Changing cabinets is one of the most efficient methods of changing the appearance of your kitchen when it comes to making the place look new and fresh. Nevertheless, most homeowners are confused between two trending options, i.e., cabinet refinishing and cabinet refacing. Although these terms might appear to be similar, they are very different in terms of process, cost, and outcome. The difference will assist you to make the best choice depending on your budget, schedule, and design objectives.
We are going to deconstruct the meaning of each of them, their differences, and which of them may suit your kitchen renovation project in this article.
Understanding Cabinet Refinishing
What Is Cabinet Refinishing?
Cabinet refinishing refers to the process of updating the current surfaces of the cabinets without changing any of the components. It normally entails sanding the old finish, mending small dents and coating the cabinets with new paint, stain or varnish to give the cabinets a new look. Refinishing is simply, in easy terms, the process of redecorating your cabinets with the existing materials.
How the Refinishing Process Works
Preparation: The drawers and the cabinet doors are removed and all the surfaces are wiped off to eliminate grease, dirt and residue.
Sanding or Stripping: The old finish or paint is sanded or stripped away to form a smooth finish.
Repair Work: Small dents or scratches are filled and smoothed.
Painting or Staining: A new appearance is added by applying new paint, stain or varnish on a brand-new car.
Reconstruction: When the doors and drawers are dry, they are reattached, and the hardware is replaced or reinstalled.
Benefits of Refinishing Cabinets
Economical: Refinishing is typically so inexpensive compared to refacing or replacing.
Fast Delivery: The majority of refinishing work can be done in a few days.
Keeps Original Wood: Good when you have sturdy wood cabinets but they simply need to be refurbished.
Personal Finish: Customers have options of a new color, shade of stain or gloss degree.
When to Choose Refinishing
The refinishing is a good option when:
- Your cabinet boxes and doors are well built.
- You are satisfied with the current design of your kitchen.
- You simply desire a new color or finish without having to spend a fortune.
Nevertheless, the refinishing will not eliminate such problems as warped doors, broken cabinet frames, or old-fashioned designs. Refacing can also be a more appropriate solution to your cabinets in case they have structural damage or you desire an entirely new appearance.
Understanding Cabinet Refacing
What Is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is a more complicated procedure and it provides your cabinets with an entirely new exterior look without having to replace the entire box of the cabinet. Rather, the doors, the fronts of the drawers, and the hardware are changed, and a new veneer or laminate wrap is put on the existing cabinet boxes.
Refacing, in other words, is just providing your cabinets with a new coat of skin– all the outer part is new, but the inside is the same.
How the Refacing Process Works
Removal of Old Doors and Drawer Fronts: Removal of old cabinet door, drawer front and hardware.
Making Cabinet Boxes: The cabinet boxes are washed and ready to be covered with the new veneer or laminate.
New Surfaces: New wood veneer or laminate finish is used on the sides and faces of the cabinet.
Installation of New Doors and Drawers: New doors and drawers fronts are installed.
Hardware additions: This is the addition of hardware like new knobs, handles and hinges to give it a modern look.
Benefits of Refacing Cabinets
Transformative Look: You can have your kitchen appear entirely new, without having to remodel it.
Durability: The new surfaces are durable and wear resistant.
Eco-Friendly: You use your old boxes of cabinets, and this will reduce waste.
Quick than Replacement: Refacing is usually a process that can be completed in as little as 3-5 days, which is far faster than a complete remodeling.
When to Choose Refacing
Refacing is ideal if:
- Your cabinet boxes are good and sturdy.
- You wish to have another style of the cabinet or a more modern one.
- You want to see a significant visual change, but you are unwilling to spend a lot of money buying a complete replacement.
Nevertheless, refacing is likely to be more costly than refinishing, and it does not address layout or space problems – this would demand a full replacement of the cabinet.
Refinishing vs. Refacing: Key Differences
| Feature | Cabinet Refinishing | Cabinet Refacing |
| Process | Sanding and repainting or staining existing surfaces | Replacing doors and drawer fronts, applying new veneer or laminate |
| Cost Range | $2,000 – $5,000 (average kitchen) | $6,000 – $12,000 (average kitchen) |
| Time Frame | 2–4 days | 3–7 days |
| Customization | Limited to color or finish changes | Wide range of door styles, colors, and materials |
| Durability | Depends on paint/stain quality | Highly durable, especially with laminate or wood veneer |
| Structural Changes | None | None, but offers a “like-new” appearance |
| Best For | Updating color or refreshing look | Transforming style and modernizing kitchen |
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between refinishing and refacing depends on your budget, cabinet condition, and desired outcome.
Choose Refinishing: If you want a quick, affordable way to refresh your kitchen. It’s ideal for homeowners who are happy with their cabinet layout but want a new look or color.
Choose Refacing: If you want a dramatic transformation new cabinet style, color, and materials without the hassle and expense of a full remodel.
In case your cabinets are structurally damaged, designed improperly, composed of low-quality materials, then possibly the only long-term solution is to replace your cabinets.
Cost Considerations
The price of refinishing versus refacing may be very different.
- The cost of refinishing is normally between 3 to 8 dollars per square feet depending on the finish and the work done to it.
- Refacing will cost between $100 and $250 per linear foot, but mostly depends on the quality of material to be used (wood veneer, laminate, or thermofoil).
- Long-term durability should also be in mind by the homeowners. A cabinet that is professionally refinished should last about 5-10 years and a refaced cabinet should last about 10-20 years when well taken care of.
