Your kitchen cabinets are starting to look tired, and two options keep coming up: kitchen cabinet refacing and cabinet refinishing. They sound similar, but the difference in cost, results, and lifespan is significant. Picking the wrong one could mean spending more than you needed to, or ending up with a result that doesn’t match what you had in mind.
Is it better to refinish or reface kitchen cabinets? At 180 Kitchens, this is one of the questions we get asked most. Here’s an honest breakdown of both options so you can make the right call for your kitchen.
Key Takeaways
- When you reface cabinets, you swap out doors, drawer fronts, and hardware but keep the boxes as they are. It costs between $5,000 and $12,000.
- Refinishing cabinets involves updating the finish on your current doors and surfaces without replacing them. Hiring a professional could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Refacing can last around 15 to 20 years, while refinishing might need to be done again in 5 to 7 years.
- Refinishing changes the color. The style of the doors, their shape, and the hardware all remain as they were before.
- Choosing to reface instead of replacing your cabinets could save you up to 50%, and the transformation can still be dramatic.
- 180 Kitchens has been refacing kitchen cabinets across Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary for over 20 years.
Understanding Cabinet Refacing and Cabinet Refinishing
Cabinet Refacing vs. Refinishing at a Glance
| Cabinet Refacing | Cabinet Refinishing | |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $5,000–$12,000 | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Time to complete | 1–3 days | 3–7 days |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years | 5–7 years |
| Changes door style | Yes | No |
| Changes hardware | Yes | No |
| Works on laminate | Yes | Limited |
| Fixes structural issues | Partially | No |
| Best for | Complete transformation on a budget | Colour change only |
What Is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing keeps the cabinet structure where it is as long as it’s in good shape, and swaps out the visible parts. That means new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Vinyl or wood veneer gets added to the outside of the boxes so they match the updated doors. This way, you can get a fresh-looking kitchen without the hassle or expense of starting over.
What gets changed:
- Doors and drawer fronts are replaced with the style and material you pick.
- Handles, knobs, and hinges get swapped for new ones.
- The outer surface of cabinet boxes gets covered in vinyl or veneer.
What stays as-is:
- The cabinet boxes themselves stay in place.
- You won’t need to alter the kitchen layout.
- Plumbing and electrical connections won’t get touched.
Refacing works best if your kitchen setup doesn’t need any changes, but the overall vibe feels outdated. As long as your cabinet frames are sturdy, you can achieve a refreshed kitchen without uprooting plumbing, rearranging the layout, or spending a fortune.
At 180 Kitchens, you get to choose from 20 door designs and over 40 color options, including wood grain finishes, giving you tons of room to get creative with your design. Most of the work happens elsewhere so your kitchen is up and running again in just 1 to 3 days. Want to see what’s possible? Browse our before and after results from real projects across Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary.
What Is Cabinet Refinishing?
Cabinet refinishing strips the existing finish from your cabinet doors and boxes, whether that’s paint or stain, and applies a fresh coat. That’s it. Nothing gets replaced.
What changes:
- The color or coating on your current cabinet surfaces and doors
What stays the same:
- The doors stay the same in style, shape, and design
- Hardware remains as is unless you decide to replace it at an additional cost
- The cabinet frames
- The overall kitchen layout
Here’s how it works:
Refinishing work means cleaning, getting rid of grease, sanding, using primer, and putting on several layers of paint or stain. Most of the time, cabinet doors are taken down and sprayed somewhere else to keep the finish cleaner. Painting cabinets by hand can lead to problems like brush marks and drips, so spray finishing done by a pro improves how it looks in the end. Expect work to take about 3 to 7 days, with some extra time needed before you can use the cabinets while the finish sets.
What refinishing can’t fix:
- It won’t work on every material. Cabinets made from thermofoil or laminate are not good options. Paint doesn’t stick well to these, and the finish won’t last long.
- It won’t change the design of the doors. Flat doors will stay flat, and raised panels stay the same.
