Refinish when cabinet boxes are solid and you mainly want a cosmetic update; replace when there is structural damage, water issues, or you need a new layout. Thinking in terms of box condition, function, and long‑term plans makes the decision much clearer.
When Refinishing Makes Sense
- Boxes are structurally sound: no sagging shelves, soft spots, warping, mold, or loose frames, just surface wear like scratches or dated stain/paint.
- Layout works for you: storage and appliance placement are fine, and you are mainly changing color and style, not function.
- You want to save money: refinishing (sanding, painting, or staining existing doors and frames) typically costs significantly less than refacing or full replacement.
When Refacing (New Doors) Is Better
- Boxes are good; doors are not: boxes are sturdy, but doors and drawer fronts are badly worn, warped, or stylistically outdated.
- You want a bigger visual change: refacing with new doors, drawer fronts, and veneers can make the kitchen feel almost new without touching the boxes.
- You plan to stay a while: new doors and hardware can last decades, often giving better durability and resale impact than just repainting old ones.
When You Should Replace Completely
- Structural or water damage: swollen wood, soft cabinet walls, mold, persistent odors, sagging shelves, or frames that are out of square signal that boxes are failing.
- Constant functional problems: doors falling off, drawers that jam or come off tracks, stripped screw holes, or hardware that keeps breaking.
- Layout and storage are wrong: you need different cabinet sizes, better workflow, or added storage that existing boxes cannot support.
Quick Rule of Thumb
- Refinish if: boxes are solid, layout works, and issues are mostly cosmetic.
- Reface if: boxes are solid, layout works, but doors/fronts are too damaged or dated for simple paint.
- Replace if: boxes are damaged, layout is poor, or you are doing a major reconfiguration.
If you describe your current cabinets (age, material, visible damage, and whether you like the layout), a specific recommendation—refinish, reface, or replace—for your kitchen and baths can be given.
