The math surprises most people. A full cabinet replacement often costs two to four times more than refinishing the boxes you already have, and takes weeks longer. Here's how the two options actually compare.

Typical cost comparison

• Refinishing: $100–$150 per door or drawer. A 25-piece kitchen (doors + drawers) typically lands in the $2,500–$3,800 range.
• Full replacement: New cabinet boxes, doors, and installation commonly run $8,000–$25,000+ depending on materials and layout changes, before countertops or plumbing are even touched.
• Semi-custom refacing: New doors on existing boxes lands in between, but still requires demo, new hardware holes, and longer lead times than a spray refinish.

When refinishing is the smart call

• The cabinet boxes are solid wood or plywood in good structural shape (most homes 10-30 years old qualify).
• You like the current layout and just want a new look and finish.
• You want the job done in days, not the 6-10 week lead time typical of custom cabinet orders.

When replacement makes more sense

• You're changing the kitchen layout, adding cabinets, or need different storage configurations.
• The boxes have water damage, warping, or particleboard that's swelled and can't be repaired.
• You're doing a full gut renovation anyway and cabinets are part of a larger scope.

A middle path: refinish now, replace later

We see plenty of homeowners refinish now to get years of use out of solid cabinets, then plan a full remodel down the road when it fits the budget. It's not a permanent decision; it's often the smartest way to stretch a renovation budget over time.

P.S. We're happy to be the ones to tell you replacement is the better move when it truly is. Our goal is the right answer, not the bigger invoice.