Does your kitchen feel outdated even though everything still works well? Sturdy cabinet boxes and a functional layout can still look tired when doors and finishes show their age.
If you want a fresh style without the mess of a complete remodel, cabinet refacing offers a fast, affordable transformation.
Before-and-after projects show how dramatically new doors, hardware, and veneer can refresh your space in under a week.
In this blog, I’ll explain what cabinet refacing is, when it works best, real before-and-after examples, how the process works, pros and cons, top companies to consider, and simple maintenance tips to keep your updated kitchen looking great.
What Is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing updates your kitchen without removing the existing boxes. Contractors replace all doors and drawer fronts, apply fresh veneer or laminate to visible surfaces, and install new hardware.
Most projects take 3 to 7 days with minimal disruption to your daily routine. You can select from wood veneer, laminate, or thermofoil materials based on your budget and style preferences.
The original cabinet framework remains intact, reducing costs by 50-70% compared to a full replacement. This approach works perfectly when your layout functions well, but the appearance feels outdated.
When Refacing Works Best:
- Cabinet boxes are structurally sound and level
- You’re satisfied with your current kitchen layout
- No need for additional storage or moving cabinets
- Structure is in good condition for half the replacement cost
This makes refacing the wise choice for kitchens that need a style update, not a structural overhaul.
Cabinet Refacing Before and After
Let’s look at actual refacing projects across the United States. These cases show the dramatic results homeowners achieved.
Case 1: Oak to Gray Cabinet Refacing
| Aspect | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Style | Golden oak cathedral raised-panel | Soft gray cathedral raised-panel |
| Upper Cabinets | Oak glass doors with mesh inserts | Gray glass doors with clear inserts |
| Hardware | Brass cup pulls | Copper cup pulls |
| Result | Warm orange-toned traditional | Cool gray modern style |
This refacing project shows how changing the color changes the entire kitchen’s feel. The sage green finish updates traditional oak cabinets while keeping their classic cathedral style and glass-front uppers.
Case 2: Oak to Navy Blue Cabinet Refacing
| Aspect | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Style | Golden oak raised-panel | Navy blue raised-panel |
| Upper Cabinets | Oak with glass panel inserts | Navy blue with glass panel inserts |
| Island | Light oak island | Navy blue island |
| Hardware | Brass/bronze knobs and pulls | Brass/bronze knobs and pulls |
| Result | Warm traditional oak appearance | Bold navy blue modern style |
This refacing project shows how a dramatic color change creates an entirely new look. The navy blue finish converts traditional oak cabinets into a bold, modern statement while keeping the classic raised-panel style.
Case 3: Dark Wood to Soft Blue-Gray Cathedral
| Aspect | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Style | Dark wood cathedral raised-panel | Soft blue-gray cathedral raised-panel |
| Upper Cabinets | Dark wood glass-front with arched doors | Blue-gray glass-front with arched doors |
| Hardware | Dark bronze cup pulls | Dark bronze cup pulls (retained) |
| Result | Heavy, dark appearance | Light, airy, coastal feel |
This refacing project shows how a dramatic color change from dark wood to soft blue-gray changes the kitchen while preserving the distinctive cathedral-style raised panels with arched glass details.
Case 4: Dark Stained Wood to Natural Honey Oak
| Aspect | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Style | Dark-stained cathedral raised-panel | Natural honey oak cathedral raised-panel |
| Upper Cabinets | Dark wood with glass-front display | Light honey oak with glass-front display |
| Hardware | Black knobs and pulls | Black knobs and pulls (retained) |
| Result | Heavy, dark, worn appearance | Bright, warm, natural wood look |
This refacing project demonstrates how refreshing dark, worn wood cabinets with a lighter natural honey oak finish completely brightens the space.
The cathedral’s raised-panel style and glass-front display cabinets were preserved, maintaining the kitchen’s traditional character while creating a fresher, more inviting atmosphere.
Case 5: Cream to Forest Green Cabinet Refacing
| Aspect | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Style | Cream cathedral raised-panel | Forest green cathedral raised-panel |
| Upper Cabinets | Cream cathedral doors | Forest green cathedral doors |
| Lower Cabinets | Cream cathedral doors | Forest green cathedral doors |
| Hardware | Brass knobs | Brass knobs (retained) |
| Result | Worn, dated cream appearance | Rich, bold forest green look |
This L-shaped kitchen refacing project shows how changing cream cabinets to a rich forest green creates a dramatic, sophisticated statement.
The cathedral’s raised-panel style was preserved throughout, maintaining the traditional character, while the bold color choice brings a fresh, modern edge to the space.
How Cabinet Refacing Works?
Knowing each step helps you prepare for your kitchen conversion. The entire process moves quickly when you work with experienced professionals.
