Homeowner guide
Should I Repair, Modify, Reface or Replace My Kitchen Cabinets?
Choose by cabinet-box condition, layout, appliance fit, door appearance and the extent of custom work.
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
Refacing Existing Kitchen Cabinets
Refacing keeps suitable cabinet boxes and changes the visible fronts and surfaces. Box condition and hardware compatibility determine whether it is a useful option.
Renovation1.ca · Published
Starting condition
The kitchen layout still works, but cabinet doors, drawer fronts or exposed ends look worn. The owner would like to retain the cabinet boxes.
The problem
New fronts cannot correct loose, swollen or poorly supported boxes. Existing hinges, drawer systems and visible panels may also prevent a straightforward face-only change.
What to inspect
- Check cabinet boxes, joints and mounting support
- Inspect sink-adjacent areas for moisture damage
- Measure each door, drawer front and exposed end
- Identify compatible hinges and drawer connections
- Review fillers, end panels and countertop interfaces
Recommended approach
Keep boxes only where their condition and layout support the proposed work. Confirm all visible surfaces and hardware as one set before ordering. Compare targeted repair or replacement where a box cannot support refacing.
Typical scope
Preparation
- Record openings, selected finishes and hardware details
Removal
- Remove agreed fronts, hardware and surface coverings
Installation
- Fit compatible fronts and the agreed facing or end panels
Adjustment
- Align doors, drawers and handles
Finishing
- Complete exposed edges, fillers and selected trim
Cleanup
- Remove packaging and test all moving parts
Exclusions
- Box reconstruction, layout changes and countertop or service work require separate scope
Materials
- Measured replacement doors and drawer fronts
- Selected facing and end-panel material
- Compatible hinges, handles and fixings
- Edge and filler components included in the design
Work sequence
- Assess retained boxes and confirm the visible scope
- Measure and approve component compatibility
- Remove fronts and prepare eligible surfaces
- Install facing, fronts and hardware
- Align moving parts and inspect finish continuity
Possible complications
- A damaged box makes refacing impractical
- An old hinge pattern does not match the new front
- Exposed cabinet surfaces need more finishing than expected
Quality checks
- Retained boxes remain secure
- Fronts align with the agreed gaps
- Doors and drawers clear neighbouring surfaces
- Visible edges and facing transitions are complete
Expected result
The goal is a consistent new cabinet appearance while retaining assessed, serviceable boxes. The estimate identifies which components remain and which are replaced.
What changes the scope
- Box condition and support
- Number and variation of fronts
- Facing and end-panel coverage
- Hardware and finish selection
Related services
Related guides
Homeowner guide
How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take?
Plan around cabinet delivery, trade work, floor and countertop decisions, and the period without a working kitchen.
Homeowner guide
What Should Be Ready Before Kitchen Cabinets Are Installed?
Confirm the room, order, appliance clearances and service locations before the first cabinet is mounted.
Estimate
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