Kitchen Refacing vs. Kitchen Remodeling

If you live in the United States, you will likely spend over 400 hours in the kitchen each year. This is why kitchen remodeling remains one of the most popular renovations for homeowners. If your kitchen needs some “TLC, you might be questioning what exactly needs to be done. A full kitchen remodel can be a lengthy process and a significant investment. However, sometimes a simple kitchen refacing can be the perfect way to bring the room back to life. Continue reading to decide which is right for you: Kitchen Refacing vs. Kitchen Remodeling.

What is Kitchen Refacing?

Kitchen refacing involves updating the exterior surfaces of your kitchen rather than replacing them entirely. You can update surfaces such as cabinets, drawers, and sometimes even appliances to create a fresh new look. This is most commonly done to avoid the high costs and downtime of a full remodel, and it can be a satisfying compromise.

Key components of kitchen refacing include:

- Replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts

- Applying new veneers or laminates to existing cabinet boxes

- Updating hardware (handles, hinges, etc.)

- Optional: updating countertops and backsplash

Beyond cost-effectiveness, a kitchen reface offers several advantages. Refacing saves you considerable time compared to a remodel because the work is far less disruptive. This also means your daily life will be substantially less stressful (you won’t have to worry about making a cup of coffee in the morning). Additionally, kitchen refacing is the eco-friendly option; since you’re keeping most of the framework and just updating the surfaces, you’ll have to throw away far less.

What is Kitchen Remodeling?

A kitchen remodel is a comprehensive renovation that can include layout changes, replacing cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, and more. There’s no limit to what you can do with a kitchen remodel, as it allows you to customize the space to your exact preferences.

Key components of kitchen remodeling include:

- Demolition and removal of old fixtures

- Installation of new cabinets, countertops, and appliances

- Possible structural changes (knocking down walls, changing plumbing/electrical layout)

- Complete design overhaul

The larger investment in a kitchen remodel brings many advantages. This type of renovation can be 100% tailored to your liking. A remodel will also let you address structural or functional issues (i.e., not enough counter space or storage) and upgrade to the latest trends and technology. Beyond improving your kitchen for your own use, these upgrades can also significantly increase your home’s value (talk about a cherry on top to sweeten the deal).

Comparing the cost of kitchen remodeling vs. kitchen refacing is pretty straightforward. If you’re only looking for the budget-friendly option, refacing is right for you. However, if you’re weighing cost vs. value, it may be worth considering both.

A typical kitchen reface can vary and is usually less expensive, whereas a typical kitchen remodel can be pretty pricey, depending on your needs. As you may have noticed, the price for a typical kitchen remodel starts right around the high end of the usual cost for a reface.

A few key factors in your project will affect costs. These factors include the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, and the extent of the work. A good way to determine costs is to list what’s most important (must-haves), what you want, and what you may like but could live without in a kitchen renovation. This will save you time when looking into an estimate from your contractor.

Time and Disruption

Timeframe for kitchen refacing vs. kitchen remodeling

As the old saying goes, “time is money. So it makes sense to consider how much time you will have to devote to completing this project (or waiting for it to be completed). A typical kitchen reface can take 3-5 days to complete, whereas a kitchen remodel can take 10-12 weeks (and longer depending on the extent of the project).

If time is of the essence, you can expect much more disruption to your daily life with a remodel than with a reface. In return, youwill get a far more customized result.

Suitability for Homeowners

Who should consider kitchen refacing?

Kitchen refacing is ideal for homes with a structurally sound kitchen. Since the existing elements will remain, albeit with new surfaces, they must be sustainable. A kitchen reface is also a good option for those looking to update their kitchen quickly and on a budget. Especially if a homeowner is happy with the current kitchen layout, a simple reface can satisfy the urge to upgrade without unnecessary expenses.

Who should consider kitchen remodeling?

For homes with outdated or damaged kitchen structures, a remodel may be the best decision. You may be able to start by refacing the surfaces, but these problems will only linger until you address them. Kitchen remodeling is also perfect for those willing to invest in a complete overhaul of their current design. By gutting the existing layout and starting fresh, a remodel can improve a kitchen’s functionality, efficiency, and appearance far better than a reface will allow.

Environmental Considerations

When choosing a project for your home, it’s also essential to consider the environmental impact. In this case, both options have benefits.

Environmental impact of kitchen refacing vs. kitchen remodeling

A refacing project reuses the existing kitchen structures. This means less waste is produced because additional materials are kept to a minimum. A remodel can generate more waste because it uses all-new materials; however, it also offers opportunities to incorporate energy-efficient appliances and sustainable materials.