Cabinet Door Replacing vs Cabinet Refacing

Are your bathroom cabinet doors outdated or damaged? Are you looking to transform your home office or kitchen into a modern space? When cabinet doors show general signs of damage or their appearance is outdated, many homeowners must decide whether to reface or replace their kitchen cabinets. There are advantages to both methods. 

Here's what you'll need to consider before you decide which approach to take:

What Does It Mean to Reface Kitchen Cabinets?

Cabinet refacing is the process of upgrading the cabinet door's appearance by applying a new veneer, repainting the surface, or replacing the hardware. If your cabinet boxes are still intact and don't show any signs of wear and tear, these small transformations are a great option to consider. 

What Is Cabinet Door Replacement?

A cabinet door replacement is the process of physically removing old doors and installing new ones. This is a much simpler option than a full cabinet refacing, and you can completely transform your space with different styles, wood species, and finishes. 

Reface vs Replace Kitchen Cabinets: Key Differences

Refacing cabinet doors is the process of making small visual enhancements to the cabinet face, without updating the doors. When you're replacing the cabinet doors, you're replacing the entire door, not just the face. Both options can visually enhance the look and feel of your space. However, cabinet door replacements tend to have a bigger visual impact. This approach is also easier to complete, since you won't need to apply any paint, veneers, or finishes yourself. Cabinet door replacements can generally cost more than refacing, but they can save time and potential expenses from mistakes made during cabinet refacing.

When to Reface or Replace Cabinets

There's a time and a place for both refacing and replacing. Refacing is typically a better option when the cabinet door boxes are in good condition, but you want to update the look and feel of the cabinet door surfaces. For example, applying a fresh coat of paint or updating the hardware can help you transform a traditional kitchen into a modern space.

It's better to replace the cabinet doors if they show any signs of damage or if you believe the style is outdated. When you replace the cabinet doors, you can be as creative as you want, completely transforming your space to complement your interior design goals. 

Choosing the Right Cabinet Door Style for Your Update

If you decide a cabinet door replacement is the best option for you, there are many different cabinet styles to choose from. Some trending styles to consider for your home renovation project include:

• Shaker: A versatile style featuring clean lines, perfect for traditional, modern, and contemporary interiors.
• Slab: Features a flat surface and lacks ornate details, perfect for modern or minimalist home designs. 
• Raised Panel: Have a raised center panel, typically paired with a decorative frame. This is a top choice for traditional and vintage aesthetics. 
• Recessed Panel: The center panel is sunken below the frame, adding depth and dimension to the design. This is popular for traditional, rustic, and contemporary interiors. 

To ensure your cabinet door replacements match your current cabinet boxes, you'll want to be strategic with the color matching. Consider repainting the boxes to match the shade of your cabinet door boxes. You can also create a mix-and-match look by painting the doors and pairing them with the wooden boxes.

How to Get Started with Your Cabinet Update

The best way to ensure your cabinet door replacements fit perfectly with your current cabinet door boxes is to order a custom-made solution. Custom-made doors are made to fit the measurements you provide. This ensures the new cabinet doors fit your existing cabinet boxes.

Before placing your order, measure your current cabinet doors and the opening of the cabinet door box. It's best to take the measurement multiple times and at different spots to ensure it's accurate. 

Replacing Cabinet Doors With Cabinet Door Factory

Whether you're looking for a modern upgrade or want to stay true to your traditional roots, Cabinet Door Factory is here to help. We have a large selection of cabinet door styles, matching drawer fronts, and glass-ready solutions. With our custom-made cabinet doors, you can completely transform your space without committing to a full home renovation. We also have high-quality door knobs, pulls, and hardware if you're looking to reface your existing cabinet doors instead.

Explore our cabinet door styles today.

Frequently Asked Questions: Refacing vs Replacing Kitchen Cabinets

Can I replace cabinet doors without refacing the entire cabinet?

Yes, you can replace cabinet doors without refacing the entire cabinet. You can do this by color-matching your replacement cabinet doors with your current cabinet door boxes. If you like the mix-and-match look, you can paint the cabinet doors and pair them with the natural wood of your cabinet boxes. 

Should I reface or replace kitchen cabinets if the boxes are in good shape?

If your cabinet boxes are still in good shape, you can simply replace or reface your cabinet doors instead. If you like the style of your cabinet doors but want to paint them a new color, consider refacing. If you want a total transformation from a traditional to modern interior, consider replacing. 

Can I mix refacing and cabinet door replacement in the same project?