What is the difference between new cabinets and refacing?
Refacing keeps your existing cabinet boxes and replaces the doors, drawer fronts and visible surfaces. It is a good fit when the boxes are solid and square and you are happy with the layout. It usually takes less time and makes less mess than a full tear-out.
New cabinet installation removes everything and starts again. That is the better choice when the boxes have water damage, the layout needs to change, or you want deeper drawers, taller uppers or a new island. It lets you fix problems behind the walls too.
Which is right for me?
- Boxes swollen, soft or stained near the sink: new cabinets are usually safer.
- Layout works but doors look tired: refacing may be enough.
- You want to open the room or add an island: plan new cabinets, and see our islands and layouts page.
