Discount Custom Cabinets vs. Refaced Cabinets: What's Right for You?

by Marshall McCauley
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

If you want to stay within your kitchen remodeling budget, then you are going to have to make some serious choices when it comes to upgrading your cabinets. New cabinetry can be one of the most expensive items needed in a newly remodeled kitchen, which means that you could blow your whole budget if you don't find a cost effective way to get the right looking cabinets for your kitchen.

Although you might be able to find some discount custom cabinets to purchase cheaply, you may be able to save even more money by simply refacing your existing cabinets with new doors and drawer fronts.

Four Ways Refaced Cabinets Save over Discount Custom Cabinets

1. With refaced cabinets you do not need to remove your old cabinet boxes from your kitchen, because you are simply replacing the old doors and drawer fronts. Plus, you won't have to deal with hauling your old cabinet boxes to the dump.
2. New cabinets are expensive and even discount custom cabinets may need to be shipped to your house, which can cost you a lot of money.
3. When refacing your base cabinets, you do not need to remove or replace your existing counter tops. In fact your kitchen can stay pretty much operational during the entire project.
4. It can be difficult to install new cabinets by yourself, so you may need to hire a contractor to help complete the job. When refacing cabinets, one person can easily screw in the hinges in order to attach the new doors to the existing cabinet boxes.

If you save enough money by refacing your cabinets, then perhaps you'll have some money left over to upgrade your appliances as well!