- It’s not a solution for structural issues. If your cabinet boxes are bent or damaged, painting won’t fix them—you’ll need to reface or replace them.
- Hiring a professional refinisher gives you a finish that can last 5 to 7 years, but wear and tear will show up in areas like handles or spots used often.
How To Decide What Works for You
Step 1: Are your cabinet boxes in solid condition?
Open your cabinets and look at the cabinet boxes, which are the parts attached to the wall. Check for water stains, soft spots, warping, or any sign of mold.
- If the boxes show damage, think about replacing them or refacing with new ones.
- If the boxes are in good shape, it’s time to move on to Step 2.
Step 2: What do you actually want to change?
- If you want to change the colour only, your cabinets are in great condition, and you’re planning to sell within a year or two: refinishing can get the kitchen looking fresh at a lower cost.
- If you want a different door style, updated hardware, or a complete change in how the kitchen looks: refacing is the right call.
Step 3: How long will you be staying?
- Planning to sell within a few years: Refinishing helps save money and prepares the kitchen to sell.
- Staying 5+ years: Refacing is worth the money. It lasts longer, offers better quality, and you’ll enjoy it.
Cost Comparison: Cabinet Refacing vs Cabinet Refinishing
| Option | Typical Cost | Lifespan | Approx. Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Refinishing | $1,000–$5,000 | 5–7 years | ~$200–$700/yr |
| Cabinet Refacing | $5,000–$12,000 | 15–20 years | ~$250–$800/yr |
| Full Replacement | $15,000–$50,000+ | 20–30+ years | ~$500–$2,500/yr |
Refinishing costs less at the start. But when you think about how long it lasts and its overall quality, refacing often ends up costing about the same each year. The key difference? Refacing gives your kitchen a new look, not just a cleaner or updated coat of paint.
Cabinet refacing can save homeowners as much as 50% compared to replacing cabinets. This makes it the best option for people whose cabinets are still in good condition.
If you’re weighing refacing against full cabinet replacement, read our in-depth guide on refacing vs. replacing cabinets. For a full cost breakdown by renovation type, see how much a kitchen renovation costs in Vancouver.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Cabinet Refinishing: Pros and Cons
Each option has its set of advantages and potential drawbacks, which should be considered before deciding which path to take.
| Cabinet Refacing | Cabinet Refinishing | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $5,000–$12,000 | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Visual result | Complete transformation | Colour change only |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years | 5–7 years |
| Door style change | Yes, 20 styles available | No |
| Hardware upgrade | Included | Optional, extra cost |
| Works on laminate | Yes | Limited |
| Disruption to kitchen | 1–3 days | 3–7 days |
| Long-term value | Strong | Moderate |
| Fixes structural issues | Partially | No |
Comparing more options? See our full guide to cabinet refacing vs. painting vs. replacing
Advantages of Cabinet Refinishing:
- Hiring a professional costs between $1,000 and $5,000, making it the cheapest way to update a kitchen without changing the layout.
- You can choose from a wide range of colors, stains, or unique finishes. You’re not stuck with the original look of the cabinets.
Disadvantages of Cabinet Refinishing:
- Not suitable for every surface: Painted finishes do not stick well to thermofoil or laminate materials. If your cabinets use these, refinishing might not be an option to pursue.
- Doesn’t solve structural issues: Issues like bent cabinet frames, broken hinges, or old drawer fronts remain untouched. Refinishing changes the surface color without addressing these concerns.
- Requires a lot of time: A professional might need three to seven days to refinish, and additional time is necessary to let it cure. If you do it yourself, it could take longer and demand a lot of effort to achieve a smooth finish.
Advantages of Cabinet Refacing
- Full makeover: Install fresh doors, replace hardware, and apply new veneer on the cabinet box’s outer surfaces. Your kitchen will appear brand new.
- Durable solution: Replacement cabinet doors last 15 to 20 years with usual wear and tear.
- Fixes old damage: Get rid of warped, scratched, or worn doors and replace them instead of just covering them with paint.
