Cost of Refacing vs Replacing A Smart Homeowner’s Guide

Are you fed up with your outdated kitchen but worried about the cost? Wondering about the cost of refacing kitchen cabinets vs replacing them completely? You’re not alone many homeowners across California face the same dilemma.

Did you know a full kitchen cabinet replacement can cost $15,000 to $30,000, while refacing averages just $4,000 to $10,000? That’s a major difference! But is refacing always the better choice, or does replacing offer more value in the long run?

In this article, we’ll break down the cost of refacing kitchen cabinets vs replacing them helping you choose the best option for your budget and needs. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, San Diego, or anywhere in California, California Happy Homes is here to help you transform your kitchen affordably.

What Is Cabinet Refacing?

Refacing refers to giving your existing cabinets a fresh look through:

• Replacing the fronts of drawers and doors
• The application of a new veneer or laminate to the frame of the cabinet
• Updating hardware (handles, hinges)

It’s something like it’s a “facelift” for your kitchen keeping the layout, but reviving the appearance.

What Does Replacing Cabinets Involve?

Replacing refers to totally removing cabinets and putting in brand-new cabinets. This can include:

• Removal of cabinets
• Cabinet installation made to order or pre-made
• Kitchen layouts could be altered in the future.

Let’s look at what cost of refinishing cabinets vs refacing or replacing.

Cost Breakdown: Refacing vs Replacing Kitchen Cabinets

If you are planning to remodel your kitchen it is important to know what cost of refacing kitchen cabinets vs replacing cabinets is essential to make an informed choice. Both options come with distinct prices and the choice you make can significantly affect your budget, timeframe and overall satisfaction.

Let’s get into details of the price breakdown for cabinet refacing vs replacing with new ones, which includes material costs, charges for labour, and other additional costs that you need to consider.

Cabinet Refacing Costs: A Budget-Friendly Makeover

Refacing is the process of making visible the parts of your cabinet, such as doors, drawer fronts, as well as external surfaces. All while keeping your existing cabinet boxes in good condition.

Average Cost of Refacing Cabinets

• Materials: 1,000-1,000-7,000
• Laminated or veneer: 1-1-5 per square foot
• New cabinet doors and door fronts for drawers. 50-50 to 300 per door (depending on the material)
• Hardware (handles and hinges): 3-3-20 per piece
• Labour: 2,500-2,500-6,000
• All Costs: 4000- 4,000-10000 for a kitchen of a typical size

Factors Affecting Refacing Costs

Material Selection Doors made of solid wood are more expensive than laminate.
Dimensions of the Cabinet Larger kitchens need more labour and materials.
Additional upgrades Addition of soft-close hinges or decorative moldings can increase costs.

Ideal for: Homeowners who are looking for a more expensive look and also have structurally sound cabinets.

Full Cabinet Replacement Costs: A Complete Kitchen Remodel

The replacement of cabinets involves tearing out the cabinets that were in use and replacing them with new cabinets, which offer greater customization, but at a cost higher.

Average Cost of Replacing Cabinets

• Storage Cabinets (pre-made with smaller size): 3,000-3,000-8,000
• Cabinets that are Semi-Custom (some size flexibility): 8,000-8,000-15,000
• Custom Cabinets (fully tailored to your kitchen): 15,000-15,000-30,000+
• Labour & Installation: 2,000-2,000-8,000
• Extra Costs (demolition and disposal or adjustment to the plumbing): 500-500-2,000

Factors Affecting Replacement Costs

Cabinet quality Solid wood costs more the particleboard.
Kitchen Layout Modifications Moving electrical or plumbing adds costs.
Professional Installation Complex tasks call for skilled woodworkers.

Ideal for: Homeowners looking for to create a entirely new layout or have cabinets that are damaged beyond repair.

1. Hidden Costs to Consider

A lot of homeowners don’t think about additional costs that could affect their cost of refacing kitchen cabinets vs replacing:

• Refacing Hidden Costs:
  • Repairing damaged frames before refacing (200-200-1,000)
  • Remodeling the countertops or backsplash following the refacing (1,500-1,500-5,000)
• Replacement Hidden Costs:
  • Temporary kitchen set-up (if the remodeling takes several weeks)
  • Potential flooring repairs after demolition

2. Which Option Saves More Money?

Factor	Refacing	Replacing
Cost	4K-4K-10K	15K-15K-30K+
Time	3 to 5 days	2-6 weeks
ROI (Resale Value)	70-80% ROI	80-90% ROI
Durability	10 to 15 years	20-30 years

Refacing Wins If:

• You’re working on a tight budget
• The cabinets are in excellent condition.
• You’d like a speedier improvement.

