Refacing cabinets and replacing cabinets are two distinct ways to upgrade your kitchen’s appearance. While both can give your cabinetry a new look, many homeowners find themselves turning to refacing due to budget. Contrary to popular belief, the cost of new kitchen cabinets can be surprisingly affordable and comparable to refacing expenses.
While refacing is often considered a budget-friendly option, the long-term benefits of a replacement and advancements in manufacturing now make it possible to find cost-effective cabinet replacements without compromising on quality. If you’re looking for a cabinet upgrade, investing in kitchen cabinet replacements provides you with quality durability, design and customization.
Kitchen cabinet remodeling has plenty of benefits for homeowners. Explore the cost of new kitchen cabinets and compare cabinet refacing and replacement to help you find the right option for your home.
Refacing cabinets involves keeping the existing cabinet boxes while updating their exterior appearance. This process includes replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts and applying new veneers or laminates to the cabinet exteriors. It’s an initially cost-effective option, ideal for those who want a fresh look without the upfront expenses of new cabinets. Refacing can transform outdated cabinets into modern ones with minimal disruption.
While refacing gives your cabinets a new appearance, the underlying material is still the same. As a result, they’re still subject to wear and aging, meaning you’ll need to replace them eventually.
Refacing kitchen cabinets is a straightforward process that gives your kitchen a fresh and updated look while leaving the cabinet boxes in place.
First, cabinet doors, drawer fronts and hardware are carefully removed. Then, a thin layer of veneer or laminate is applied to the cabinet exteriors, covering the existing surfaces. This new layer comes in various colors and designs to fit your preferences.
Next, brand-new cabinet doors are installed, complementing the refaced cabinet exteriors. You can pick from various designs and colors. The final step involves adding new hardware, like knobs or handles, to complete the transformation.
Refacing cabinets can be a good option if your existing cabinet boxes are in good condition but you want to update their appearance without a complete replacement. Refacing kitchen cabinets can save you time and money initially, but they do not give you the same freedom, durability and flexibility as replacing does.
There are some benefits to refacing your kitchen cabinets. Working with professionals can make your kitchen look modern without tearing the cabinet boxes out. However, there are some cabinet refacing cons you should keep in mind when looking to upgrade your kitchen cabinets:
Cabinet replacement is the process of replacing all your existing cabinets. You’ll remove the entire current cabinetry and install brand-new units. This approach provides you with more freedom to redesign your cabinet layout and offers a broader range of styles and materials to choose from.
Although it’s more expensive and time-consuming upfront than refacing, replacing your cabinets provides you with a fresh set of cabinets for years. Replacement is especially good for severely damaged existing cabinets and complete kitchen overhauls.
Choosing between kitchen cabinet door replacement or refacing comes down to cost for many homeowners. Like all home renovation projects, you need to weigh your next update’s longevity and initial and long-term costs. You’ll also want to consider labor and whether you wish to update your kitchen’s design. Let’s look at the different costs of updating your cabinets to help you choose between replacing or refacing kitchen cabinets.
Replacing kitchen cabinets involves a complete overhaul of the existing cabinetry. Replacing your kitchen cabinets costs anywhere from $2,000 to $24,000, with an average of around $8,000. Taking out all your existing cabinets and installing new ones means replacement comes with a higher upfront cost than replacement. Your kitchen cabinet replacement costs can vary significantly based on factors such as kitchen size, materials used and installation complexity.
The replacement cost includes new cabinet prices and the labor costs involved in removing the old cabinets and installing new ones. Additionally, there might be expenses for plumbing or electrical work if the cabinet layout is altered, along with any associated repainting or remodeling costs.
Refacing kitchen cabinets is more budget-friendly than replacement initially. The average cost for cabinet refacing is around $6,000 — cabinet refacing typically costs between $1,000 and $12,000, depending on what you do. It’s a good option for homeowners who want a cosmetic update without needing a complete cabinet replacement. Since refacing keeps the existing cabinet boxes and only involves updating their outer appearance, you’ll spend less money initially than you would on cabinet replacement.
Reface costs for cabinets depend on materials and additional customizations. 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. While refacing updates your cabinets’ look, it does not restore the core cabinet components. Your cabinets will need eventual replacing or repair, even with refacing.
