If your kitchen looks dated but works fine, you may not need new cabinets at all. Refacing keeps your existing cabinet boxes and replaces everything you see. Replacement starts fresh. Here's how to decide which one fits your home, your budget, and your plans.
What's the Difference?
Cabinet refacing replaces the doors, drawer fronts, end panels, and hardware while your existing boxes stay in place. Cabinet replacement removes everything and installs new cabinets, which lets you change the layout, the sizes, and the construction itself.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Refacing | Replacement | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Typically less, since the boxes are reused | Higher, since everything is new |
| Disruption | Minimal. No demolition, and countertops usually stay | Full tear-out. Countertops typically need to be removed or replaced |
| Timeline | Generally faster | Longer, especially with full custom builds |
| Layout changes | No | Yes, anything goes |
| Storage upgrades | Some pull-outs and organizers can be added to existing boxes | Fully designed around how you use the kitchen |
| Box condition | Must be structurally sound | Not a factor |
Refacing Makes Sense When…
- Your cabinet boxes are solid, square, and free of water damage.
- You like your current layout and it works for how you cook.
- You want to keep your existing countertops.
- You want a major visual change with less mess and downtime.
- You're updating a rental or preparing a home to sell.
Replacement Makes Sense When…
- Boxes are swollen, delaminating, or soft, which is common under sinks in Florida homes.
- The layout doesn't work: not enough counter space, poor workflow, or no island.
- You're replacing countertops anyway and want everything new.
- You want cabinets to the ceiling, a different depth, or different sizes.
- You're planning to stay for many years and want new construction throughout.
How to Check Your Cabinet Boxes
- Look under the sink. Swelling, staining, or a soft cabinet floor means water has gotten in.
- Check the shelves. Sagging shelves can be replaced, but a sagging cabinet bottom is a structural problem.
- Test the frames. Face frames should be firmly attached, with no gaps or movement.
- Check for square. Doors that won't line up no matter how you adjust the hinges can point to boxes that have racked out of square.
- Note the material. Older particleboard boxes that have taken on moisture are poor candidates for refacing. Learn more in our materials guide.
The Hybrid Option
You don't always have to pick one. A common approach is to reface the perimeter cabinets and replace or add specific pieces, such as a damaged sink base, a new island, or a pantry tower, built to match the new doors.
We'll give you an honest recommendation, not just the one that costs more. See our cabinet refacing service or our custom kitchen cabinets, then book a free in-home consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cabinet refacing worth it?
Refacing is worth it when your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and you're happy with your layout. You get a like-new look for less cost and disruption than a full replacement.
Can you reface cabinets that have water damage?
Not the damaged sections. Swollen or soft boxes should be replaced. In some cases only the damaged cabinet, like a sink base, needs replacing and the rest can be refaced to match. We'll tell you which applies to your kitchen at your free consultation.
Do I need new countertops if I reface my cabinets?
Usually not. Because the boxes stay in place, most existing countertops can stay too. Full replacement typically requires removing the countertops.