Kitchen Remodeling Guide
Reface or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
Reface when the cabinet boxes are sound and the layout works. Replace when the layout, the boxes, or the storage are the problem. Refacing averages about $7,230 nationally (HomeAdvisor, Jun 2026). In the Bethesda area, expect $5,000 to $13,000 for refacing versus $18,000 to $45,000+ for new custom cabinets. See our cabinet refacing service.
Refacing vs Replacing: Side by Side
Refacing changes the look; replacing changes the kitchen.
| Factor | Refacing | Replacing |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time on site | Shorter | Longer |
| Layout change | No | Yes |
| Storage gain | Little | Can be large |
| Waste | Low | Higher |
| Permit | Usually none | Depends on plumbing or electrical changes |
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Cabinets
Six signs point to replacement:
- Water-damaged or sagging boxes
- Swollen particleboard
- A layout that does not work
- Too little storage
- You want to move appliances
- You want different cabinet heights
What Does Refacing Cost Compared to Replacing?
HomeAdvisor lists refacing at about $7,230 on average, or $150 to $450 per linear foot. Installed cabinets average about $6,300 to $7,000 nationally, and custom cabinets run $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. (Sources: HomeAdvisor, Jun 2026; HomeLight, Jan 2026.)
Worked example, 10x10 kitchen (about 20 linear feet): refacing about $3,000 to $9,000; new custom cabinets about $10,000 to $24,000. This is an estimate, not a quote.
What's the Downside of Refacing?
It keeps your layout and boxes, so it cannot fix either.
Paint, Refinish, Reface or Replace?
From cheapest to most involved:
- Paint: lowest cost, shortest life.
- Refinish: restores the existing finish.
- Reface: new doors, drawer fronts, and veneer on the boxes.
- Replace: new boxes and a new layout if you want one.
How Much Should You Pay for New Cabinets?
See our cabinet cost guide.
Need a kitchen remodeler in Montgomery County? Call (301) 953-6768
Next step
Not Sure? We'll Check Your Cabinet Boxes
We will tell you honestly whether refacing will last. There is no minimum project size. Request a free in-home estimate or see custom cabinets.