- Kitchen Remodeling
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- Cabinet Refacing & Replacement
Cabinet Refacing & Replacement: Freshen Up Your Kitchen
- Refacing vs. Replacement
Making the Choice Between Refacing or Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
Its decision time, so which is right for you? Refacing costs between 30% and 50% less than new cabinets, as it requires much less labor. It's faster too, which is often a selling point for busy families. Here’s a breakdown of each option:
| Refacing | Replacement | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 30–50% less | Full cost |
| Timeline | A few days | One to several weeks |
| Layout | Stays the same | Can change completely |
| Best when | Boxes are solid, you like the layout | Boxes are failing, or you want a new layout |
| Kitchen downtime | Minimal | Extended |
- This is where we replace the doors, drawer fronts and hardware of your cabinets. We then recover any visible areas of the boxes with new veneers to complete the look. Cabinets are not moved during this process.
Your cabinet boxes are in good condition, straight and square, and just want a fresh look.
- Here, we remove the old cabinets entirely, replacing the entire kitchen with new ones. This could be just a direct replacement, or you could use this opportunity to change the layout to suit how you use the kitchen better.
Your boxes are in bad shape, such as water damage or failing from age, or you need a new layout in your kitchen.
- A word of caution: If your boxes have hidden problems, refacing only lasts as long as the boxes do. And a "reface plus a few replacements" project can quietly snowball into full-replacement pricing. We'll tell you honestly if refacing would just be a short-term patch — that's the whole point of the assessment.
- DIY or Hire a Pro?
Are Professional Kitchen Installers Worth it?
- Refacing is something that DIYers often take on themselves. However, fitting new cabinets really is not a DIY job. Cabinets must be fitted with absolute precision to be level across the entire run. If they are not, you will notice misalignment in doors, and in the worst cases, items rolling off shelves.
- We’ll give you an honest opinion about any project and where it sits in the DIY to Pro range.
- Why Homeowners Choose Us
Transparency, Honesty, Integrity
We don't default to the expensive option
If your boxes are fine and all you need is refacing, then we’ll tell you that. Selling people things they don’t need is not the way to stay in business. Being honest is.
We know where the permit line is
Refacing or replacement for kitchen cabinetry generally doesn't need a permit. However, layout changes that require plumbing or electrical work may need one. We’ll tell you before you sign a contract.
Clean, level installs
Our professional installers shim and set boxes right, so everything is level, looks great, and works perfectly.
Itemized estimates
We don't just give you a single figure; our quotes are itemized, so you can see what we plan to do, and where the money is going.
- How It Works
Four Steps From Assessment to Final Walkthrough
- 01
Free Consultation
We check the box layout and condition, and advise on reface or replacement options, with transparent pricing on both.
- 02
Permits, When Required
If there is any electrical or plumbing work, you will normally need a permit. We file all permit applications, coordinate inspections, and handle any issues for you.
- 03
Construction
Refacing or replacement, we work to your agreed schedule to deliver the completed kitchen project.
- 04
Final Walkthrough
We walk through the entire kitchen with you, adjust anything that needs it, and finally, when you are happy, sign off on completion.
- Permits
Do You Need a Permit for Cabinet Refacing or Replacement?
Not normally; cosmetic and direct replacements are permit-free. However, if a layout change requires plumbing or electrical work, then a permit may be required. We’ll tell you upfront and handle the entire process.
No Permit Usually Required
- Refacing doors, drawer fronts, and boxes
- Replacing cabinets in the same layout
- New hardware and cosmetic updates
Permit Required
- Cabinet changes that require moving plumbing, like relocating a sink base
- Electrical changes tied to the layout, like new outlets or under-cabinet wiring runs
- Removing a wall to open up the cabinet layout wall to open up the cabinet layout
- faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Should I reface or replace my cabinets?
If the boxes are fine, and you don’t want to change the layout, then refacing gives you the fresh style you want, and saves you as much as 50% over new cabinets. If the boxes are bad, or you want a layout change, go for new cabinets. We’ll give an honest view on your options.
Is a cabinet update worth it for resale?
New kitchens have one of the strongest impacts on home value, and refacing in particular gives you a fantastic return on the investment. If you are selling, we can help you find the best way to maximize your investment.
How long does cabinet work take?
Refacing can be done in just a few days. Replacement is measured in weeks, especially those involving layout changes, plumbing, or electrical work. Our quotes include a timeline for completion.
Can I reface my cabinets myself?
Swapping doors and hardware can be DIY-friendly for those with some experience. However, fitting new cabinets requires precision; levelling is essential for door alignment and should be done by a professional.
How much cheaper is refacing than replacing?
Refacing is typically 30% to 50% cheaper than replacement. Not only are there less materials used, but there is significantly less labor involved too. How much you save depends on the size of the kitchen and the number of doors. We always itemize quotes, so you can compare each option and see where the differences are.
Do cabinet projects need a permit?
Not normally; cosmetic and direct replacements are permit-free. However, if a layout change requires plumbing or electrical work, then a permit may be required. We’ll tell you upfront and handle the entire process.
- Get Started
Ready to Update Your Cabinets?
We'll look at your existing cabinets, tell you whether refacing or replacement makes more sense, and give you itemized pricing on both.