Updating Your Kitchen Cabinets: Repaint, Reface, or Replace?

When you are ready for a change in your kitchen you have plenty of options. Repainting or refacing your cabinets can be an economical and low-stress way to get an updated look, while replacing offers you almost unlimited choices. With so many great options picking one may feel difficult. Luckily, answering a few questions can help you identify the best solution for your unique situation.

What is Cabinet Refacing?

Many people are familiar with cabinet painting and replacement, but cabinet refacing is a less commonly understood way to give your kitchen cabinets a new look. Refacing involves replacing the doors, drawer fronts, faces, and any side panels of your cabinets while leaving the cabinet box in place.

Good Questions to Ask When Updating Your Kitchen Cabinets

  • Do you like the layout of your kitchen? Painting and refacing typically involve working with your kitchen’s existing layout. If you want to make significant changes to the footprint of your cabinets, you’re best off replacing your cabinets.

  • What kind of budget are you working with? Painting is one of the least expensive updates you can make, while replacing is usually the most expensive. Refacing falls somewhere between the two but can get more expensive depending on the door and drawer styles you select.

  • Are your existing cabinets in good condition? Sure, their exteriors may have seen better days, but a good quality cabinet will last you for years. Cabinets that are sagging or poorly constructed should be replaced. Painting might help you enjoy your kitchen while you save up for a new one, but resist the urge to invest money in low quality cabinets.

Whether you’re looking to make small or big changes to your kitchen, we are here to help! Our sister company New Life Painting can make your existing cabinets look new with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Or you can give us a call to learn more about the creative possibilities that refacing or replacement provide.