The Benefits of Cabinet Refacing Versus Cabinet Replacement

by Allison Beatty
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

Debating whether to replace your kitchen cabinets or do a cabinet refacing project instead? Here's why many people turn to cabinet refacing to give their kitchens a new look.

Kitchen Refacing Timing Is Key

A full scale kitchen remodeling, where cabinets are removed and new cabinets installed, can take weeks or months to complete. Compare that with kitchen cabinet refacing, which often takes just a few days. By going the cabinet refacing route, you save:

• Time
• Aggravation
• Money
• Wear and tear on other kitchen elements, such as the floor and countertops

Inconvenience is Major Factor With Kitchen Cabinet Replacement

When replacing kitchen cabinets, you are forced to live without cabinets for one to four weeks or more, depending on the scope of the project. This means you have to:

• Set up a temporary kitchen.
• Live with dust and dirt.
• Replace the floor if it gets damaged during the demolition.
• Repaint areas that get nicked by the demolition.
• Eat out frequently, which increases your costs.

With cabinet refacing, the project often is completed within 2 to 4 days. There is little disruption to your daily routine. And, the dust and dirt is kept to a minimum.

Low Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Kitchen cabinet refacing is much less costly than cabinet replacement, which can cost from $15,000 to $40,000, as it typically involved remodeling the entire kitchen. The cost varies based on:

• The extent of the work.
• The room size.
• The type of wood and kitchen cabinet style.
• The use of crown molding and other details on the kitchen cabinets.

There are many reasons to complete a kitchen cabinet refacing project. When compared with cabinet replacement, cabinet refacing offers a low cost alternative for bringing a new look to your kitchen.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer. She has been a writer of home improvement columns for 15 years. Her articles have appeared in numerous national newspapers and magazines, and on home improvement web sites.