1. Inspect Existing Cabinets: The pro checks if your cabinet boxes are solid. They look for water damage, rot, or structural problems. Boxes must be level and stable for refacing to work.
2. Choose Door Style & Material: You select from shaker, slab, raised-panel, or other styles. Materials range from wood to laminate to thermofoil. Your choice affects both cost and durability.
3. Select Finish or Color: Pick from stains, paints, or custom shades. Modern choices include white, gray, navy, and two-tone combinations. The color changes your kitchen’s entire mood.
4. Remove Old Doors & Hardware: Contractors take off all existing doors and drawer fronts. Old hinges, pulls, and handles come off, too. This prep work takes about half a day.
5. Apply Veneer or Laminate: Fresh material covers all visible cabinet frame surfaces. This step requires precision and skill. The veneer creates a uniform, factory-fresh appearance.
6. Install New Doors & Drawer Fronts: New components go on with proper alignment. Contractors ensure everything opens and closes smoothly. This is when you see the significant change happen.
7. Add Hardware & Final Adjustments: New knobs, pulls, and soft-close hinges get installed. The pro levels all doors and adjusts spacing. They clean up and leave your kitchen ready to use.
Most refacing projects finish within one week. You’ll have a brand-new looking kitchen without the mess of a full replacement.
Cabinet Refacing Pros and Cons: Is It Worth It?
Every home improvement choice has trade-offs. Here’s what you need to know.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More affordable than replacement | No layout changes are possible |
| Fast process (3-7 days) | Not suitable for damaged cabinet boxes |
| Eco-friendly approach | High-end refacing can approach replacement cost |
| Highly customizable | Limited to the existing cabinet structure |
Important note: If your cabinet boxes show water damage, warping, or rot, refacing won’t work. You need full replacement instead. The same applies if you want to change your kitchen layout or add more storage space.
Top Cabinet Refacing Companies
Finding the right contractor ensures quality results and a smooth refacing experience. Research multiple companies before making your final decision.
1. Kitchen Tune-Up: Offers complete cabinet refacing services with a one-day door program. They provide free in-home consultations and work with various materials, including wood veneer and laminate finishes.
2. Kitchen Saver:Specializes in cabinet refacing with a lifetime warranty on cabinet boxes. They offer custom door styles and professional installation across multiple states with decades of industry experience.
3. Mr. Cabinet Care: Provides cabinet refacing and refinishing services with a focus on quality craftsmanship. They offer detailed quotes and work with homeowners to match existing layouts while updating aesthetics.
4. Kitchen Cabinet Guys: Serves the Chicago area with cabinet refacing expertise since 2019. They maximize value by reusing existing doors when possible and offer factory-fresh finishes at competitive prices.
5. Home Depot Cabinet Refacing: Delivers nationwide cabinet refacing through licensed contractors with transparent pricing. They provide material options from laminate to wood veneer with professional measurement and installation services.
Always request multiple quotes and check references before choosing your cabinet refacing contractor.
Cabinet Refacing Maintenance Tips
Proper care keeps your refaced cabinets looking fresh for decades. Simple habits make a big difference in how long your investment lasts.
- Clean Weekly with Mild Soap. Use a soft cloth and gentle soap to wipe down cabinet surfaces each week. This simple routine removes grease and dust before they build up and damage the finish.
- Wipe Spills Immediately. Don’t let liquids sit on your cabinet surfaces or hardware. Quick cleanup prevents staining and prevents water from seeping into the edges, where it can cause swelling.
- Tighten Hardware Every 6 Months. Check all hinges, pulls, and knobs twice a year for looseness. A quick tightening session keeps doors aligned properly and prevents hardware from falling off.
- Use Exhaust Fans When Cooking. Turn on your kitchen vent every time you cook on the stove. Running fans pull moisture and grease away from cabinet surfaces that would otherwise settle.
- Keep Surfaces Dry Near Sinks. Wipe down cabinet areas around your sink after washing dishes or preparing food. Wet edges are the leading cause of cabinet damage in kitchens.
With consistent care, refaced cabinets last 10 to 20+ years, depending on materials and usage patterns. Following these tips protects your investment and keeps your kitchen looking great.
The Bottom Line
Cabinet refacing delivers real results without the hassle of full replacement. You’ve seen five actual case studies showing complete kitchen modifications.
The process takes just 3 to 7 days from start to finish. New doors, drawer fronts, and veneer create a completely updated look while keeping your kitchen functional throughout the project.
Now it’s your turn to create your own cabinet refacing before-and-after story. Request quotes from at least three licensed refacing specialists in your area.
Review their portfolios carefully and ask detailed questions about materials, warranties, and timelines. The right choice gives you a kitchen you’ll love for years to come.
Ready to start? Contact a local cabinet refacing professional today for a free in-home consultation and personalized estimate.
