Replacing your kitchen cabinets is one of the biggest expenses in any renovation — but for most homeowners, it’s also unnecessary. Cabinet refacing delivers a completely transformed kitchen at 30–50% less than full replacement, with a 1–3 day turnaround instead of weeks of construction. But refacing isn’t the right answer for every situation. This guide gives you an honest, no-fluff comparison of refacing vs. replacing — costs, timelines, pros, cons, and a clear framework for making the right call for your kitchen in Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary.
What is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is a method of renovating your kitchen by replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet boxes intact. This is usually a more affordable option as compared to a complete cabinet replacement.
Pros of Cabinet Refacing
Economical: The primary advantage of cabinet refacing is that it is significantly more affordable than replacing your cabinets entirely. This is because you are simply replacing the exterior parts of the cabinets — doors, drawer fronts, end panels, and toe-kicks at the bottom of the cabinet — and not the entire cabinet structure. It’s an ideal choice for those who are looking for a more economical kitchen renovation option.
Environmentally Friendly: Cabinet refacing is also an environmentally friendly option. By reusing the existing cabinet boxes, you are reducing the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
Quick Turnaround: Another advantage of cabinet refacing is that it is a quicker process compared to replacing the cabinets. The installation process can take as little as 1–3 days.
Customizable: A key difference with choosing to work with 180 Kitchens is that we can customize any area you are looking to change — we call this the “hybrid kitchen.” We can add cabinets, move cabinets, or remove them altogether and add floating shelves to open up your space.
Cons of Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet Boxes Must Be Structurally Sound: Cabinet refacing requires a solid foundation. If your cabinet boxes show water damage, warping, mold, or soft spots, refacing is not an option — the new doors and veneer need structurally sound boxes to attach to. A professional assessment can identify whether your boxes qualify before you commit. That said, if only some boxes are in poor condition, a hybrid approach can replace just those while refacing the rest.
Layout Cannot Change: Cabinet refacing preserves your existing cabinet boxes in their current positions. If you want to move the sink, add an island, or reconfigure the workflow of your kitchen, refacing won’t work. Full replacement is the only path when layout changes are needed.
Interior Remains the Same: The interior of your cabinets will remain unchanged. If your cabinets are old and worn inside, refacing updates the exterior appearance only. Interior upgrades like drawer conversions, pull-outs, and organizers can be added separately, but the box itself stays.
What is Cabinet Replacement?
Cabinet replacement involves removing your existing cabinets and installing new ones. This is a more expensive option as compared to cabinet refacing.
Pros of Cabinet Replacement
Full Customization: One of the major advantages of cabinet replacement is that it allows for complete customization. You can change the layout and functionality of your kitchen according to your preferences.
New Cabinets: With cabinet replacement, you get brand new cabinets. This means you can choose high-end finishes and upgrade to the latest storage and functionality options.
Cons of Cabinet Replacement
Expensive: The major disadvantage of cabinet replacement is that it is significantly more expensive than cabinet refacing. It involves additional costs such as demolition and cleanup, as well as labour for installation. A full kitchen gut-and-rebuild can easily exceed $60,000–$80,000 in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary when countertops and backsplash are included.
Time-Consuming: Another downside of cabinet replacement is that it is a time-consuming process. It could take several weeks to complete, as opposed to the 1–3 day turnaround of cabinet refacing. Your kitchen will be largely unusable during this period.
Cost Comparison: Refacing vs. Replacement in 2026
In 2026, cabinet refacing in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary typically runs $5,000–$12,000 for an average kitchen, depending on size, door material, and hardware choices. Full cabinet replacement in the same markets ranges from $15,000–$50,000+, with custom cabinets reaching $60,000 or more when countertops and backsplash are included.
The 30–50% savings from refacing is not a marketing number. On a $40,000 replacement job, that’s $12,000–$20,000 back in your pocket — enough for a family vacation, a car down payment, or simply money not borrowed.
| Option | Typical Cost | Timeline |
| Cabinet Refacing | $5,000 – $12,000 | 1–3 days |
| Full Cabinet Replacement | $15,000 – $50,000+ | 4–10 weeks |
Is Cabinet Refacing Worth It?
For most homeowners, yes — with one condition: your cabinet boxes need to be in good structural shape.
If that’s the case, refacing delivers a completely transformed kitchen — new door style, new hardware, new colour — at 30–50% less than full replacement, completed in 1–3 days with no demolition mess. The result looks identical to a new kitchen from the outside.
Where refacing doesn’t make financial sense: if your boxes are damaged, if you need to change the kitchen layout, or if you’re undertaking a whole-home renovation where the disruption is already happening anyway. In those situations, replacement is the right call.
The honest answer: for kitchens built in the last 30–40 years with solid boxes and a layout that works, refacing is almost always worth it.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Refinishing — What’s the Difference?
These terms are often confused. Refinishing (also called resurfacing or repainting) means applying a new coat of paint or stain to your existing cabinet doors — same doors, different colour. Refacing means replacing the doors entirely with new ones, plus applying new veneer to the cabinet boxes.
Refinishing is cheaper upfront but typically lasts 5–7 years before showing significant wear around handles and high-traffic areas. Refacing lasts 15–20 years because you’re installing new manufactured doors built to modern standards. For a full comparison, see our guide on cabinet refacing vs. refinishing.
Should You Reface or Replace? How to Decide
Now that we have explored the benefits of cabinet refacing and cabinet replacement, here is a simple framework for deciding which option is right for your kitchen.
Step 1: Check Your Cabinet Boxes Open your cabinet doors and examine the boxes — the part that attaches to the wall. Look for water damage, soft spots, warping, or visible mould. If the boxes are solid and structurally sound, refacing is a viable option. If they are damaged, replacement or a hybrid approach may be necessary.
