Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Cabinet Refinishing as New Cabinet Prices Soar…
Over the past few years, the cost of new kitchen and bathroom cabinets has risen sharply — and it’s causing many homeowners to take a second look at alternatives. Where full cabinet replacements were once a go-to during renovations, more people today are turning to high-quality refinishing and refacing options that offer a fresh look without the high price tag.
What’s Behind the Rise in New Cabinet Costs?
Several factors are making new cabinetry more expensive than ever. The materials used to build cabinets — including wood, hardware, and finishes — have all increased in price. On top of that, skilled labor is in short supply, driving up installation costs. And since more homeowners are expecting custom features and high-end finishes, even basic cabinet projects now come with premium price tags.
In many cases, installing new cabinets can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more for a standard kitchen — especially if layout changes, demolition, and plumbing or electrical updates are involved.
A Smarter, More Cost-Effective Solution
For homeowners looking to refresh their space without overspending, refinishing or refacing existing cabinets is becoming the preferred route. These methods allow you to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom without tearing everything out.
- Refinishing involves sanding down your existing cabinet doors and frames, then repainting or staining them with a fresh, modern finish.
- Refacing goes a step further by replacing the doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer to the cabinet boxes, along with updated hardware.
Both options can dramatically transform the appearance of a room — often for half the cost (or less) of full replacement.
The Benefits of Refinishing or Refacing
Besides the cost savings, there are several reasons why homeowners are choosing refinishing over replacement:
- Faster turnaround: These projects usually take a few days to a week, compared to weeks or months for a full cabinet install.
- Less disruption: There’s no need to tear out counters or mess with plumbing, which makes life easier if you’re living in the home during the renovation.
- Eco-friendly: Refinishing keeps perfectly good cabinet boxes out of landfills and reduces the demand for new materials.
- Custom style: You still get to choose your finish, color, hardware, and even new door styles, so you’re not sacrificing design flexibility.
When It Makes Sense — and When It Doesn’t
Refinishing or refacing is ideal when the existing cabinets are structurally sound and you’re happy with the layout of your kitchen or bathroom. If the cabinet boxes are in good condition, this type of update can completely change the look and feel of your space without the cost of a full remodel.
However, if your cabinets are damaged, poorly built, or if you plan to significantly change the layout of the room, a full replacement might still be the better long-term investment.
Quality Matters
It’s important to note that not all refinishing jobs are created equal. The results depend heavily on the skill of the contractor, the prep work, and the quality of materials used. A professional-grade refinish using durable, furniture-quality finishes will look like new cabinets and last for years. On the other hand, cheap materials or rushed work can lead to peeling, chipping, or fading in a short time.
With new cabinet prices on the rise, many homeowners are realizing that they don’t need to start from scratch to get a stunning kitchen or bathroom. Refinishing and refacing offer an affordable, efficient, and high-quality way to modernize your space — without the stress or expense of a full renovation.
