Cabinet Refinishing vs. Refacing: Which is Best for Your Kitchen?

July 10, 2024

When you update your kitchen, the cabinets are important because they usually highlight the space, defining functionality and overall aesthetic. If you're ready for new cabinets, replacing them can be expensive and time-consuming. The good news is that there are alternatives to extensive and costly remodeling.


Two great alternatives are cabinet refinishing and cabinet refacing. Both options can breathe new life into your kitchen, but each has its advantages, limitations, and costs. We'll explore cabinet refinishing and refacing details to help you decide which approach is best for your kitchen makeover.


Understanding Cabinet Refinishing
Cabinet refinishing involves changing your existing cabinets by applying a new finish, such as paint or stain. Refinishing is an affordable solution if your cabinets are structurally sound but look worn, outdated, or simply don't match your desired style.

Refinishing typically begins with thoroughly cleaning the cabinets to remove grease, grime, or residue. Next, the existing surface is prepped for the new finish. Your cabinets can then be stained or painted, depending on your preference. A protective sealant is applied to ensure durability and longevity.


Refinishing allows you to change the color and finish of your cabinets completely. For example, if your kitchen has dark, dated wood cabinets, you can refinish them in a sleek, modern white or gray or choose a rich, deep stain to enhance the natural wood grain. The color choice of paint or stain, along with the sheen (matte, satin, or gloss), can change the aesthetic of your kitchen dramatically, giving you a great deal of control over the final appearance.

Cabinet refinishing is more affordable than refacing or renovation, and since you're working with existing cabinets, refinishing is a great way to preserve and showcase the natural beauty of your current cabinets.

Refinishing is also environmentally friendly. Since you keep your current cabinets, you don't have to haul anything to the dump.

Of course, if you aren't satisfied with the storage your current cabinets provide or they are in bad shape, refinishing isn't the best option because it only changes the appearance. It won't address structural or functional issues you have with your cabinet boxes.

Understanding Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet refacing involves updating the exterior of your cabinets while keeping the existing cabinet boxes intact. The only things that get replaced are the doors, drawer fronts, hardware, and a new veneer or laminate to the cabinet boxes.

Refacing usually takes longer than refinishing but is still faster and more affordable than doing a complete renovation. The refacing process begins with removing the old cabinet doors and drawer fronts. The exposed cabinet boxes are then prepped and covered with a new veneer, laminate, or wood veneer to match the new doors and drawer fronts. This process gives your kitchen a new look without needing a full cabinet replacement.


Refacing offers the opportunity to update not just the color or finish of your cabinets but also the style. For instance, if your kitchen has traditional raised-panel doors, you can use flat-panel doors instead for a sleek, more modern aesthetic. The ability to choose from the most popular styles, such as flat panel, raised panel, or shaker-style doors, gives you plenty of options for fully customizing your space, whether you want to create a modern aesthetic or something cozier and more traditional.

Cabinet refacing is usually a little more expensive than refinishing but still offers a savings of 70% or more over replacing cabinets. This makes refacing a popular choice for updating a kitchen when you're on a budget or don't have time for gut renovation.

Like refinishing, refacing lets you choose from different finishes and hardware as well as a range of different styles, enabling you to achieve the exact look you want.

When you work with a trusted company such as Cabinet Reface Direct, refacing can extend the life of your cabinets, especially when using high-quality materials for doors and veneers.

Because refacing also involves keeping your existing cabinet boxes, it doesn't change the layout or improve the functionality of your cabinets, and it won't take care of any structural issues. If, however, your cabinets are in good shape, Cabinet Reface Direct can reface them and add custom shelving to maximize space and improve their functionality while still saving you money over the cost of renovation.

Let Us Help You Make the Right Choice
With so much to consider, deciding whether refinishing or refacing is the right choice for you can be challenging. Several factors, including your cabinets' condition, budget, and desired outcome, weigh into the decision.

If your cabinets are structurally sound but need an aesthetic update, refinishing is the more cost-effective and straightforward option. Refacing is generally better if you feel your cabinet doors are outdated or damaged or you want a new style.

At Cabinet Reface Direct, we can help you decide between cabinet refinishing and refacing. Our free in-home quote includes a consultation with an experienced CRD designer who will inspect your cabinets to ensure they are good candidates for refinishing or refacing.

We listen to your vision for your kitchen and make suggestions based on your budget and the results you want to achieve. We can even show you samples to help you decide.

Call Cabinet Reface Direct at 716-899-5146 or fill out the form on our contact page to schedule a FREE quote today.