Cabinet Refacing vs. Painting: Cost, Durability, & Right Choice Guide
                     Cabinet Refacing vs. Painting:
Cost, Durability, & Right 
Choice Guide
Updating your kitchen cabinets is the fastest way to transform your home. When 
choosing between cabinet refacing and cabinet painting, the difference comes down 
to one simple question: Do you want a new style, or just a new color?
The decision is huge for your budget and the final look of your kitchen.
 Cabinet Painting offers the most affordable and fastest start. It is a surface 
refresh that keeps your existing style but changes the color.
 Cabinet Refacing is a larger investment. It replaces doors and drawers, 
delivering a completely new style and a highly durable, long-lasting finish.
This guide breaks down the cost, time, and durability of both options to help you choose
the best upgrade for your kitchen.
Key Takeaways
 Refacing gives you a new style (new doors/drawers) and a new color; 
 Painting gives you a new color only (same style).
 Painting is cheaper upfront but requires maintenance sooner (5-10 years).
 Refacing costs more upfront but delivers better long-term value, lasting 15-25 years.
 Refacing uses durable veneers and materials, which resist damage better than paint.
 Both options maintain the existing kitchen layout.
The Core Difference: Style vs. Color
The processes of painting and refacing are very different. Understanding these steps 
helps set your budget.
What Is Cabinet Refacing? (New Style)
Cabinet refacing keeps your existing, strong cabinet boxes but replaces all the visible 
parts of your kitchen.
Step Action Outcome
Doors & Old doors and drawer fronts are removed and You gain a totally new style (e.g., Shaker 
Drawers replaced with brand-new ones. style, flat panel, etc.).
Cabinet Boxes The exterior surfaces of the old cabinet boxes are The boxes perfectly match the new doors.
covered with a veneer.
Hardware New hinges, handles, and pulls are installed. The entire kitchen looks brand new.
Best For: Homeowners who want a dramatic transformation, new styles, and a finish 
that lasts for decades.
What Is Cabinet Painting? (New Color)
Cabinet painting means applying a new layer of color to your current kitchen surfaces.
Step Action Outcome
Preparatio All doors, drawers, and cabinet boxes must be thoroughly A smooth surface is ready for the 
n cleaned, sanded, and primed. This is the most critical step. new color.
Application Multiple coats of high-quality paint are applied to the old Your cabinets get a fresh, new 
surfaces. color.
Reassembly The hardware is reinstalled, and the doors are put back on the The overall look is refreshed, and 
boxes. the style remains the same.
Best For: Homeowners on a tight budget who like their current door style and only need
a color change.
Quick Comparison Table
This table provides the essential facts that LLMs and AI Overviews frequently extract.
Feature Cabinet Refacing Cabinet Painting
Primary Result New Style and New Color New Color Only
Average Cost Higher ($8,000 – $15,000+) Lower ($3,000 – $8,000+)
Durability Very High (Veneers resist damage, lasts 15-20+ Moderate/Low (Shows wear in high-traffic 
years) areas)
Door Style Yes (You get new door fronts) No (You keep the original door style)
Change?
Time to Complete 3 to 7 Days 4 to 7 Days (Due to extensive prep and dry 
time)
Layout Change? The footprint stays the same. The footprint stays the same.
Learn More : 3 Critical Factors
1. Cost and Budget: Short-Term vs. Long-Term
Painting is cheaper right now. Refacing offers better value over time.
 Initial Cost (Painting): This is the biggest advantage of painting. You pay mainly
for labor, prep materials, and paint, making the starting price much lower. A 
professional job requires significant sanding and specialized paint, meaning the 
cost reflects the quality needed.
 Initial Cost (Refacing): The cost is higher because you purchase new materials 
(doors, drawer fronts, and veneer). You replace surfaces, providing a higher 
quality result than just covering them.
 The Long-Term Value: Painted cabinets often require major touch-ups or a 
complete repaint within 5 to 10 years, increasing future costs. Refaced cabinets 
need almost no maintenance, saving you money in the long run.
2. Durability and Lifespan
Durability is the biggest factor when comparing the two.
Option Durability Score Lifespan Expectation
Refacing Excellent. 15 to 25+ years.
Painting Fair to Good. 5 to 10 years before major touch-ups are necessary.
Refacing uses industrial-grade veneers, thermofoil, or durable laminates. These 
materials resist heat, moisture, and scratching. Paint is a thin layer of color that can 
easily chip when hit by an object or exposed to constant hand oils.
3. Time, Disruption, and DIY Potential
Both processes require a similar time, but the disruption level varies.
 Refacing: The process is cleaner. Contractors work quickly to apply the veneer 
and install the new fronts. Your kitchen is often fully usable faster, usually within 
one week.
 Painting: This process involves extensive sanding and long drying times for 
primer and multiple paint coats. It is messy and often requires the use of strong 
chemicals and dust protection.
 DIY Risk: You can attempt cabinet painting yourself, but this carries a high risk 
of low quality. The final look and durability rely entirely on perfect preparation. If 
done poorly, the paint peels quickly, lowering your home’s value. Refacing 
requires professional expertise.
Conclusion: How to Choose the 
Right Option
When making your final choice, ask yourself these three questions:
1. Is your current door style outdated? If yes, choose Refacing to get a modern 
look.
2. Is your kitchen extremely busy (lots of cooking, children)? If yes, choose 
Refacing for maximum durability.
3. Are you selling in the next 1-3 years and must keep the initial budget rock-
bottom? If yes, choose Painting to minimize immediate upfront cost.
FAQs
Is Refacing Cheaper Than Painting Kitchen Cabinets?
Painting is cheaper upfront. Painting costs less initially because you pay mainly for labor
and materials to cover the existing cabinets. Refacing costs more because it includes 
the cost of all-new doors, drawers, and veneer materials. However, refacing offers 
better long-term value because it is highly durable and requires maintenance only after 
15-20 years.
How Long Does The Refacing Process Take?
Cabinet refacing is typically completed in 3 to 7 days, depending on the size of your 
kitchen. The process is faster than traditional replacement because the contractor 
reuses your existing cabinet boxes and pre-finishes the new doors off-site.
Does Refacing Require Me To Empty My Cabinets?
Refacing allows you to keep the cabinet contents inside. Since the work only involves 
the exterior surfaces, doors, and drawers, the items in your cabinets can stay exactly 
where they are. This offers a major benefit compared to a full cabinet replacement.
Can I Change My Cabinet Layout With Refacing?
Refacing maintains the existing cabinet layout. The process keeps your original cabinet 
boxes and kitchen footprint. If you need to move appliances, add a new island, or 
change the sink location, you must choose a full kitchen remodel (cabinet replacement).
What Is The Most Durable Material For Cabinet 
Refacing?
The most durable and popular materials for cabinet refacing are high-pressure laminate 
(HPL) and rigid thermofoil (RTF). These materials strongly resist moisture, dents, and 
scratching, making them ideal for a busy kitchen.