Cabinets for Less

Planning · October 12, 2026 · 6 min read

Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?

Both can transform a kitchen. Here's how to decide which one actually fits your cabinets, your budget and your timeline.

If your kitchen feels dated, the cabinets are almost always the first thing people notice. They take up most of the visual space in the room, so changing them changes everything. The big question is whether you need brand-new cabinets or whether the ones you have can be given a second life.

What refacing actually involves

Cabinet refacing keeps the existing cabinet boxes — the framework attached to your walls — in place. The doors and drawer fronts are replaced, the visible surfaces of the boxes get a new finish, and new hardware is installed. The result looks like a new kitchen, without demolition.

When refacing makes the most sense

  • Your cabinet boxes are solid, level and not water-damaged
  • You're generally happy with your kitchen layout
  • You want to keep your current countertops
  • You'd like the project done with less mess and downtime

When replacement may be the better call

  • Cabinet boxes are sagging, warped or have water damage
  • You want to move walls, appliances or plumbing
  • You need a very different cabinet configuration

Cost and timeline

Because there's no tear-out and no rebuilding of the boxes, refacing generally costs significantly less than replacement and wraps up faster. Exact pricing depends on the size of your kitchen, the door style and the finish you pick — which is why we always start with a free, no-pressure quote.

The honest answer

The best option is the one that matches the condition of your cabinets. During a consultation we'll look at the boxes and tell you straight whether refacing, painting or a bigger remodel is the smart move for your home in Edwardsville or the Metro East.

Thinking about updating your kitchen?

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