Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement: Cost & Lifespan

Cabinets are usually the single largest line item in a kitchen remodel, so refacing is a tempting shortcut. Sometimes it's the smart call. Sometimes it's money spent on a box that should have been replaced. Here's how we decide on real San Jose projects.

Refacing keeps your existing cabinet boxes and replaces the doors, drawer fronts, and visible surfaces with new veneer or laminate. Replacement removes everything down to the walls and installs new boxes, doors, and hardware.

For a typical 150–200 sq ft Bay Area kitchen with roughly 25 linear feet of cabinetry:

• Refacing: $9,000 – $20,000 depending on door style and material.
• Stock replacement cabinets: $14,000 – $26,000 installed.
• Semi-custom replacement: $25,000 – $45,000 installed.
• Full custom replacement: $45,000 – $80,000+ installed.

A quality reface on solid plywood boxes can last 15–20 years. Refacing particleboard boxes that already sag or have water damage under the sink is a short-term fix — you're dressing up a structure that's near the end of its life. New plywood boxes with soft-close hardware realistically last 25+ years.

Reface when the layout works, boxes are solid plywood, and you're happy with the current storage. It's faster (about one week vs. three), less disruptive, and you keep your kitchen usable.

• You like the existing footprint and don't need new appliances relocated.
• Boxes are square, dry, and structurally sound.
• You want a cosmetic update before selling or hosting.

Replace when you want a different layout, deeper drawers, a taller pantry, or an island. Once you're moving plumbing or electrical anyway, the incremental cost of new boxes buys far more function than new doors on old boxes.

We'll open a few doors, check the boxes, and tell you honestly which option makes sense. Free estimate, no pressure either way.