Disadvantages of Cabinet Refacing
- The initial expense is higher: Refacing costs between $5,000 and $12,000, which is more expensive than refinishing. If all you want is a basic color update, refinishing could be a smarter option.
- Keeps the current layout intact: Refacing works with the kitchen’s existing setup. If you’re planning to change walls or overhaul the layout, you’ll need a full renovation instead.
Why Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary Homeowners Choose Cabinet Refacing with 180 Kitchens
At 180 Kitchens, we specialize in kitchen cabinet refacing, and the reason is simple. Many kitchens built over the past 30 to 40 years have cabinet boxes sturdy enough to last. The main issue isn’t the structure; it’s the look. The doors, hardware, and finish often give the kitchen an old-fashioned feel. Refacing targets those areas and costs much less than replacing everything.
Here’s what you get when you reface your cabinets with 180 Kitchens:
- Choose from 20 door styles and over 40 colors, including wood grain finishes.
- Get features like soft-close hinges, pull-out organizers, and upgraded drawers.
- Adjust layouts when possible by adding islands, raising cabinet heights, or improving storage options.
- Enjoy fast turnaround in 1 to 3 days so your kitchen stays usable with minimal downtime.
- Reuse sturdy cabinet boxes to avoid waste, and we recycle as much as possible.
Our team has over 20 years of combined experience. We offer cabinet refacing in Vancouver, cabinet refacing in Edmonton, and cabinet refacing in Calgary. We’re proud to be HAVAN members, BBB-accredited, and authorized Home Depot installers.
Ready to Refresh Your Kitchen?
Not sure which option fits your kitchen? The easiest next step is a free in-home assessment. 180 Kitchens serves Greater Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary. We’ll check out your cabinets, discuss your ideas, and offer honest feedback. No obligation, no pressure.
Click here to get your free quote or find out more about how our cabinet refacing services work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more budget-friendly: cabinet refacing or refinishing?
Refinishing usually costs less upfront, between $1,000 and $5,000 with a pro, while refacing typically costs between $5,000 and $12,000. However, refinishing holds up for just 5 to 7 years, whereas refacing can last 15 to 20 years. When you compare the two over time, the price difference doesn’t feel as big. Plus, the results with refacing are on a whole other level.
How long does cabinet refacing last compared to refinishing?
Cabinet refacing can stay in good condition for 15 to 20 years if handled with normal care. On the other hand, professional refinishing tends to last about 5 to 7 years. You’ll start to see wear and tear around the handles and areas near the stove sooner because heat and moisture break things down faster than expected.
Can you reface laminate cabinets?
Yes. Refacing works on most cabinet types including laminate, because the process replaces the doors entirely and wraps the cabinet boxes with new veneer. Refinishing is a different story. Paint adhesion on laminate and thermofoil surfaces is often poor, so the finish tends not to hold up well over time.
What’s the difference between cabinet refinishing and repainting?
People often mix these terms up, and to be fair, the difference is small. Refinishing can include stain or special finishes as well as paint. Repainting, on the other hand, means using paint. Neither option will affect your door style or your hardware.
Does cabinet refacing change my kitchen layout?
Your cabinets stay in the same positions during a standard refacing. The layout doesn’t change. However, you can make changes like putting in drawers, increasing cabinet height, adding pull-outs, or even including an island. You can plan these upgrades during your in-home consultation.
Which option adds more value to my home?
Both options make the kitchen look better, but refacing has a bigger effect. It gives your kitchen a whole new vibe with updated door styles, hardware, and an overall fresh feel. Plus, refacing costs much less than replacing everything, so you’re more likely to get your money back when you decide to sell.
How can I tell if my cabinets are good for refacing?
Take a look inside your cabinets and inspect the boxes, which are the parts fixed to the wall. If they’re sturdy, straight, and show no signs of water damage or major warping, refacing could be the way to go. 180 Kitchens provides free home evaluations in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary to give you a clear answer.