When comparing the cost of replacing vs. refacing kitchen cabinets, refacing is initially less expensive. While refacing might seem like the more economical choice, you get less creative freedom, and you will be paying for new cabinets much sooner than you would if you replaced your cabinets. Replacing gives you all-new cabinet materials and a longer cabinet life span, as modern materials are updated with more durable construction techniques.
Additionally, the average refacing cost is slightly less than replacement — $6,000 compared to $8,000. On average, most homeowners spend similar amounts on replacing and refacing, but refacing does not allow you to adjust cabinet layout and does not give you newer, stronger cabinets. If you’re looking to repair damaged cabinets or want to change your kitchen’s design, a replacement will give you more bang for your buck than refacing.
Along with cost, there are several factors to think about when considering replacing kitchen cabinet doors, hardware and other components. You’ll want to weigh your cabinet structure, overall design plans and budget to help you find the right option for your home.
Opting for replacing kitchen cabinets offers a transformative and worthwhile investment for your kitchen space. While refacing may seem more economical, there are many benefits to considering cabinet replacement.
Refacing has lower initial costs than replacing because you are leaving the existing cabinet structure intact, but replacement provides unmatched value in the long run. With a complete overhaul, you get the opportunity to upgrade both the design and functionality of your kitchen. By installing brand-new cabinets, you can explore an array of designs, materials and configurations to tailor the space to your liking.
Investing in refacing also means potentially paying for a replacement in a few years anyway. Replacing your kitchen cabinets gives you a fresh start with your space — you can enjoy your new cabinets for many years, as they have none of the wear of existing cabinetry. Newly-installed cabinets have a life span of 50 years when installed correctly. Replacement gives you maximum cost-efficiency when you update your kitchen.
Replacing kitchen cabinets ensures you’re getting top-notch quality and durability. New cabinets are built to withstand daily wear and tear, offering better longevity compared to refaced ones. The investment in new cabinets pays off through their extended life span and minimal maintenance requirements, making it a wise long-term choice.
While refacing gives you an updated look for several years, your existing cabinet structure will have all the wear and tear that comes with age and heavy use. The older your refaced cabinets are, the more frequent repairs and touch-ups they’ll need — this extra maintenance will cost you additional time and money that new cabinets do not. Replacement cabinets are also newer, giving you all the benefits of modern construction and materials.
Refacing cabinets allows you to give your cabinets a new look, but you have to stick to the original layout. With replacement, you have the freedom to customize the design and look of your kitchen as desired. Whether you want to add more storage, introduce specialized features or create a seamless flow, replacing allows you to achieve your vision effortlessly.
You also have the added benefit of advanced storage options with replacement cabinets. You can optimize your kitchen’s organization and functionality when you replace your old cabinetry with new ones. With increased, better storage options, you can efficiently utilize the available space, keeping your kitchen clutter-free and making meal preparation a breeze.
Replacing your kitchen cabinets offers the satisfaction of a complete transformation. With new cabinets, you’ll experience a renewed sense of pride in your kitchen space. The joy of having a beautiful and functional kitchen that meets your needs is worth the initial investment, especially if you get to redesign your cabinets and make the space exactly what you want.
Upgrading your kitchen with new cabinets and a modern layout enhances the overall value of your home. Replacing kitchen cabinets is a great way to add value to your home. Potential buyers appreciate the appeal of contemporary, fresh cabinets, making it an attractive selling point. The investment in replacing cabinets can potentially yield a higher return when it comes time to sell your property.
Refacing can also give your home an updated look that appeals to buyers, but inconveniences in layout or storage cannot be corrected in the same way as a replacement. Dated or too-small cabinetry can make your home seem less attractive to buyers who want good flow, storage and design.
Investing in replacement kitchen cabinets allows you to create the custom kitchen storage and look you want. At Bath, Kitchen & Tile, we provide you with unmatched cabinet quality and style for all your remodeling needs. Whatever your goals, our experts will work closely with you to deliver a kitchen remodel you can enjoy for years to come. Our competitive price and design guarantees mean you get an affordable, attractive remodel that fits your home.
If you’re looking to elevate your kitchen cabinets or you’re interested in a complete kitchen remodel, contact us online and get started today!
