Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement: Cost and How to Decide
Published •Updated •6 min read
If your cabinet boxes are solid and you like the layout, refacing can give you a new look for less than replacement. HomeAdvisor (June 2026) puts typical refacing at $4,234 to $10,226 and says it is 30% to 50% less than replacing cabinets. But refacing is cosmetic: it can't fix damaged boxes or change the layout. That's when replacement is the right call.
What Refacing Involves
Refacing keeps your existing cabinet boxes. The installer covers the visible box surfaces with a new veneer and replaces the doors, drawer fronts, hinges and pulls. The layout, plumbing and electrical stay where they are, and the countertops can usually stay in place.
Refacing, Refinishing or Replacing: Costs Compared
| Option | What it is | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Refinishing | Sanding, then painting or staining the existing cabinets | Fixr: $2,000-$4,500; HomeAdvisor: $1,800-$4,200 |
| Refacing | New veneer on the boxes plus new doors, drawer fronts and hardware | Fixr: $3,000-$13,500 (avg. $8,250); HomeAdvisor: $4,234-$10,226 (avg. $7,230) |
| Replacing | Removing old cabinets and installing new ones | Fixr: $4,000-$15,000+; HomeAdvisor: $10,000 or more |
Refacing Cost by Material
| Material | Cost per linear foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate / thermofoil | $80-$125 | Most affordable; least durable and can peel, especially with moisture |
| Wood veneer | $100-$250 | Mid-range; can't be refinished later |
| Solid wood | $200-$500 | Most expensive; most durable and can be refinished |
Fixr puts the average at about $275 per linear foot, and labor at 50% to 70% of the total. See cabinet cost per linear foot to compare with new cabinets.
When Refacing Makes Sense
- The cabinet boxes are structurally sound, with smooth, clean surfaces
- There's no water or moisture damage
- You're happy with the layout and storage, and just want a new look
- You want less disruption: Fixr says most average kitchens are refaced in three to five days
When Replacement Is the Right Call
- The boxes are damaged, sagging or have water or moisture damage
- You want to change the layout, add an island or move appliances
- You want different cabinet sizes or new interior storage. Fixr notes refacing doesn't add interior storage features.
- You're doing a full remodel and want everything new
See signs it's time to replace your kitchen cabinets and cabinet repair vs. replacement.
How Long Refacing Lasts
Fixr estimates refacing lasts 10 to 20 years, depending on materials and care. It also notes that, counting measuring and ordering, the whole process from first call to finish can take up to around three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cabinet refacing cost?
HomeAdvisor (June 2026) puts it at $4,234 to $10,226, averaging $7,230. Fixr (January 2026) gives $3,000 to $13,500, averaging $8,250. Both are national figures.
Is refacing cheaper than replacing cabinets?
Usually. HomeAdvisor says refacing is 30% to 50% less expensive than replacing cabinets.
How long does cabinet refacing take?
Fixr says three to five days for an average kitchen, and up to about three weeks from first call to completion once measuring and ordering are included.
Can you reface cabinets with water damage?
Usually not. Fixr notes that if cabinets are structurally unsound or have water or moisture damage, replacement may be the only viable option.
Does refacing change the layout?
No. Refacing and refinishing are cosmetic. Only replacement lets you change the layout.
Reface or Replace? Get a Quote from Mega Solutions
Mega Solutions offers cabinet refacing and refinishing as well as new cabinet sales and installation, and installs granite, quartz, quartzite and marble countertops. Send us photos of your cabinets and request a personalized quote.
- Photos of your cabinets, including inside the sink base
- Approximate measurements or a simple sketch
- Whether you want to keep the layout
- The door style and color you like
Sources
- HomeAdvisor, "How Much Does It Cost to Reface Cabinets?" (updated June 2026): homeadvisor.com
- Fixr, "Cabinet Refacing Cost" (updated January 2026): fixr.com
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