Cabinets
Cabinet Refacing vs Replacing: Cost, Time and When Each Makes Sense
Cabinet refacing vs replacing comes down to the boxes. HomeAdvisor puts refacing a standard kitchen at $4,234 to $10,226, while full replacement often runs $10,000 or more. Refacing only works when the cabinet boxes are sound and you are keeping the layout.
Refacing vs Replacing Side by Side
| Refacing | Replacing | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | $4,234 to $10,226 (HomeAdvisor); $3,000 to $13,500 (Fixr) | $10,000 or more (HomeAdvisor) |
| Per linear foot | $150 to $450 | Stock $100 to $300; semi-custom $150 to $650; custom $500 to $1,200 |
| Time on site | 3 to 5 days for a standard kitchen | Weeks, plus build time for custom cabinets |
| Lead time | Doors and veneer only | Custom cabinets take 6 to 12 weeks to build |
| Layout changes | None | Any |
| Disruption | Kitchen stays usable most days | Kitchen out of use during the remodel |
Pros and Cons
Refacing
Pros
- Costs less than replacing
- Done in days
- Counters and plumbing stay in place
Cons
- Layout stays the same
- Only works on sound boxes
- Interiors and drawer boxes stay unless replaced separately
Replacing
Pros
- Any layout, any storage
- New boxes, hinges and drawers
- Fixes water damage for good
Cons
- Costs more
- Usually means new countertops too
- Long lead times for custom work
Are Your Boxes Sound Enough to Reface?
- No soft spots, swelling or delamination, especially under the sink.
- Face frames are square and firmly attached.
- Shelves do not sag and drawers run on usable slides (or you will replace the slides).
- You are happy with where the sink, range and refrigerator are.
What the Cost Figures Say
HomeAdvisor reports refacing at $4,234 to $10,226 for a standard kitchen and $150 to $450 per linear foot; it says refacing is 30% to 50% less expensive than replacing and puts full replacement at $10,000 or more (HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does Cabinet Refacing Cost? (Updated 2026-06-20)). Fixr reports refacing at $3,000 to $13,500 (Fixr, Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost (Updated 2026-01-22)). New cabinets run $100 to $300 per linear foot for stock, $150 to $650 for semi-custom and $500 to $1,200 for custom (HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does It Cost to Install Cabinets? (Updated 2026-06-20)).
Painting: The Third Option
If the doors are solid wood and the style still suits you, professional painting with new hardware changes the look for less than refacing. It does not fix damaged boxes or dated door shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is refacing cabinets cheaper than replacing them?
Usually. HomeAdvisor says refacing is 30% to 50% less expensive than replacing (HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does Cabinet Refacing Cost? (Updated 2026-06-20)).
How long does cabinet refacing take?
3 to 5 days for a standard kitchen, plus a day or two for larger or detailed jobs (HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does Cabinet Refacing Cost? (Updated 2026-06-20)).
Can you reface cabinets with water damage?
Not the damaged boxes. Replace those boxes or the run they are in; refacing over swollen particleboard does not last.
Do I need new countertops if I reface?
No. Refacing works around existing counters, which is a large part of the saving.
Next: Kitchen remodel cost calculator · Quartz vs granite countertops · Find kitchen remodelers near you
Sources
- HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does Cabinet Refacing Cost? (Updated 2026-06-20)
- Fixr, Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost (Updated 2026-01-22)
- HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does It Cost to Install Cabinets? (Updated 2026-06-20)