Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement: Which Is Right for You?
A straight-talk comparison from Kansas City's cabinet experts. No sales pitch — just the facts to help you make the right decision for your kitchen and budget.
Last Updated: March 2026 · Written by John Kohrs, Founder of KC Cabinetry & Stone
Understanding Your Options
Cabinet Refacing
Keep your existing cabinet boxes. Replace only the doors, drawer fronts, and apply new veneer or laminate to the visible surfaces. Hardware is updated.
Full Replacement
RECOMMENDEDRemove everything and install brand-new cabinets with modern construction, hardware, and your choice of layout. A complete transformation.
Cost Comparison: Refacing vs. Replacement in Kansas City
Real pricing for a typical 20-cabinet Kansas City kitchen.
| Factor | Refacing | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost (20 cabinets) | $5,000–$12,000 | $8,000–$20,000+ |
| Cost Per Cabinet | $250–$600 | $400–$1,000+ |
| Timeline | 3–5 days | Within 7 business days |
| Layout Changes | Not possible | Full redesign available |
| New Hardware | Doors & drawer fronts only | Everything — boxes, doors, hardware |
| Soft-Close Standard | Rarely included | Always included |
| Resale ROI | 20–40% | 54–72% |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years | 15–25+ years |
| Countertop Bundle | Separate contractor needed | One company handles both |
When Does Each Option Make Sense?
Consider Refacing If:
- Your cabinet boxes are in excellent structural condition
- You are happy with your current kitchen layout
- Your budget is under $8,000
- You only need a cosmetic refresh
- You are preparing a rental or flip for quick sale
Choose Full Replacement If:
- Your cabinet boxes are warped, water-damaged, or sagging
- You want to change your kitchen layout or add storage
- You want modern features (soft-close, full-extension drawers)
- You are doing a full kitchen remodel with new countertops
- You want maximum ROI for resale value
- Your cabinets are 15+ years old
Why Kansas City Homeowners Choose Full Replacement with KC Cabinetry & Stone
Most homeowners who start by considering refacing end up choosing full replacement once they see the value difference. Here is why:
50+ Door Styles
Choose from 9 curated collections — shaker, raised panel, slab, beadboard, craftsman, and more. Every style comes with soft-close hinges and full-extension drawers standard.
Cabinets + Countertops Together
We are one of the only companies in KC that handles both cabinets and countertops. One team, one timeline, one point of contact. No coordination headaches.
7-Day Installation Guarantee
Once your order is confirmed and deposit received, your new cabinets are installed within 7 business days. No waiting months for your kitchen to be finished.
Competitive Pricing
We buy in volume from top manufacturers and pass the savings to you. Our full replacement pricing often comes within 15-20% of what refacing companies charge.
Free In-Home Consultation
Our design consultant comes to your home, assesses your current cabinets, and provides an honest recommendation — even if refacing is the better option for your situation.
Serving All KC Metro
From Overland Park to Lee's Summit, Independence to Shawnee — we serve 47+ communities across the Kansas City metro with the same fast turnaround and quality.
4.8 Stars on Google
Trusted by homeowners across the Kansas City metro.
"We originally called about refacing, but after the consultation we realized full replacement was only a little more and gave us so much more value. New soft-close cabinets, better layout, and they did our countertops too. Best decision we made for our kitchen."
— Kansas City Homeowner
Not Sure Whether to Reface or Replace?
Schedule a free in-home consultation. Our design expert will assess your current cabinets and give you an honest recommendation — no pressure, no obligation.
Browse 50+ door styles | Try our cost calculator | Read the full guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cabinet refacing and cabinet replacement?
Cabinet refacing involves keeping your existing cabinet boxes and replacing only the doors, drawer fronts, and applying new veneer to the visible surfaces. Cabinet replacement removes everything and installs entirely new cabinets with modern features.
How much does cabinet refacing cost in Kansas City?
Cabinet refacing in Kansas City typically costs $5,000 to $12,000 for an average kitchen. Full cabinet replacement ranges from $8,000 to $20,000+ but delivers a completely new kitchen with modern features like soft-close hinges and full-extension drawers.
Is cabinet refacing worth it?
Refacing can be worth it if your existing boxes are in excellent condition and you only need a cosmetic refresh. However, if your boxes are damaged, your layout is inefficient, or you want modern features, full replacement delivers significantly better long-term value.
How long does cabinet replacement take in Kansas City?
At KC Cabinetry & Stone, cabinet installation is completed within 7 business days of confirming your order and deposit. The full process from consultation to completion typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Can I get new countertops at the same time as new cabinets?
Yes. KC Cabinetry & Stone handles both cabinets and countertops under one roof. Bundling both projects saves time, eliminates coordination between multiple contractors, and often results in better pricing.
What cabinet door styles are available for replacement?
We offer 50+ cabinet door styles across 9 curated collections including shaker, raised panel, slab, beadboard, and craftsman designs. All cabinets come with soft-close hinges and full-extension drawer slides as standard features.