing cabinets: On the other hand, replacing cabinets can still be environmentally friendly if the old cabinets are properly disposed of and the new cabinets are made with sustainable materials, such as FSC-certified wood or recycled materials. However, replacing cabinets often requires a full kitchen renovation, which can generate more waste and use more energy, which is not Eco-friendly.
Cabinet Box Condition:
Refacing is a good option: if your existing cabinets are structurally sound and in good condition. If the layout and functionality of your cabinets meet your needs, refacing can provide a fresh look without the need for a complete overhaul.
=> Related Article: How Long Do Refaced Kitchen Cabinets Last?
Replacing is a good option: If your existing cabinets have structural problems or are damaged beyond cosmetic issues, replacement might be the only viable option.
=> Related Article: Is It Possible to Reface Cabinets a Second Time?
Time Frame:
Refacing typically takes less time than a full replacement. It can be a quicker solution, especially if you’re looking for a relatively fast kitchen upgrade. Because refacing cabinets involves less demolition and construction, there is generally less disruption to your daily life during the renovation. This can be especially advantageous if you need to use your kitchen throughout the process.
=> Related Article: Kitchen Remodel Timeline – How Long Each Step Takes?
FAQs: Refacing Cabinets vs Replacing: Which is Better?
How do I know if my cabinets are suitable for refacing?
Cabinets that are structurally sound and in good condition are suitable for refacing. This means if your cabinets have no significant damage, maintain their structural integrity, and the cabinet boxes are solid, refacing is an option. However, if they have major damage, poor design, or structural issues, it might be better to opt for replacement. => Read More: The Signs You Need to Replace Your Cabinets, Not Reface Them
Can I change the layout of my cabinets if I choose to reface them?
NO, Refacing cabinets involves replacing only the visible parts, so it doesn’t allow for changes to the layout. If you want to alter the configuration of your cabinets, replacement would be the better choice.
How much does it cost to reface cabinets?
On average, refacing your kitchen cabinets can cost between $3,500 and $12,000, depending on labor cost or DIY, the size of your kitchen, and the material you choose. In most cases, refacing kitchen cabinets will help you save 25 to 50 percent in comparison to the cost of replacing all your kitchen cabinets.
Can I reface the cabinets myself or should I hire a professional?
Refacing cabinets is a complex process that requires specialized tools and expertise. It’s best to hire a professional to ensure the job is done properly and to avoid any mistakes that could damage your cabinets. However, you can DIY some stages of the project like repainting the Cabinets. It’s possible to reface cabinets that are painted by yourself. => Read more: Can Laminate Countertops be Painted? What Need to Know
How long does it take to reface cabinets?
The amount of time it takes to reface cabinets depends on the size of your kitchen and the complexity of the job. On average, refacing cabinets can take anywhere from 2-4 days to complete. => Related Article: Kitchen Remodel Timeline: How Long Each Step Takes?
Replacing vs Refacing – Which option is better for increasing the value of my home?
Replacing cabinets is generally considered to be a better option for increasing the value of your home, as it’s a major upgrade to your kitchen. However, refacing cabinets can also add value to your home, especially if you choose high-quality materials and a stylish design.
When Cabinet Refacing Is Your Best Choice?
Cabinet refacing may be your best choice if your cabinet boxes are in good condition and you only need to reinstall the internal shelves, frames, and drawers to maintain your original kitchen layout. Not only will this option save you money, but it will also minimize any disruptions to your daily routine.
When Cabinet Replacing Is Your Best Choice?
When your cabinets are damaged, aged, wear. The cabinet doors are worn or outdated, aesthetics need improvement, you want to increase home value, or give the impression or maybe you want to change the kitchen layout, and kitchen style of your kitchen. Cabinet Replacing Is the Best Choice for you.
Cabinet refacing is it worth it?
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.
