A lot of our customers can get confused about cabinet refacing vs refinishing because, on the surface, the names of each project are somewhat misleading. 

So, we’re writing this article to give you a better understanding of what they both entail and why you might want to do one or the other. 

Most importantly of all, we’ll be explaining how you might want to run your cost-benefit analysis to determine which one is right for you. 

They don’t cost the same amount, but they do both cost money, so you’ll want to have that information. 

What’s The Difference Between Cabinet Refacing vs Refinishing?

This is really the first question to ask, and the answer may be different from what you’d assume. 

Refacing is the one that you might expect to be less involved and more superficial since it’s just dealing with the “face” of your cabinets, right? 

Well, no. 

Refacing is essentially a total overhaul of your cabinets inside and out. 

The doors are also coming off, as well as any connected countertops or sink basins, and you’re getting all new hinges, handles, and so on. 

It’s all getting removed and replaced…

Or maybe not. 

That depends on what you want. 

But at a minimum, you’re getting new doors. 

Of the two, refacing is the one that will make the most difference in your home’s appearance and resale value. 

(More on that later.)

What About Refinishing?

Cabinet refinishing is also commonly referred to as “resurfacing,” and that’s actually more or less what it sounds like. 

In this kind of project, you’re more concerned with the outwardly visible surface of your cabinets. 

To put it another way, you’re working on the outside part of your cabinets and not so much on the inside. 

In many, if not most, cases, this is being done to prepare your cabinets for repainting. 

For this reason, it will typically involve sanding, staining, and other forms of preparation. 

Cost

The cost of cabinet refacing vs refinishing is going to depend on where you live and how much work is being done. 

If you live in an expensive zip code on the West Coast, you’re probably going to pay more than you would if you lived in the middle of Nebraska. 

Likewise, if Person A has twice as much cabinet as Person B, then Person A is probably going to pay more. 

So, account for the average prices of labor and materials in your area and then measure all your cabinets to see how many square feet will be getting worked on. 

And to be on the safe side, it’s always good to budget for at least a little more than you think you’ll really need. 

That helps insulate you from any mistakes, accidents, or unexpectedly high material prices. 

How Long Will It Last?

This is another of the most important questions that we feel people don’t ask often enough. 

As with any other home improvement project, you are, on some level, doing this as an investment. 

And like any other investment, you want it to increase in value over time. 

Unlike stocks and bonds, though, you will presumably be using your cabinets on a regular basis, and a certain amount of wear and tear is to be expected from that. 

But you definitely want them to last as possible. 

For that reason, consider that every component of your cabinets will need to be replaced at some point due to age and use. 

Then, ask yourself how many of those components are being replaced in cabinet refacing vs refinishing. 

The one that involves replacing more is probably going to be the one that causes your cabinets to last longer overall, as long as the materials and labor are of good quality.

Why Am I Doing This To Myself?

That’s a good question. 

Why aren’t you hiring professionals to do it for you so that you can spend your precious time on other things and rest assured that the job will be done correctly? 

Oh, you mean why do any of it? 

Well, there are many reasons, from replacing old and damaged cabinets to bumping up your home’s value in anticipation of selling it. 

Nobody wants creaky, flaky, uneven cabinets, whether they’re planning on selling or not. 

If nothing else, you’ll be able to enjoy your home a lot more and have everything right where you want it. 

And if someone were looking to buy your house, that’s what they’d want too, which is why you can negotiate a higher sale price. 

Related, But Not The Same

The main thing to remember with cabinet refacing vs refinishing is that refacing is the more extensive and comprehensive of the two. 

That means it will usually take more time and cost more money. 

However, it also means that refacing will generally make a much more noticeable difference in the look and function of your cabinets as well as the overall resale value of your home. 

Refinishing (or “resurfacing”) is more cosmetic, dealing only with the outside of your cabinets. 

Refacing is more of an investment in the future where you also get new hinges and other components in addition to changing the surface-level appearance of your cabinets. 

And if you really want to make a difference, you can just do them both at the same time.