Cabinet Refacing vs Refinishing vs Replacing
Updated
If your cabinet boxes are solid, you may not need new cabinets. Cabinet refacing keeps the boxes and gives them new doors, drawer fronts, and veneer. Refinishing and painting keep the doors too and change only the surface. Angi's 2026 guide puts the national average for resurfacing kitchen cabinets at $7,233, based on 7,355 projects, with most homeowners paying $4,482 to $10,590 [1].
The three options compared
| Option | What changes | 2026 range |
|---|---|---|
| Refacing | New doors, drawer fronts, and veneer on the boxes | $4,000 to $13,500 |
| Refinishing | Sanding and a new stain or clear coat on existing surfaces | $2,000 to $7,000 |
| Painting | Sanding, priming, and painting existing surfaces | $180 to $3,200 |
All three ranges are from Angi [1]. Refacing costs the most of the three because it uses new materials and hardware, but it gives the biggest change in look [1].
A contractor quoted by Angi explains the difference: refinishing puts a new paint or stain finish on the existing parts, while refacing replaces doors, drawer fronts, and most hinges and drawer slides [1]. Handles and knobs are almost always replaced in both cases [1].
Refacing cost by material
Angi lists these costs per linear foot of cabinet run [1]:
| Material | Cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Laminate | $50 to $125 |
| Thermofoil (vinyl wrapped) | $60 to $125 |
| Wood veneer (oak, maple, cherry, walnut) | $100 to $250 |
| Solid wood or plywood | $200 to $500 |
Overall, Angi gives $150 to $450 per linear foot for resurfacing [1]. Add-ons such as soft-close hinges, new hardware, crown molding, and lighting raise the total [1].
Refacing vs replacing
New cabinets run $100 to $300 per linear foot for stock, $200 to $650 for semi-custom, and $500 to $1,200 for custom, according to Angi [2]. Refacing at $150 to $450 per linear foot [1] usually saves the most when the other choice is semi-custom or custom cabinets. Against basic stock cabinets, the gap can be small, so price both. Replacing also means removing the old boxes, which can disturb counters and walls.
Refacing makes sense when:
- The boxes are sturdy, dry, and square.
- You like your layout and do not plan to move the sink or appliances.
- You want a new look without a full remodel.
Replacing makes more sense when the boxes have water damage or structural problems, or when you want a new layout [2]. Angi's rule of thumb: if repairs would cost more than half the price of new cabinets, replace them [2].
How long it takes and lasts
Most resurfacing jobs take two to five days, and large or custom kitchens can take up to a week [1]. Resurfaced cabinets last about 10 to 20 years, with touch-ups every five to 10 years [1]. Well-installed new cabinets last 15 to 30 years [2].
Permits
Angi notes permits are rarely needed for cosmetic cabinet work [1]. Chicago's code exempts cabinets and similar finish work without plumbing or electrical connections [3], and Minneapolis lists cabinets and countertops as exempt [4]. If your project also moves plumbing or wiring, ask your city.
Questions to ask a refacing company
- What material and thickness are the new doors and veneer?
- Are new hinges, drawer slides, and hardware included?
- Will you repair any damaged boxes first, and how is that priced?
- How long will the kitchen be out of use?
- What warranty covers the work?
Check any company's license or registration yourself before you sign.
FAQ
Is refacing cheaper than new cabinets?
It depends on what you compare it with. Angi lists resurfacing at $150 to $450 per linear foot [1], while new cabinets run $100 to $300 for stock and $500 to $1,200 for custom [2]. Refacing saves the most against semi-custom or custom. It only works if the boxes are in good shape.
How long does cabinet refacing last?
Angi says resurfaced cabinets last about 10 to 20 years, depending on the materials and how much the kitchen is used [1]. Plan on touch-ups or a fresh finish every five to 10 years [1].
See full cabinet costs or request refacing quotes.
A referral is not an endorsement, so check any contractor yourself before you sign.
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Sources
- Angi, "How Much Does Resurfacing Kitchen Cabinets Cost? [2026 Data]," updated August 31, 2026. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-cabinet-refacing-cost.htm
- Angi, "How Much Does Cabinet Installation Cost? [2026 Data]," updated October 16, 2026. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://www.angi.com/articles/wood-kitchen-cabinets-types-costs-and-installation.htm
- Municipal Code of Chicago, Section 14A-4-402.1, "General" (work exempt from permit), 2026 S-75. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2660948
- City of Minneapolis, "Construction work exempt from permit," updated March 31, 2026. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/licenses-permits-inspections/construction-permits/exempt-from-permit/