What is the downside of cabinet refacing?

Q: What is the downside of cabinet refacing?

The main downside of cabinet refacing is that it doesn't allow you to change the existing layout or footprint of your kitchen. Since the process involves covering your current cabinet boxes with new wood panels and replacing doors and drawer fronts, your cabinets stay where they are. If you're hoping to move appliances, add or remove walls, or reconfigure the space entirely, cabinet refacing won't accomplish that. Other potential limitations include: Structural issues with existing cabinets: Refacing only works if your cabinet boxes are in good condition. If they're damaged or unstable, full replacement may be necessary. No added functionality (unless upgraded): Refacing doesn't automatically improve storage, accessibility, or function, unless you incorporate add-ons like pull-outs, organizers, or new cabinet builds. Limited to the original cabinet shape and size: You're working with what's already there in terms of box dimensions and layout.

TL;DR:
The biggest downside of cabinet refacing is that it doesn’t allow you to change the layout of your kitchen. However, for homeowners who are happy with their current footprint, refacing is a smart, lower-cost way to get a fresh, high-end look. Better Than New Kitchens also offers add-ons and modifications to overcome layout limitations when needed.

What is the downside of cabinet refacing?

The main downside of cabinet refacing is that it doesn’t allow you to change the existing layout or footprint of your kitchen. Since the process involves covering your current cabinet boxes with new wood panels and replacing doors and drawer fronts, your cabinets stay where they are. If you’re hoping to move appliances, add or remove walls, or reconfigure the space entirely, cabinet refacing won’t accomplish that.

Other potential limitations include:

Structural issues with existing cabinets: Refacing only works if your cabinet boxes are in good condition. If they’re damaged or unstable, full replacement may be necessary.
No added functionality (unless upgraded): Refacing doesn’t automatically improve storage, accessibility, or function, unless you incorporate add-ons like pull-outs, organizers, or new cabinet builds.
Limited to the original cabinet shape and size: You’re working with what’s already there in terms of box dimensions and layout.

How Better Than New Kitchens Addresses These Limitations

At Better Than New Kitchens, we know that no two kitchens (or homeowners) are the same. That’s why we offer a range of custom upgrades, modifications, and new build elements alongside our cabinet refacing services, including:

New cabinet builds to add storage, fill awkward gaps, or create new features like kitchen islands or pantry cabinets
Extending cabinet banks to make better use of wall space and create a more custom, built-in look
“Uppers-on-uppers” to add a second row of upper cabinets and take advantage of tall ceilings
Refrigerator surrounds and cabinet enclosures to frame appliances and give your kitchen a more cohesive, high-end finish
Hybrid projects that combine refacing with select new builds for a more dramatic transformation
Custom drawer boxes, pull-outs, and organizers to improve storage and accessibility
Premium soft-close hinges and hardware for better function and feel
Creative design solutions that make your kitchen feel brand new, even within the existing footprint

And if your cabinet boxes aren’t in good shape for refacing, we’ll let you know honestly and help you explore the best path forward. Our goal is to deliver a kitchen that looks amazing, functions beautifully, and words with your space and budget.

Before and after Better Than New Kitchens cabinet reface makeover in Phoenix, AZ | midcentury modern sage green and rift cut walnut flat panel doors — *Before and after Better Than New Kitchens hybrid cabinet refacing project with new build elements in Phoenix AZ | Midcentury modern sage green and rift cut walnut flat panel slab doors*

Related FAQs

What is cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refacing updates the look of your kitchen by replacing the doors and drawer fronts while covering the existing cabinet boxes with new wood panels. No need to tear out your cabinets.

How much does it cost to reface a cabinet?

Get a high-quality, custom look for 30%–50% less than a full remodel with cabinet refacing from Better Than New Kitchens. The cost for kitchen cabinet refacing in and around Phoenix depends on project size, materials, and add-ons.