Perhaps your cabinets are starting to look drab or you need to sell your house and your kitchen is nowhere near the selling point it needs to be. When it comes to updating your kitchen cabinets, there are several options available that can drastically change their appearance without the need for a full replacement. 

These options—refinishing, refacing, and resurfacing are often used interchangeably but involve different processes. Each method has its advantages and can be chosen based on your budget, the condition of your cabinets, and the desired outcome. 

Here’s a breakdown of the differences between refinishing, refacing, and resurfacing kitchen cabinets.

Key Takeaways:

• Refinishing, refacing, and resurfacing offer diverse ways to update your kitchen cabinets without the need for a complete renovation. 
• The right choice depends on your particular needs, budget, and the current state of your kitchen cabinets.

Table of Contents

Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

Refinishing is the process of changing the cabinet’s finish or color. This process typically involves stripping off the old paint or stain, sanding the surfaces smooth, and applying new paint or stain and a topcoat for protection. 

It is a great choice if you are happy with the layout and functionality of your cabinets but want to update the color or finish to refresh the room or match a new design aesthetic.

• Pros: Cost-effective, environmentally friendly, no change to cabinet layout.
• Cons: Limited to the existing material and design of the cabinets.

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Refacing involves replacing the cabinet “skins.” Technicians will remove the cabinet doors and drawer fronts and cover the existing cabinet boxes with new veneer, laminate, or wood. After that, new doors and drawer fronts that match the newly covered frames are installed. Refacing allows you to completely change the style of your cabinets without a full cabinet replacement.

• Pros: Dramatically changes the appearance, allows for new hardware additions, less costly than replacing cabinets entirely.
• Cons: More expensive than refinishing, the cabinet structure must be in good condition.

Resurfacing Kitchen Cabinets

Resurfacing can sometimes mean the same as refinishing or can refer to a lighter form of refinishing where only the top layer of paint or varnish is touched up. The term can also encompass the refacing process, where you can make significant changes, making it a bit confusing. 

Generally, resurfacing is a broader term that includes both refinishing and refacing. It aims at updating the exterior surfaces of the cabinets including frames, moldings, and side panels without altering the structure or layout.

• Pros: Depending on the extent, it can be very cost-effective.
• Cons: The improvements might be purely cosmetic, not solving any functional issues of old cabinetry.

Choosing the Right Option

When deciding which option is best for your kitchen:

• Consider your budget — Refinishing is the least expensive, ranging from $1,500-$4,500, followed by refacing which may cost about $5,000. The average cost of resurfacing kitchen cabinets is about $7,000.
• Assess your needs — If your cabinets are functional and you just want a new look, refinishing or refacing may suffice. If the cabinet’s structure is compromised, resurfacing or replacement might be necessary.
• Style changes: If you want a different style or the cabinets are very outdated, refacing or resurfacing offers more options for modernization.

Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinets With Renovate It

Looking for a quick, stylish upgrade to your kitchen? Explore our wide range of high-quality kitchen cabinets at Renovate It! From sleek modern designs to classic traditional looks, we have the perfect fit for your space. Plus, our professional installation services ensure that your new cabinets look perfect and function flawlessly. Contact us to view our selection or to schedule your installation today!