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Should You Reface or Repaint Your Kitchen Cabinets?
What’s the Better Move for Your Cabinets?
If your cabinets are outdated but functional, you’re probably deciding between two options: repaint or reface.
Both upgrades can save thousands compared to a full kitchen remodel, but they offer very different results and very different costs. This guide breaks down the pros, cons, pricing, and DIY potential of repaint vs reface kitchen cabinets so you can make the right choice for your space.
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What Is Cabinet Refacing?
Refacing means replacing your cabinet doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. You’ll also apply a new veneer or laminate to the exposed exterior frame for a uniform finish.
You keep the structure but completely change the look.
- New doors, hardware, and surfaces
- Often includes soft-close hinges or upgraded pulls
- Popular for kitchens with outdated door styles but solid frames
✅ Best if your cabinets are structurally fine but just plain ugly.
What Does Repainting Involve?
Repainting means keeping your existing cabinet doors and frames, but giving them a whole new look with primer, paint, and some careful prep.
- Clean, sand, prime, and paint all surfaces
- Often paired with new pulls or knobs
- Budget-friendly, beginner-friendly
✅ Best if you’re happy with the layout and just want a clean, modern finish.
Cost Breakdown: Repainting vs Refacing
| Upgrade | DIY Cost Range | Pro Install Cost | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repaint | $75 – $300 | $1,000 – $3,000+ | 3–7 years with good prep |
| Reface | $600 – $2,000+ | $4,000 – $8,000+ | 10–15 years |
✅ Repainting is much more budget-friendly
✅ Refacing gives a closer-to-new look, but at a price
DIY Difficulty Comparison
| Task | Repainting | Refacing |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Prep | Cleaning, sanding, degreasing | Removing all hardware |
| Skill Level | Beginner to Moderate | Moderate to Advanced |
| Tools Needed | Brush, roller, sander, primer, paint | Tape measure, drill, adhesive tools |
| Time Required | 2–5 days depending on size | 2–4 days, but with more ordering prep |
Pros & Cons: Repainting
✅ Extremely affordable
✅ You can DIY it in a weekend
✅ No cabinet removal required
❌ Paint can chip or fade over time
❌ Doesn’t fix bad layouts or damaged frames
Revamp Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget
Top Product Picks:
Pros & Cons: Refacing
✅ Total style change without ripping out cabinets
✅ Adds home value if done cleanly
✅ Longer-lasting finish
❌ Much higher cost
❌ Needs precise measurements and alignment
❌ Less beginner-friendly to install
Top Product Picks:
- Hardware Upgrade Kit (Pulls + Hinges)
- Gorilla Wood Glue (for veneer edges)
Which One Should You Choose?
✅ Choose Repainting If:
- Your budget is tight
- You like your current layout
- You’re comfortable with a brush and don’t mind prep
✅ Choose Refacing If:
- You want a full transformation
- You don’t like the current door style
- Your cabinet boxes are still solid
Final Take: Repaint vs Reface Kitchen Cabinets
Both upgrades are smart it really depends on what matters more to you: cost, time, or transformation.
If you’re looking for an affordable, weekend-ready DIY project, repainting is the clear winner. But if your doors are warped, your style is stuck in the 90s, and you want a premium finish, refacing may be worth the investment.
Either way, it’s a huge step forward without gutting your kitchen.
