Refacing vs. Painting

When deciding between cabinet refacing and cabinet painting, you must take into account so many considerations–budget, durability, aesthetics, and cost are all real and important factors to think about.

Cabinet refacing offers a more dramatic, long-lasting transformation by replacing your original, dated cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and veneering the existing boxes, resulting in a long-lasting, high-quality finish that can significantly increase the value of your home.

Not only can it provide an updated look, but there are far more customization options compared to painting, which generally changes only the color and will likely require frequent touch-ups.

While refacing can be more expensive than painting, it is also the better investment long-term. Cabinet refacing is a more robust solution with minimal maintenance, but cabinet painting is a faster, and more budget-friendly option. The decision, in the end, is up to you.

Confused? We get it, and if you’re unsure of which option is right for you, not to worry–We’re here to help!

Why Choose Cabinet Refacing Over Cabinet Painting?

While both options are popular, we believe that cabinet refacing will bring your home more value in the long run. Of course we do–it’s our business.

Enhanced Durability – Painting cabinetry keeps your old, dated door design & hinging system with only marginal face frame overlay as opposed to new modern custom doors that are oversized to cover the wider and dated face frames of the existing cabinets, yielding a more custom, high-end look. Painting is only as good as the preparation. Old doors and components need to have the entire finish removed to achieve a professional finish… This is time & labor intensive and poor preparation will yield chipping, peeling, or fading/yellowing over time, especially in high-traffic kitchens. Cabinet refacing materials, such as laminate or heavy wood veneer, are finished in a professional spray room with durable commercial finishes designed to be more resistant to daily wear and tear.
A More Professional Look – While cabinet painting can refresh a kitchen, it often leaves visible brush strokes or an uneven finish with bleed trough from older incompatible paints over “non-compatible” original finishes. Cabinet refacing, on the other hand, provides a smooth, factory-quality appearance that looks brand new. Many new doors are the same high quality as a true custom kitchen made in our local shop through HomeTech Renovations, Inc. our sister company.
More Style Options – With cabinet painting, you’re limited to solid color changes, whereas refacing allows you to completely alter the wood specie, door style, new soft close hinges, hundreds of custom finishes, and even add modern hardware for a fully updated look.
Increased Home Value – Kitchens are a key selling point in any home. Potential buyers are more likely to be impressed by refaced cabinets that look brand new rather than painted ones that may require frequent touch-ups. Cabinet refacing yields an 84.6% ROI one of the highest ROI in home improvements!
5. Added Features – During the refacing process, many clients opt for new added cabinetry, new drawers with slow closing drawer glides, newly added rollouts, trash pullouts, and many other accessibility options.
Low Maintenance – Painted cabinets require ongoing maintenance to keep them looking fresh, while refaced cabinets are easier to clean and maintain their beauty for years.

The Refacing Process: A Permanent & Complete Transformation

Unlike cabinet painting, which only affects the surface color, cabinet refacing offers a more dramatic transformation. Homeowners can choose from a variety of door styles, wood finishes, and modern colors, such as:

Sleek white shaker cabinets for a timeless and clean look
High-gloss laminate or 3 DL finishes for a contemporary feel
Warm wood tones for a cozy yet updated kitchen aesthetic

At Let’s Face It Kitchens, we offer a wide selection of materials and finishes, ensuring that your kitchen makeover is both stylish and durable. Our expert designers will guide you through the process, helping you choose the best options for your home.

Is Cabinet Refacing Right for You?

If your cabinet boxes are in good condition and you’re looking for a long-term, high-quality update, cabinet refacing is a superior alternative to painting. It provides a completely new look with minimal disruption, giving homeowners a refreshed kitchen without the drawbacks of painted surfaces.

While DIY cabinet painting may cost less, however you are still left with the original dated door & drawer designs while keeping the wider face frame stiles and rails exposure and look…

By choosing Let’s Face It Kitchens instead of DIY cabinet painting, you can achieve a kitchen makeover that is not only beautiful but also durable and valuable over time. If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen with a lasting transformation, cabinet refacing is the ideal solution.

Call us today at 215-343-2600 for a complimentary design visit to your home.