Kitchen Renovation Dilemma: Reface or Replace Cabinets?

last year

Hi everyone, I’m planning multiple renovations in my home and could really use some guidance—especially with the kitchen. I'm on a tight budget, so I want to make the best decision that balances cost, timing, and long-term value.

Here’s my current situation:

The kitchen cabinets are wooden and in really good shape, but the color feels outdated. I’d love to change the look.
The countertops are old beige tiles—I definitely want to replace those with something more modern.
I’m also changing the flooring to vinyl (which will be installed soon).
I got quotes for cabinet refacing vs. replacing:
- Refacing is surprisingly $5,000 more expensive than replacing.
- I assume this is because the replacement quote uses MDF cabinets, while refacing retains the solid wood frames.
Another issue: The refacing company has an 8-week wait before they can start.

Questions I’m Stuck On:

Is it okay to do flooring first, and then install cabinets and countertops later?

I don’t want to redo anything, so I’m worried about the sequence.

Would replacing the cabinets entirely be a smarter choice at this point—especially since it’s cheaper and can be done sooner?

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Comments (6)

Lyn Nielson
last year
I prefer flooring underneath all cabinetry, not just up to the toe kick.

Cabinet configurations have changed over the years, many prefer drawers to Base cabinets. Decide what is best for you.

If you like the base configuration you currently have, refacing may be all you need and replace the tile countertop with a solid surface of your choice.

YOUR schedule is personal to you, do what works for you.
dani_m08
last year
I'm very surprised that refacing is $5,000 more than replacing. Instead of refacing, have you considered just replacing all your door/drawer fronts? I'm assuming "refacing" = having a company come out and cover all of your cabinet boxes with a veneer of some sort + new drawers + drawer fronts + doors.

If your cabinet boxes are in good shape, you can have all of your doors + drawer fronts replaced - and then have your boxes painted. There is paint that will work for painting your boxes to match your factory finished doors (I'm assuming that your doors/drawer fronts will be factory finished = more durable finish). If you are changing your cabinets to a different species of wood, then the boxes/side panels will need to be covered with a veneer.

I've seen many kitchens on here where people only replaced doors/drawer fronts (and maybe some drawers if needed) - and you would never know that nothing was done to the cabinet boxes except that they were painted. I also know someone who had some lower cabinets changed from doors to drawers as part of the process - really has an impact on increasing function while also providing an updated look to the kitchen.

I have better photos of Beth H's kitchen - but I can't find them right now. She had dark wood - and replaced all doors/drawer fronts. Her kitchen is beautiful!

These doors/drawer fronts are from Scherr's. They do doors for IKEA cabinets + custom ones for existing cabinet boxes. I believe that they also may sell their own cabinet boxes. They have reviews on their website that include exactly the door/drawer style used + whether they were painted DIY or finished by in-house. Scherr's is able to paint their doors any paint color by Sherwin Williams (they may be able to do matches to BM or other paint compainees - not sure):

Here's an example from their website that provides details - other gallery photos have extra tabs (in addition to "Description" in order to provide even more details about individual projects):

This next kitchen belongs to a Houzz user - I believe she had a big flood happen and had to address damage to her kitchen. Her kitchen turned out absolutely beautiful. I believe she used IKEA Sextion cabinet boxes (her cabinet boxes had been ruined). Scherr's even made her a custom hood + special door for her microwave. Her island is also from Scherr's - she used doors + end panels to finish it. It's so pretty - I had to post three photos!

Barker''s is another place people have used to order replacement doors/drawer fronts. They have helped people measure for changing partial overlay doors/drawer fronts to full overlay ones. The next two photos show two of their projects:

There are many more places where you can purchase quality doors/drawer fronts/panels. Etsy has quite a few sellers who provide custom doors/drawer fronts. The prices are good - some only come unfinished - but others can be finished with paint/stain.

I would definitely price these options out before replacing your cabinet boxes - especially if they are constructed well and still in good shape.
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dan1888
last year
If you choose to replace, reworking the lowers to be wide drawer cabinets is a modernizing move. IKEA is good quality with a 25-year warranty and good record. 36" are the widest drawer units available from IKEA. Other manufacturers go to 42 or 48 inches. if you use graph paper and draw a layout we can make recommendations.
PRO
McDonald Enterprises
last year
Why do either? Have the existing painted, and add hidden hinges. A new counter, new splash, and some lighting. You will be under 25K for all of that, unless you choose a quartzite or other exotic counter.
wilson853
last year
If you are getting a better layout, more drawers, soft close doors and drawers, and full extension drawer glides, I would replace everything. You are better off removing the cabinets first, then replacing the flooring. If your cabinets are in good shape, you can likely sell them on FB Marketplace or Craigslist.

You did not mention the age of the kitchen or the house, but if it is older, this gives you the opportunity to uncover any issues with plumbing and electrical that may need to be addressed. Factor into your budget an extra 15% just in case you run into the unexpected.
Kendrah
last year
I'm not surprised that refacing is more. It often is. And, it also depends on what kind of cabinets/company you got a replacement quote from. But first of all, post pics of your kitchen cabinets. A lot of folks will give you great feedback on what to do.

My one hesitation is you have really good condition and quality cabinets. Are you going to end up replacing them with subpar quality just because you want a change and you are on a limited budget? This something to really think about.

Perhaps with new counters and other new visual elements you will like your current wood better?