How To Plan A Kitchen Remodel With Cabinet Refacing

The Smart Way to Remodel Your Kitchen Without the Hassle

Remodeling your kitchen is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. If you’re keeping the existing layout and refacing your cabinets, following the right order of events ensures a smooth process, prevents unnecessary delays, and protects your investment.

At Better Than New Kitchens, we’ve been refacing cabinets and transforming kitchens for over 25 years. Our experience has shown that the best results come from careful planning and doing things in the right order. Here’s how to remodel your kitchen the smart way.

Step 1: Planning & Preparation

Before any work begins, take time to plan your project. This includes:

• Defining your budget and selecting materials
• Choosing your new cabinet doors, drawers, wood panels, hardware, and finishes
• Deciding whether to replace countertops, backsplash, and flooring
• Hiring the right professionals and scheduling work to avoid delays

Good planning ensures that once the work starts, everything moves efficiently with minimal disruption to your home.

When New Cabinet Features Are Part of the Remodel

The steps in this blog apply to cabinet refacing projects where the kitchen footprint remains unchanged, meaning you’re not adding to or removing your existing cabinet boxes. However, many clients choose to add new build features to their refacing project—such as extending a cabinet bank, adding an island, or installing new upper cabinets. When custom modifications like these are involved, the order of work can change depending on the complexity of the additions and how they interact with flooring, countertops, and electrical work.

If your remodel includes new build features, it’s best to speak with Dan at Better Than New Kitchens for a personalized recommendation on the correct order of events for your specific project. This ensures the process is smooth and efficient, avoiding unnecessary rework or delays.

Step 2: Electrical & Plumbing Work

Any necessary electrical or plumbing updates should happen first, before anything else is installed. While you’re keeping the same footprint, you might want to:

• Add or relocate electrical outlets and light fixtures
• Upgrade plumbing for a new sink or faucet
• Install under-cabinet lighting or recessed ceiling lights

Getting this work done early prevents the need for tearing into walls or undoing finished work later.

Step 3: Flooring Installation

If you’re replacing your flooring, this step comes next. Installing flooring first allows for a seamless look without needing to cut around newly refaced cabinets. Popular flooring options include:

• Tile – durable and easy to clean
• Luxury vinyl plank – stylish and water-resistant
• Hardwood – classic and high-end

Let the flooring fully set and cure before moving forward with the next steps.

Step 4: Countertop Installation

With the flooring in place, it’s time to install new countertops. This includes:

• Removing old countertops (if applicable)
• Measuring and fabricating new countertops
• Installing and securing them properly
• Cutting openings for the sink and cooktop

This step should always come before refacing to prevent accidental damage to new cabinet finishes.

Step 5: Cabinet Refacing

Now comes the real transformation! Instead of tearing out your cabinets, refacing gives you the look of brand-new cabinetry without the mess or high cost of a full remodel. The process includes:

• Applying new wood panels to cabinet boxes
• Installing brand-new doors and drawer fronts
• Adding new hinges, handles, and soft-close hardware
• Finishing with trim, crown molding, or toe kicks for a polished look

Refacing is clean, efficient, and typically completed in just a few days—without the hassle of a full gut renovation.

Step 6: Backsplash & Paint

With the cabinets and countertops complete, it’s time to install your new backsplash and refresh the walls.

• A tile backsplash adds style and protects walls from splashes and stains
• Painting now ensures a clean finish without damaging new surfaces
• Touch-up work can be done to perfect the final look

This step pulls the entire design together and gives your kitchen a high-end, custom feel.

Step 7: Appliance Installation & Plumbing Hookups

Now it’s time to get your kitchen up and running again:

• Install the sink and faucet
• Hook up the dishwasher and garbage disposal
• Place and connect your refrigerator, range, and microwave
• Test all connections to ensure everything is working properly

With everything in place, your kitchen will be fully functional and ready to enjoy.

Step 8: Final Details & Clean-Up

The last step is making sure everything looks and functions exactly as it should. This includes:

• Adjusting cabinet doors and hardware for perfect alignment
• Cleaning up any dust or debris from the remodel
• Adding final decorative touches like under-cabinet lighting or shelving

Once these final details are complete, your kitchen is officially remodeled!

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen? Let’s Get Started!

By following the right order of work, you’ll get a beautifully remodeled kitchen with minimal hassle. Cabinet refacing is the perfect way to upgrade your kitchen while keeping costs down and avoiding the mess of a full renovation. At Better Than New Kitchens, we specialize in high-end cabinet refacing that looks and feels like a custom remodel. If you’re ready to transform your kitchen, contact us today for a free consultation.

📞 Call us at (480) 429-7615
📍 Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas

Let’s bring your dream kitchen to life—without the stress!