Your kitchen cabinets shape your entire space. They take up about 40% of what you see when you walk in. When they start looking tired or outdated, it’s time to make a change.
Most homeowners hit this point for simple reasons. Maybe the style looks dated. The doors might be warped or scratched. Or you’re planning a bigger kitchen update.
According to the 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, more than half of homeowners (52%) add or upgrade an accent cabinet during renovations. This trend reflects the growing demand for both style and functionality in kitchen design. Whether you decide to reface or replace kitchen cabinets, accent pieces can transform your space and add valuable storage.
Your kitchen situation and budget will steer you toward either refacing or a full remodel. Both approaches have their place, just for different circumstances.
What is kitchen cabinet refacing?
Kitchen refacing means keeping your existing cabinet boxes and giving them new faces. You replace all the doors and drawer fronts. Then you cover the visible box surfaces with matching veneer or laminate.
New hardware completes the look. Think hinges, handles, and any trim pieces needed to make everything match.
Kitchen refacing works best when your cabinet boxes are solid. Your layout needs to work for you too, since everything stays put. What changes is how everything looks – you get that dramatic transformation without tearing apart your whole kitchen.
What does it mean to replace cabinets?
Cabinet replacement is the full tear-out approach. Everything comes down – boxes, doors, trim – until you’re looking at bare wall studs.
Full replacement lets you change your kitchen layout. Want to move the sink? Add more storage? Create better workflow? Replacement makes it possible.
This way, you can fix any underlying problems – bad installation work, water damage, or structural headaches that have been bugging you. Modern conveniences like soft-close drawers and smart storage solutions become part of the package too.
The catch? Things get complicated fast. You might need plumbers, electricians, maybe both. Instead of being without your kitchen for a few days, you could be ordering takeout for weeks.
Kitchen cabinets reface or replace: key differences at a glance
Here’s how the two approaches compare:
| Factor | Refacing | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Sarasota average) | Significantly more cost-effective than replacing all cabinets | Depends on kitchen size, material choices (semi-custom/custom), and project scope |
| Install Timeline | Typically 5–7 days, depending on kitchen size | Varies by project and can range from 1–4 weeks |
| Layout changes | Not possible | Full layout flexibility |
| Durability | Depends on existing cabinet boxes | Completely new structure |
*At Kirkplan Kitchen & Bath, exact timelines can be determined during a free consultation once project details are known.
Kirkplan can also take care of things like electrical or plumbing work while refacing your cabinets. Just keep in mind that adding these kinds of upgrades can affect both the timeline and the overall cost of the project.
The cost difference is huge. It is on average 30% cheaper to reface than to replace, but again depending on kitchen size and material choices. But the timeline might matter more for busy families.
When deciding cabinets reface or replace, think about your main goal. If it’s just appearance and your layout works, refacing offers great value. If you need functional changes, replacement might be worth the extra cost.
Cost to reface kitchen cabinets: is it worth it?
Several factors affect the final price:
- Kitchen size matters most. A small galley kitchen costs less than a large L-shaped layout.
- Door style also impacts cost – simple flat doors cost less than raised panels.
- Don’t forget hardware costs. Upgrading to premium soft-close hinges and drawer slides can increase costs significantly.
Factor in shorter timeline and less disruption, and refacing often wins.
Start with a kitchen remodeling checklist
Renovations involve hundreds of decisions and details. Stay organized with our comprehensive kitchen remodeling checklist that walks you through:
- Pre-planning questions to clarify your vision
- Budget worksheets with commonly forgotten expenses
- Timeline planning tools
- Material selection tracking
- Contractor vetting questions
- Daily living adjustments during construction
When to choose refacing
Pick refacing when your cabinet boxes are still solid. Open some doors and drawers. Do they work smoothly? Are the corners tight? Good bones mean refacing can work.
Timeline often drives this choice. Hosting an event soon? Can’t live without your kitchen for weeks? Refacing takes less and keeps your kitchen mostly functional.
Refacing also works when you like your current storage setup. If cabinets are in the right spots with good storage, focus on looks instead of layout.
When replacing cabinets makes more sense
Choose replacement for major layout changes. Moving appliances, adding islands, or reconfiguring storage requires new cabinets.
Structural problems also push toward replacement. Warped boxes, water damage, or poor original installation won’t support new doors well. Fix the foundation first.
Full kitchen remodels naturally lead to replacement. If you’re already moving plumbing and electrical, new cabinets make sense. The incremental cost becomes reasonable.
Want high-end custom features? Replacement gives you specialized storage, premium hardware, and perfect fit. Refacing limits your options to existing dimensions.
Why homeowners choose Kirkplan for kitchen refacing
Kirkplan Kitchens helps homeowners transform their spaces through both refacing and full remodeling. Our kitchen refacing services deliver stunning makeovers without the mess or expense of complete replacement.
Our process starts with transparent collaboration. You’ll understand every step from design to completion. Clear communication ensures you get exactly what you want.
Kirkplan minimizes disruption during your project. Our seamless remodeling experience lets you enjoy the process instead of stressing about it. Quality control and strict guidelines result in satisfied customers every time.
Even after completion, we provide ongoing support. Questions or concerns get addressed quickly.
Our five-step process keeps everything organized:
- Initial consultation to discuss your needs
- Finalizing style and layout details
- Technical survey and measurements
- Scheduling that fits your timeline
- Professional project execution
Final take: reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
Both options work for different situations. Your choice depends on budget, timeline, and goals.
Choose refacing if your boxes are sound, layout works, and budget matters. The lower cost and quick timeline appeal to many homeowners.
Pick replacement for layout changes, structural issues, or comprehensive remodels. Higher cost pays off when you need complete flexibility.
Think about long-term plans too. Selling soon? Refacing might offer better return on investment. Staying forever? Replacement could be worth the extra money.
At Kirkplan Kitchens, there’s also a third option that works well for a lot of homeowners: a mix of refacing and replacing. For example, if some of your cabinets are still in good shape, you can reface those and then add a few new ones where needed—like a custom pantry or extra storage. It’s a flexible way to get the look and functionality you want without going for a full replacement.
Work with experienced professionals who can assess your cabinets honestly. They’ll show you what’s possible with both approaches.
Talk to Kirkplan’s remodeling experts
Ready to explore your options? Kirkplan offers free consultations to assess your current cabinets and discuss your goals.
You’ll see examples of previous projects and learn about specific options for your kitchen. Whether you’re leaning toward cabinet refacing or a full replacement, the design team at Kirkplan will walk you through the process—explaining costs, timelines, and what kind of results to expect.
Book your free in-home consultation today.
Contact Kirkplan Kitchens to start your kitchen transformation.