Step 2: Consider Your Layout Are you happy with where everything is? If your current layout works and you simply want to update the appearance, refacing is the right choice. If you need to move the sink, add an island, or remove walls, you need replacement.
Step 3: Set Your Budget Refacing saves 30–50% compared to full replacement. If budget is a significant factor, refacing delivers maximum transformation per dollar. If you have the budget and need a complete overhaul, replacement gives you full design freedom.
Step 4: Think About Your Timeline Refacing is typically done in 1–3 days. Replacement takes several weeks. If minimizing disruption to your daily life matters, refacing wins on timeline every time.
When to Choose Cabinet Refacing
At 180 Kitchens, our Cabinet Refaced Kitchen service is designed to enhance your space by changing your door style and colour. This service is ideal if:
- Your cabinet boxes are in good condition
- You are on a tight budget
- You want to refresh the look of your kitchen without a significant overhaul
- You want a fast turnaround with minimal disruption
Our Cabinet Refaced Kitchen service is fast, efficient, and economical — costing 30–50% less than a brand new kitchen. Explore our cabinet refacing services.
When to Choose Cabinet Replacement
If you want to completely overhaul your kitchen, our All-New Kitchen service is the right fit. This service is ideal if:
- Your cabinets are in poor structural condition
- You want to improve the flow and functionality of your kitchen
- You want brand new custom-built cabinets with high-end finishes
- You are undertaking a larger whole-home renovation
Our All-New Kitchen service includes design creation, project management, and coordination of various trades — an end-to-end service that makes your renovation effortless. Explore our full kitchen renovation services.
Hybrid Kitchen: The Best of Both Worlds
If you can’t decide between cabinet refacing and replacement, our Hybrid Kitchen service offers the perfect solution. This service combines cabinet refacing with new additions to craft a unique kitchen that maximizes space and functionality. Benefits include:
- Upgrade appliances and replace only the cabinets that need it
- Enhance kitchen functionality with storage solutions like drawer conversions and spice racks
- Add custom features like pantries and waste bins
- Enjoy improved countertop and backsplash choices
- Personalized design and layout enhancements for a tailored kitchen
Not sure which option is right for you? 180 Kitchens offers free in-home assessments across Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary. We’ll look at your cabinets and give you an honest recommendation — no obligation. Get a quote today!
Cabinet Refacing in Vancouver, Edmonton & Calgary
180 Kitchens serves homeowners across Greater Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary with expert cabinet refacing and renovation services. Whether you’re in a Vancouver condo, an Edmonton bungalow, or a Calgary two-storey, our team completes most refacing projects in 1–3 days with minimal disruption to your daily life.
We’re HAVAN members, BBB-accredited, and an authorized Home Depot installer, with over 20 years of combined experience in cabinet refacing and kitchen renovation.
Make the Right Call for Your Kitchen with 180 Kitchens
Whether it’s more affordable to reface or replace cabinets depends on several factors — the condition of your cabinet boxes, your budget, your desired layout, and your timeline. For most homeowners with structurally sound cabinets and a layout that works, cabinet refacing is the smarter financial decision: a completely transformed kitchen at 30–50% less than full replacement, done in days rather than weeks.
At 180 Kitchens, we offer a full range of services in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary to suit different needs and budgets — from our Cabinet Refaced Kitchen service to our Hybrid Kitchen and All-New Kitchen options. Get in touch today for a free estimate!
FAQs
Q: What is kitchen cabinet refacing? A: Kitchen cabinet refacing is the process of replacing the doors and drawer fronts of your cabinets while preserving the cabinet boxes. It’s a faster and more affordable option than full cabinet replacement, typically costing 30–50% less and completing in 1–3 days.
Q: What is kitchen cabinet replacement? A: Kitchen cabinet replacement involves removing your existing cabinets entirely and installing new ones. It’s a more expensive and time-consuming option than refacing, but it allows for complete layout changes and full customization.
Q: Is it less expensive to reface kitchen cabinets or replace them? A: In most cases, refacing is significantly less expensive — typically 30–50% less than full replacement. In the Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary markets, refacing usually runs $5,000–$12,000 compared to $15,000–$50,000+ for replacement.
Q: How long does cabinet refacing last compared to replacement? A: Cabinet refacing typically lasts 15–20 years with normal use. New doors are manufactured to modern standards and the vinyl veneer on the boxes is built for kitchen environments. Full cabinet replacement with quality materials can last 20–30+ years, but at 3–5x the cost, refacing delivers far better value for most households.
Q: Can you reface really old cabinets? A: Often yes. Cabinet age matters less than cabinet condition. 180 Kitchens has successfully refaced cabinets from the 1980s and earlier. The key question is whether the boxes are structurally sound — solid, level, and free from water damage or warping. Read our full guide on refacing old cabinets.
Q: Does cabinet refacing add value to your home? A: Yes. A refaced kitchen presents as modern and updated to potential buyers, increasing perceived home value. Because refacing costs significantly less than replacement, you’re also more likely to recoup your investment at resale. Kitchens consistently rank among the highest-ROI renovation projects.
Q: What are the problems with cabinet refacing? A: Cabinet refacing has two main limitations. First, it requires structurally sound cabinet boxes — water damage, warping, or mould means the boxes need to be replaced or repaired before refacing is possible. Second, it cannot change your kitchen layout. If you need to move plumbing, add an island, or reconfigure the workflow, full replacement is necessary.
Q: Where can I find cabinet refacing near me in Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary? A: 180 Kitchens serves homeowners across Greater Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary. We offer free in-home consultations where we assess your cabinets and recommend the option that makes the most sense — whether that’s refacing, a hybrid approach, or full replacement. Book your free estimate.
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