Replacement Wins If:

• It is time to complete your kitchen remodel
• The cabinets you have are broken or are old
• You’re planning to stay for a long time

3. California Happy Homes: Cabinet Refacing & Replacement

As experts at California Happy Homes, we assist homeowners throughout Los Angeles, San Diego and further decide the best option between cabinet refacing vs replacing according to their requirements.

Why Choose Us?

• Free Consultations: Get expert advice before you commit.
• Top-Quality Material: Durable finish that will last.
• Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees.

Are you ready to change the look of the kitchen in your home? Contact us today to receive a quote and find the best solution you can have for the home of your dreams!

Is It Worth It to Reface Kitchen Cabinets?

If you’re thinking about an overhaul of your kitchen but don’t know if you should reface or replace cabinets You’re not alone. Many homeowners are asking, “Is cabinet refacing worth it? ” The answer is contingent on your budget and how well you’re doing with your existing cabinets, as well as your future objectives.

When Refacing Makes Sense

Refacing is an intelligent, economical choice when:

• Cabinet boxes in excellent condition. No warping, water damage, or structural problems.
• You are happy with your current kitchen design. Refacing the kitchen can improve the appearance without altering the footprint.
• Are you looking for a premium appearance for less than a full replacement? Refacing can cost 50-75 percent less than replacing the entire look.
• You require a speedy remodel The process can take three to five days in comparison to weeks of new cabinets.

When Replacing Is a Better Option

Refacing cabinets isn’t always the most efficient option. It is best to look into changing cabinets when:

• Your cabinets may be badly constructed or damaged. Refacing won’t solve structural issues.
• You’re looking to alter the layout of your kitchen, moving walls or rearranging storage needs new cabinets.
• You are planning to sell your home soon. Refacing can improve the appearance of cabinets, new cabinets can provide a better ROI.

Cost Comparison: Refacing vs. Replacement

• Refacing 4,400-4,000-10,000 (depending on the material and labour)
• Replacement: 15,000-15,000-30,000+ (for custom or semi-custom cabinets)

If the cabinets you have are sturdy, refacing provides a luxurious look but without the cost. If, however, you’re in the market for a full kitchen remodel, then replacing the cabinets could be the best long-term option.

Cabinet Refacing vs Painting Cost

Another option could be painting, but what are the differences?

• Painting: 1,500-1,500-5,000
• Refacing: 4,000-4,000-10,000

Paint is less expensive, but it’s not as durable. Refacing provides the benefit of a longer-lasting, more expensive finish.

New Cabinets vs Refacing – Which Lasts Longer?

• Cabinets that have been refaced will last 10 to 15 years when properly maintained.
• Cabinets that are brand new will last for 20-30 years

If you’re looking for longevity, then replacing your old one could be worth the cost.

FAQs: Cost of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets vs Replacing

1. Does refacing cabinets increase home value?

Yes! A refreshed kitchen improves appeal, though replacing it may offer a higher ROI.

2. Can I reface cabinets myself to save money?

It’s possible but tricky. Professional refacing ensures a seamless finish.

3. How long does cabinet refacing take?

Typically 3-5 days, compared to weeks for replacement.

4. What’s cheaper: painting or refacing cabinets?

Painting is cheaper upfront, but refacing lasts longer.

5. Should I replace cabinets if they’re 20 years old?

If they’re in good shape, refacing works. If damaged or outdated, replacing is better.

Conclusion: Which Option Is Right for You?

The cost of refacing kitchen cabinets vs replacing depends on your budget, goals, and cabinet condition.

Choose refacing for a budget-friendly, quick update.
opt for replacement if you need a full kitchen overhaul.

At California Happy Homes, we specialize in cabinet refacing vs replacing and help California homeowners make the best choice. Contact us today for a free consultation!