Cabinet Refacing Sacramento CA is a cost-effective option that gives your kitchen a fresh new look without replacing the existing cabinets. It preserves the existing cabinet boxes and only replaces the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.
It’s not ideal if you need to address structural damage, or if you want to change the cabinet layout or design. It can also be less efficient and time-consuming than replacement.
Cost

When it comes to cost, cabinet refacing is typically much less expensive than replacing cabinets. This is because refacing keeps the cabinet boxes intact and only replaces the doors and drawer fronts. The boxes themselves are kept in place and repainted or stained to match the new cabinet door and drawer front selections. This saves on material costs, and it also limits installation labor expenses.
For homeowners on a tight budget, cabinet refacing is the most affordable option for a kitchen overhaul. It can save between 30-50% compared to the cost of replacing cabinets. The price tag for refacing is lower when compared to full kitchen remodeling as well, meaning more money may be left over in the renovation budget to add other upgrades.
Choosing a durable, quality refacing material like natural wood or a solid surface laminate is important for long-term durability and beauty. Adding more customizations and features, like hardware, molding, and pullout trash or recycle bin cabinets, can increase the upfront cost of refacing. However, these extras can help extend the lifespan of the cabinets and add value to your home down the road.
It is possible to save even more on the initial investment by handling some aspects of the refacing project yourself. Replacing cabinet handles and knobs is a relatively simple task that can be done by the homeowner. Additionally, scheduling the work during off-peak months can help reduce labor rates and installation costs.
Keep in mind, though, that refacing will not fix or cover any existing issues with the cabinet boxes. If they are rotting or warped, you will need to address them at some point or risk more costly repairs down the line.
While refacing is an attractive option for those on a budget, it may not be right for everyone. If you want to make significant changes to the layout or functionality of your kitchen, refacing isn’t an appropriate solution. In these cases, a complete replacement might be the better choice for your long-term home value and overall satisfaction.
Time
Homeowners looking to update their cabinets often weigh two options: cabinet refacing, which involves putting new doors and drawer fronts on the existing cabinets; and full cabinet replacement, which requires removing the old cabinets and installing completely new ones. Both have advantages, but which one is right for your home?
Generally speaking, refacing is a more cost-effective option than replacing cabinets. By keeping the existing cabinet frames in place, refacing saves homeowners 30-50% over the cost of a full replacement project. This makes it a popular choice for those who are on a budget and need to keep their kitchen renovation costs down.
As a bonus, cabinet refacing is considerably quicker and less invasive than a full replacement. Most projects are completed in 2-4 weeks, which means your kitchen will be out of commission for significantly less time. It’s also eco-friendly, reducing waste from the landfill and utilizing existing materials.
However, refacing is only as good as the quality of the existing cabinets and hardware. If the original cabinet structures are damaged, worn out or not structurally sound, refacing will only mask these problems and potentially lead to further damage down the road. By contrast, replacing cabinets offers a blank canvas and the ability to create a custom look that perfectly suits your preferences and design style.
Another issue to consider is how long you plan on staying in your home. While a kitchen overhaul can improve your everyday experience and boost home value, it’s important to understand how this remodel will impact your resale value when the time comes to sell your property.
If you think you’ll need to sell your house within the next 10-15 years, it may be smarter to invest in a full cabinet replacement. This approach will help your home stand out in the market and make it more attractive to potential buyers. This is especially true if your cabinets are dated or need extensive repair. While you can always reface the exteriors of your cabinets, the interior shelves and drawers will still be worn out and outdated, which could detract from your overall home value.
Disruption
Cabinet refacing provides an economical and environmentally friendly solution to a kitchen renovation, allowing you to give your home’s existing cabinets a facelift without changing the internal structure. It is also typically less disruptive than full replacement, as it doesn’t require you to empty or move your cabinets, and can usually be completed within a few days. On the other hand, replacing cabinets requires extensive demolition and construction that can significantly increase the duration of your project. It can also lead to more dust and disruption in your home, and may result in you being without a functional kitchen for longer.
Refacing is also a safer option for your home’s internal structure, as it does not involve removing and disposing of the old doors, drawer fronts, and boxes. This helps to reduce the risk of structural damage that may have occurred over time, which can be expensive to repair.
Another advantage of refacing is that it allows you to keep your current cabinet layout, improving functionality and storage solutions. However, refacing is limited in its ability to address structural issues, and is not as comprehensive as cabinet replacement.
Cabinet refinishing techniques like stripping and sanding can be dangerous for your health, and can introduce chemicals into your home environment. These substances can create a breeding ground for mold and pest infestations, which can be very costly to repair.
If you have solid wood cabinetry, regular cleaning and upkeep are essential. If you don’t do this, stains and grime can build up, and eventually cause them to lose their look and durability. Replacing your cabinetry with new materials, like modern solid wood, can help to minimize this problem, while improving your home’s interior appearance and increasing its resale value.
Overall, both refacing and replacement offer significant benefits for homeowners. But when it comes to deciding which option is right for you, consider your goals and budget, as well as the condition of your cabinetry. With a little time and effort, you can find a cabinet refacing company that offers the quality you need, while meeting your price point.
Flexibility
Cabinet refacing is a popular choice for homeowners seeking to update their kitchens without committing to the costs, timeline and disruption of a full replacement project. It can save up to 50-70% compared to replacement while delivering a dramatic visual update. The process involves removing your existing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, then applying high-quality veneer or laminate to the exterior of your cabinets. New cabinet doors and drawer fronts are then installed to complete the look. You can choose from a wide variety of finishes, colors, and styles to match your taste. Adding new cabinet hardware and installing crown molding at the top of your cabinets can further enhance your style and add functionality.
While cabinet refacing can be an excellent option for updating your kitchen, it is not ideal for changing the layout or making significant structural changes. It also won’t fix any issues with the structure of your cabinets, so if they are damaged or in disrepair, a full replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run.
In addition, if your cabinets are made from low-quality materials that are already showing signs of wear and tear, refacing will only mask these problems. This could result in frequent touch-ups and repairs that will cost you more over time than investing in a full replacement.
A hybrid solution can be a great alternative to both refacing and replacement, as it provides the flexibility of addressing key problem areas while preserving what works well. However, it’s important to choose a contractor who has experience with this approach so you can ensure the quality of work and coordination between your old and new components. Additionally, this type of project can be more complex than a pure refacing or replacement, and it may take longer to achieve perfect color and grain matching between the two components.