Replace, Reface or Paint?
Full disclosure up front – my company specializes in cabinet refacing. That said, when I’m called out for a consultation on a kitchen remodeling project I only recommend cabinet refacing about 70% of the time. The other 30% of the time I let the customer know that their needs will be best met by gutting and replacing or, on rare occasion, painting. So as someone who has remodeled hundreds of kitchens and consulted with over a thousand potential customers, I put together a flow chart to help guide customers on the appropriate choice when it comes to replacing, refacing or painting.
cabinet replace vs. reface vs. paint
One of the first questions I ask is whether the client is satisfied with the existing countertops. If the countertops are granite or quartz and the customers are happy with them, refacing is generally going to be the best option. Removing and reinstalling countertops on new cabinets is not a job most countertop companies will attempt. If, however, the customer is just preparing the house to sell and the existing cabinet style isn’t too dated, painting can be an option. But if the doors are oak, I wouldn’t recommend painting them, even if it’s for a quick fix. Oak grain always shows though the finish and looks like a DIY project.
If the countertops are going to be replaced, refacing can still be the best option, provided the major appliances are staying in the same locations. But if a client tells me they want to replace the countertops, move the sink to this side of the kitchen and put the stove on that side of the kitchen, then refacing won’t be the most efficient way to accomplish their goals. Ditto with tearing out soffits. A remodeling project of that magnitude is a major undertaking, with a price tag and timeline to match. Might as well go all-in at that point and buy new cabinets.
The condition of the existing cabinet boxes is also a factor. As long as the cabinet frames are sturdy, they’re probably good candidates for refacing. Drawer boxes, drawer slides and soft-close concealed hinges are easily installed as part of the refacing project, so they’re not a concern. It’s also not unusual for the sink base cabinet to have some water damage on the inside, that is also easily repaired during the refacing project.
In my experience, refacing is going to be the best option about 70% of the time. If you’d like to learn a little more about what is invloved in our refacing process, you can check it out here. If your home is in the western suburbs of Chicago and you’d like to arrange a consultation, just call 630-337-9700 or email