When updating kitchen cabinets, most Los Angeles homeowners are torn between cabinet refacing vs cabinet replacement. Both offer a dramatic fresh look, but the key difference comes down to how much of your existing cabinetry you keep, how much construction you want, and whether your cabinet boxes are still in good shape. This guide breaks down the pros, costs, and ideal situations for each option so you can confidently choose the best path for your home.
What Cabinet Refacing Actually Involves
Cabinet refacing is a cost effective, minimal disruption alternative to installing new cabinets, especially if your current cabinets and existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound. The refacing process focuses on updating the visible surfaces of your kitchen—giving it a completely modern style without changing your existing layout.
During kitchen cabinet refacing, contractors replace the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and often the internal hardware with new doors, updated hardware, and modern drawer pulls. The cabinet boxes stay in place but are covered with a wood veneer or laminate that matches your new door style. This creates the appearance of a full renovation at a fraction of the cost.
For many LA homes—especially condos and older properties—refacing cabinets offers significant cost savings without altering the kitchen layout or disrupting daily life.
When Cabinet Refacing Is Worth It
Homeowners often ask whether cabinet refacing worth the investment. In most cases, it absolutely is—especially if you’re looking for a budget friendly option that provides a high ROI.
Refacing is ideal when:
- Your existing cabinets are structurally sound
- You want new cabinet doors and a modern design
- You’re satisfied with your current layout
- You want a surface refresh without new construction
- You’re avoiding a full remodel or significant layout changes
Because the process only upgrades visible surfaces, it’s perfect for kitchens, condos, and even bathroom cabinets where the entire cabinet structure is still solid.
When You Should Choose Cabinet Replacement Instead
While refacing offers strong benefits, cabinet replacement becomes necessary when your old cabinets have structural issues, or when you’re planning a full replacement as part of a larger renovation.
Choose kitchen cabinet replacement or replacing kitchen cabinets when:
- The entire cabinet structure is damaged
- You want new cabinetry with more storage solutions
- You’re adding new appliances that require replacing the layout
- You’re doing a full remodel with significant layout changes
- The existing cabinet boxes aren’t salvageable
A complete cabinet replacement or full cabinet replacement also gives you total design freedom—making it the better choice for homeowners doing a full home update or upgrading the whole house.
Refacing Cabinets vs Replacing Cabinets: Cost Difference
The cost difference between refacing and replacing cabinets is substantial.
Refacing Cabinets
A typical LA refacing project costs far less because:
- You keep your existing cabinetry
- No demolition is required
- You avoid additional costs tied to new construction
- The project requires fewer new materials
Typical timeline: 3–7 days
Ideal for homeowners on a tight budget or anyone who wants fast results.
Replacing Cabinets
A full replacement costs more because it involves removing the old boxes, addressing potential structural issues, and installing new cabinetry.
Typical timeline: 3–6 weeks
Best for major renovations where the kitchen layout is changing or the cabinet boxes are failing.
Cabinet Refinishing vs Cabinet Refacing
Another option Los Angeles homeowners consider is cabinet refinishing, which only changes the paint or stain on the doors and visible surfaces. While refinishing cabinets can be affordable, it doesn’t offer the design flexibility of reface kitchen cabinets, nor the durability of replacing drawer tracks, adding soft close drawers, or updating storage solutions.
Refacing offers more customization without jumping to a full replacement.
Cabinet Resurfacing and Other Similar Terms
You may also hear terms like cabinet resurfacing, replacing doors, or updating just the cabinet doors. All of these are related to refacing but typically lean toward partial upgrades. True refacing is a complete surface transformation that replaces all doors, drawer fronts, and visible surfaces with long-lasting new materials.
How Cabinet Refacing Impacts Home Value
One of the reasons LA homeowners choose refacing is its strong impact on home value. Because you transform the style of your kitchen at a lower price point, you gain an excellent return on investment—especially if you plan to sell in the next few years.
Refacing improves:
- Modern appeal
- Buyer perception
- Kitchen functionality
- Visual impact for showings
Even without a full remodel, buyers see the kitchen as “updated,” boosting confidence and perceived value.
Final Decision: Cabinet Refacing vs Cabinet Replacement
If your cabinets are structurally solid and you want an upgraded kitchen with minimal disruption, refacing cabinets is the best choice—especially for Los Angeles homes where the existing layout already works.
If you’re planning major changes or the cabinet boxes are beyond repair, a complete cabinet replacement is the better long-term move.Both refacing and replacement can enhance your home, but the right choice depends on your budget, goals, and the condition of your current cabinets.
Not sure which option is right for your kitchen? Our team will evaluate your existing cabinets, layout, and goals—and walk you through the best solution. Get your free quote today!