What is the Difference Between Refacing and Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets?

Are you planning a kitchen renovation, and considering upgrading your kitchen cabinets? Do you want to change your cabinet style without replacing the entire cabinet? Are you contemplating between cabinet refacing and cabinet refinishing? This article aims to share details on both options to help you make an informed decision.

When it is time for a kitchen upgrade, you will have multiple decisions to make. When it comes to setting a budget, separating your needs and wants prior to meeting potential kitchen renovation contractors will help you prioritize what’s important for the new kitchen.

Cabinets are a major component of your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetics. They can also take up a large part of your renovation budget, if replacing them. There is a potential to save some money upgrading the existing cabinets. Your options here are cabinet refacing or cabinet refinishing.

Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing involves replacing the external surfaces of your current cabinets. This includes all cabinet doors, drawer fronts, hardware, face frames, and end panels. Laminates or wood veneers are usually used to reface the cabinets. A key aspect of refacing your cabinets, is ensuring that all the refaced components match with each other. This is a great option, especially if you have damaged cabinet doors and drawers.

Cabinet Refinishing

If your kitchen cabinet doors and drawers are still in great condition, but you would like to change the look of your kitchen, cabinet refinishing may be the best option for you. Cabinet refinishing involves changing the color or finish of existing cabinets by painting or staining them. All the original materials are reused, so you must ensure that your cabinets do not have any cracks, dents, chips, cuts, or gouges before choosing this option.

To sum up the above, the difference between refacing and refinishing your existing kitchen cabinets is that refacing involves putting new pieces on the existing frames and changing
the doors and drawer fronts. Refinishing on the other hand focuses only on updating the
existing finish or color of the cabinets. No parts are replaced.

Refacing your cabinets is a great way to save money on your kitchen renovation when there is minor visible damage, refinishing is the more affordable solution, as long as your cabinets are in good condition.

Choosing between refacing or refinishing your existing kitchen cabinets, is based on your specific situation. Your desired look, budget, and the condition of your existing cabinets will all play a role in your decision.