This is one of the most common questions we get from San Jose homeowners planning a kitchen update: should you reface your existing cabinets, or replace them entirely? The honest answer depends on the condition of your cabinet boxes and whether you want to change your kitchen’s layout — but the cost and timeline gap between the two options is large enough that it’s worth understanding clearly before you decide.

What Each Option Actually Involves

Cabinet refacing keeps your existing cabinet boxes in place and replaces only the visible surfaces: new doors, new drawer fronts, matching veneer on any exposed sides, and new hardware. The structural framework of your kitchen doesn’t change.

Full cabinet replacement removes your existing cabinets entirely and installs new boxes, which opens the door to changing your layout, cabinet configuration, and storage design from scratch.

Cost Comparison

	Cabinet Refacing	Full Replacement
Typical cost (full kitchen)	✓ $6,500–$12,000	$15,000–$30,000+
Cost per linear foot	✓ $180–$310	$310–$690
Typical timeline	✓ 3–5 business days	6–10+ weeks
Savings vs. replacement	✓ 40–60% less	—

Refacing is dramatically cheaper largely because the labor-intensive parts of a cabinet project — building new boxes, running plumbing and electrical around a new configuration, structural adjustments — simply aren’t part of the job when the boxes stay in place.

When Refacing Is the Right Call

Refacing works well when your cabinet boxes are square, solid, and well-positioned for how you use the kitchen, but the finish is dated or damaged. If you’re happy with your storage layout and just want the kitchen to look current, refacing gets you most of the visual transformation of new cabinetry at a fraction of the cost and disruption.

When Full Replacement Is Worth It

If your cabinet boxes have water damage, particleboard swelling, or structural issues, refacing only masks the problem rather than solving it. Full replacement is also the right call if you want to change your kitchen’s layout — a different configuration, more storage, or a new island — since refacing can’t alter the underlying footprint.

A Quick Way to Decide

Open a lower cabinet and check the interior. If the boxes are solid, square and free of water damage, and you like your current layout, refacing is very likely your best option. If you’re unsure, this is exactly what a design consultation is for — we’ll give you an honest assessment either way.

Related Reading

Kitchen Remodel Cost in San Jose: 2026 Guide · Cabinet Refacing & Refinishing Service