By LE Construction · Published October 6, 2026
If your kitchen layout works but the cabinets look tired, refacing can update the look for much less than new cabinets. It is not right for every kitchen. Here is how to decide.
Published figures
HomeAdvisor’s 2025 cost guide puts cabinet refacing at an average of $7,230, with most homeowners spending $4,234 to $10,226, or roughly $150 to $450 per linear foot. For comparison, cabinets are often the largest single line in a full kitchen remodel; the 2025 Cost vs. Value report put a midrange major kitchen remodel at $82,793 nationally.
When refacing makes sense
- The layout works and you are not adding an island or moving appliances.
- The cabinet boxes are solid, square and dry.
- You want a new look quickly, with less disruption.
When replacing makes sense
- You want a different layout, an island or different cabinet sizes.
- The boxes are particleboard that has swollen, or are damaged.
- You want better interiors: full-extension drawers, pull-outs, deeper cabinets.
- The kitchen needs plumbing or electrical changes behind the cabinets anyway.
What refacing includes
- New doors and drawer fronts.
- A veneer or new face frames over the visible boxes.
- New hinges, slides and hardware.
- Optional new crown and trim.
What it does not fix
Refacing does not improve the cabinet boxes, change their sizes or address problems behind them, like a leak under the sink.
A middle path
Some owners replace only the sink base, the most commonly damaged cabinet, and reface the rest. Others add a few new cabinets, like a pantry, alongside refaced ones.
How we evaluate
At the first visit, we open the cabinets, check the boxes, look under the sink and talk through what you want the kitchen to do. Then we can price refacing, replacement or a mix.
See kitchen cabinets and countertops and small kitchen remodels.
Frequently asked questions
What is cabinet refacing?
Refacing replaces the doors, drawer fronts and visible face of the cabinet boxes, usually with new hardware, while keeping the existing boxes in place. The layout stays the same.
How do I know if my cabinet boxes are good enough to reface?
Look inside: solid plywood boxes that are square, dry and firmly attached are good candidates. Particleboard that has swollen near the sink, sagging shelves or damaged boxes point to replacement.
Can I change my kitchen layout with refacing?
No. Refacing keeps the existing cabinet positions. If you want an island, a different layout or different cabinet sizes, replacement is the way to go.
Can counters stay when cabinets are refaced?
Sometimes. Refacing can be done with existing counters in place, but many owners replace counters at the same time since the kitchen is already being worked on.