Kitchen planning guide
Refinishing vs Refacing vs Replacing Cabinets
Refinish when you like the current doors and layout. Reface when the cabinet boxes work but you want new doors. Replace when the structure or layout must change.
01
Refinishing
Existing doors, drawer fronts and fixed cabinet surfaces are cleaned, prepared and professionally finished. It offers the lowest disruption and preserves the most material.
- Best for a colour and finish change
- Keeps suitable existing fronts
- Professional spray-applied finish
02
Refacing
New doors and drawer fronts are installed while suitable cabinet boxes remain. Refacing is the practical middle ground when you want a new profile without rebuilding the kitchen.
- Changes the door style
- Retains suitable cabinet boxes
- Can coordinate new hardware and visible panels
03
Full replacement
Replacement is appropriate when cabinet boxes are damaged, storage must be redesigned, or walls and services are moving. It provides the most flexibility but also creates the greatest cost, waste and disruption.
Frequently asked questions
Plan your project with confidence.
Which option is least expensive?
Refinishing is generally the least expensive because it keeps suitable doors and cabinet boxes. The condition and size of the kitchen still affect the final price.
Can refacing change a traditional kitchen to Shaker doors?
Yes. A new door profile is one of the main reasons to choose refacing instead of refinishing.
When should cabinets be replaced?
Consider replacement when cabinet boxes are damaged, the room layout no longer works, or major plumbing, electrical and structural changes are planned.
Your kitchen, carefully renewed