What is Cabinet Refacing?

Do you want to switch from painted cabinet doors to solid wood? Are you looking to upgrade from a more traditional appearance to a modern look? When deciding how to tackle this project, you may wonder: Can I just replace the cabinet doors, and not the entire cabinet?

The short answer is yes. If your cabinets are still in good condition, you can simply replace the cabinet doors and hardware, a process known as cabinet refacing. 

Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to enhance the look of your space without committing to a home renovation project. Here's everything you need to know about cabinet door refacing.

What is Cabinet Door Refacing?

The concept of cabinet refacing is simple. Instead of replacing all your cabinets, you can simply replace the faces – the parts that people can see and typically experience the most wear and tear. 

Refacing cabinet doors involves replacing several elements. Most importantly, you need to replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new versions sized to fit your current cabinets. You will also want to replace the cabinet hardware, including hinges, as well as handles and drawer pulls if needed, to ensure the look is properly updated and sturdy. Lastly, to round out the look of refaced cabinets, you need to cover the visible parts of the cabinets, including the spaces around doors and on the sides, with a veneer that matches the doors and fronts.

Once finished, the cabinets look entirely different. Unless you told someone the project was merely cabinet door refacing, they would think you installed completely new cabinets.

What Are the Benefits of Cabinet Door Refacing?

Refacing cabinet doors is a cost-effective way to enhance the appearance of your kitchen. Here are some of the benefits of choosing refaced kitchen cabinet doors instead of replacing your cabinets entirely:

More Cost-Effective

Completely replacing your cabinets can be a costly endeavor. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost can range anywhere from $13,000 to $30,000, depending on the size of your kitchen. If you don't have the budget to replace your cabinets completely, DIY cabinet refacing is a great, affordable alternative that can still provide high-quality results.

Less of a Time Commitment

The renovation process for completely replacing your cabinets can take anywhere from four to six weeks, depending on the size of your kitchen and the complexity of the project. This can impact the functionality of your kitchen, making it more difficult to perform everyday tasks during the renovation. Cabinet door refacing takes roughly three to five days and can deliver similar results, which is a fraction of the time of a complete renovation. With refaced cabinets, you can maintain your daily routine and save time on the project.

Provides Next-Level Results

Many homeowners opt for cabinet door refacing over a complete remodel because they want a drastic change but don't have the budget for a full-scale remodel. Refaced cabinet doors are an affordable alternative for DIY enthusiasts seeking to upgrade their kitchen design on a limited budget. Whether you want a drastic change or to switch out the finish and hardware. The subtle change can deliver next-level results that align with your aesthetic choices.

Preserves Your Current Kitchen Layout

With cabinet door refacing, you can preserve your current kitchen layout while enhancing the space's aesthetics. This will simplify and streamline the renovation process.

Eco-Friendly Alternative

Refacing instead of replacing is an eco-friendly alternative. With this option, you can minimize waste while getting an upgraded look and feel in your kitchen. So, you can lower your ecological footprint while achieving a fresh new makeover.

Increase Your Home Value

Refacing kitchen cabinets can also increase your overall home value. While it may not increase the home value as much as a complete renovation, you'll get a substantial increase from this low-cost investment.

Cabinet Door Refacing vs. Resurfacing

If your cabinet doors are still in good condition, you can consider resurfacing rather than refacing. Refacing is the process of replacing the face of the cabinet door. This typically involves investing in new replacement cabinet doors that fit the exact measurements of your cabinets. 

Resurfacing is the process of simply upgrading the look of your current cabinet doors. This might involve applying a fresh layer of paint or a darker stain. This approach is more affordable than refacing cabinet doors. However, you'll need to know how to properly prep and paint your cabinets for a professional finish. 

Refacing tends to be easier and provides more of the "wow" factor you're looking for. However, you'll need to prepare for a higher investment.

Is Cabinet Refacing Always an Option?

Cabinet refacing is possible with most cabinets. However, it might not be an option if you have one of the following issues:

• Your cabinets aren’t structurally sound
• The internal hardware is damaged
• Unwanted water damage to the cabinets
• You don’t like your current kitchen layout

Don’t worry about the age of your cabinetry. Often, older cabinet construction is sturdier than newer builds, so you just need to make sure that the bones of your cabinets are in good enough shape for replacement cabinet doors.

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What Does the Cabinet Refacing Process Involve?

If you decide you want to start looking into how to reface cabinet doors, here’s what you need to do to get started:

1. Set a Budget For Your Project

Before you begin, it's best to establish a budget. This will ensure you find a style and finish that complements your desired look without overspending.

2. Examine Your Current Cabinets

Next, examine your current cabinets. Look at the insides, outsides, and underneath the cabinets. Ensure the drawers operate correctly and that the integrity of your cabinet remains intact. After assessing the state of your current cabinets, you can then determine how to proceed with the refacing cabinet door process.

3. Research Different Styles and Finishes

The style you choose will dictate the look and feel of your space. You’ll want to take some time to explore different cabinet door styles and find an option that complements your vision for your home. If you decide you like your kitchen cabinet doors, consider resurfacing them instead. This is a more affordable way to enhance the look of your home without replacing the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.  

4. Take Measurements

Next, you'll need to measure the width and height of your current cabinet doors. If you decide to replace the cabinet doors, you'll want to order custom-made ones. Pre-made options sold at big box retailers aren't designed with your current cabinets in mind. This means the measurements may vary, providing a less-than-perfect fit. Custom-made cabinets are tailored to your cabinet's specific measurements.

5. Decide Between DIY Cabinet Refacing Vs. Hiring Professionals

If you have a tighter budget, DIY cabinet refacing may be a more suitable option. Hiring professional help can get pricey. If you have the time and creativity, DIY cabinet refacing can help you save money in the long run. If you're unsure where to start, numerous online resources, YouTube videos, and how-to refacing tutorials are available to guide you through the refacing cabinet door process.

Reface Your Cabinets With CabinetDoors.com

Whether you're just replacing the hardware or the entire door, we're here to help. At CabinetDoors.com, all of our cabinets are custom-made and made to order. Choosing custom-made options ensures that your new cabinet doors fit your existing cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom perfectly. We're here to help you elevate your space and find a style that fits your budget.

Explore our custom-made cabinet doors today to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does cabinet refacing take to complete?

Cabinet refacing can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete. If you order finished cabinet door replacements, you can install them the day they arrive. If you decide to paint or stain your new cabinet doors yourself, you'll need a few days to complete the process before installing them.

Can you reface cabinets more than once?

If the cabinets' integrity is still good, you can simply replace the cabinet doors rather than renovate your entire kitchen. This is the most effective way to get a full home makeover for a fraction of the cost.

Can you reface cabinets with open shelving or glass fronts?

Yes, you can reface open shelving or glass front cabinet doors. At CabientDoors.com, we offer a variety of glass-ready cabinet door styles that will complement the frames of the cabinet door replacements.

What’s the difference between refacing and resurfacing?

Refacing is the process of simply replacing the cabinet door face, whereas resurfacing involves repainting or staining the cabinet doors.