What Is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is a mid-range renovation that keeps your existing cabinet boxes (the structural frames mounted to your walls) and replaces only the visible components:
- •Doors and drawer fronts are replaced with new ones in the style and finish you choose.
- •Veneer or laminate is applied over the exposed sides and face frames of the existing boxes to match the new doors.
- •New hardware (hinges, knobs, pulls) is installed to complete the updated look.
The result looks like a brand-new kitchen from the outside, but the internal layout, shelf positions, and cabinet dimensions stay the same.
What Is Full Cabinet Replacement?
Full replacement removes every existing cabinet from the kitchen and installs entirely new units. This approach gives you complete control over:
- •Layout -- move the sink, add an island, reconfigure the work triangle.
- •Storage features -- deep drawers, pull-out trash, corner lazy Susans, built-in spice racks.
- •Materials and construction -- solid hardwood, plywood boxes, dovetail joints, soft-close everything.
It's the right path when the existing boxes are damaged, the layout doesn't work for your household, or you're doing a ground-up kitchen remodel.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Refacing | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Range | $4,000-$10,000 (average Raleigh kitchen) | $12,000-$35,000+ (average Raleigh kitchen) |
| Timeline | 2-4 days | 3-6 weeks (including demolition, install, and finishing) |
| Disruption Level | Low -- kitchen remains usable throughout most of the process | High -- kitchen is unusable for most of the project |
| Visual Result | Fresh, updated appearance with the same interior layout | Completely new cabinets with potential layout changes |
| Durability | 10-15 years before doors may need updating again | 20-30+ years for quality semi-custom or custom cabinets |
Cabinet Refacing
$4,000-$10,000 (average Raleigh kitchen)
Pros
- +40-50% less expensive than full replacement
- +Completed in days, not weeks
- +Minimal dust and demolition debris
- +Eco-friendly -- keeps solid boxes out of the landfill
- +No plumbing or electrical work required
- +Countertops and backsplash stay untouched
Cons
- –Cannot change the kitchen layout or cabinet configuration
- –Interior shelving and drawers remain the same
- –Not viable if cabinet boxes are warped, water-damaged, or delaminating
- –Limited to the same cabinet depth and dimensions
- –Fewer style options than fully custom cabinets
Best for: Homeowners whose cabinet boxes are structurally solid and who are happy with their current kitchen layout but want a visual refresh.
Full Cabinet Replacement
$12,000-$35,000+ (average Raleigh kitchen)
Pros
- +Total design freedom -- new layout, new sizes, new configuration
- +Modern interior features (soft-close, pull-outs, dividers)
- +Can address underlying issues (water damage, mold, outdated wiring)
- +Widest selection of materials: solid wood, plywood, MDF, thermofoil
- +Maximizes storage with cabinets sized to your space
- +Strongest return on investment for a full kitchen remodel
Cons
- –2-3x the cost of refacing
- –Multi-week project with significant household disruption
- –Often triggers additional work (countertops, backsplash, flooring, plumbing)
- –Longer lead times for semi-custom and custom orders (6-12 weeks)
- –More waste generated during demolition
Best for: Homeowners who want a new layout, need to fix structural issues behind the cabinets, or are doing a full kitchen remodel.
Decision Guide: Reface or Replace?
Walk through these questions in order. If you answer "yes" to any item in the Replace column, full replacement is likely the better investment.
Reface If...
- •Cabinet boxes are solid, square, and free of water damage
- •You're happy with the current kitchen layout
- •Your budget is under $10,000
- •You need the project done in less than a week
- •You want to update the look without a full renovation
- •You plan to sell within 3-5 years and want a cost-effective refresh
Replace If...
- •Cabinet boxes are warped, delaminating, or have mold/water damage
- •You want to change the kitchen layout or add an island
- •You need modern storage features (pull-outs, soft-close, dividers)
- •You're already replacing countertops, backsplash, and flooring
- •You want fully custom cabinets with specific dimensions
- •The home is your "forever home" and you want 20+ years of use
Raleigh-Durham Cost Breakdown (2026)
Costs in the Triangle area tend to run 5-10% below major metro averages like DC or Charlotte. Here's what Raleigh homeowners typically pay:
| Scope | Refacing | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (10-15 cabinets) | $4,000-$6,500 | $12,000-$18,000 |
| Average kitchen (15-25 cabinets) | $6,500-$10,000 | $18,000-$28,000 |
| Large kitchen (25-35+ cabinets) | $8,500-$14,000 | $25,000-$45,000+ |
| Custom/high-end | $10,000-$16,000 | $35,000-$60,000+ |
Prices include labor and materials. Actual costs vary by door style, material choice, and contractor. Always get at least 3 quotes.
Not Sure Which Route to Take?
A local Raleigh cabinet specialist can inspect your existing boxes, discuss layout options, and give you an honest recommendation with a free estimate.
Get 3 Free Quotes