Refacing Kitchen Cabinets: What Could Go Wrong?

Refacing kitchen remodeling can seem a great option, as it involves less mess, takes less time, and is more budget-friendly than a complete kitchen remodel.

But at KBA Kitchen and Bath Design and Build, we are a kitchen remodeling company with 11+ years of experience, and we are here to tell you the truth.

We can tell you it’s not always as straightforward or great as it sounds. There are some problems that most homeowners aren’t aware of until it’s too late.

Let’s dive into the common issues with cabinet refacing and why it might not be the magical fix you’ve hoped for.

The Hidden Structural Issues

1. Refacing Only Covers The Surface: It Might Look Good, But It Won’t Last Long.

If your cabinets are old, there’s a good chance that the frame, hinges, and interior shelving might already be deteriorating. Refacing adds a shiny new veneer or laminate to the outside, but it does nothing for the structural integrity of your cabinets.

Imagine putting a fresh coat of paint on a car with a failing engine—it might look good, but it won’t last long.

Here’s what you could run into:

Weak or sagging shelves that won’t hold up with the new finish.
Loose or creaky hinges become even more problematic with the added weight of new door fronts.
Water damage or rot hidden underneath the surface that the refacing won’t address.

2. Refacing limits your options.

When you decide to reface, you’re stuck with your kitchen cabinets’ layout and design. That means no adjusting the size or shape of the cabinets, no new storage solutions, and no changes to accommodate new appliances.

Typical issues here include:

Awkward corners that you can’t change.
Limited color options if you choose laminate or veneer (wood choices can be a bit better but come with a higher cost).
Outdated cabinet styles that are simply covered up rather than modernized.

In other words, if your kitchen layout isn’t functional or stylish now, refacing won’t magically solve that. It’s like putting lipstick on a pig—it might look better, but the fundamental problems remain.

3. Unexpected Costs Can Add Up Quickly

Refacing is marketed as a budget-friendly option compared to a complete remodel, but that’s not always the reality. The base price might look appealing, but the costs can skyrocket once you add extras like new hardware, hinges, or soft-close features.

Here’s where the budget goes off track:

High-quality veneers or laminates can cost almost as much as new solid wood cabinets.
Labor costs for precise installation—if the veneer isn’t applied perfectly, it bubbles, peels, or looks uneven.
Hidden repairs that pop up once the old cabinet fronts are removed. Damaged frames or mold are not included in your refacing quote.

In many cases, I’ve seen homeowners spend just as much refacing their cabinets as they would have on a complete replacement. So much for saving money, right?

4. Refaced Cabinets Might not Hold Up Over Time

Veneers and laminates are much thinner than solid wood or engineered wood surfaces. Over time, they can start peeling, bubbling, or chipping—especially in high-traffic areas of the kitchen. If you’ve kids, pets, or a bustling household, that thin veneer won’t stand the test of time.

Watch out for these signs of wear and tear:

Peeling edges around the cabinet doors.
Bubbling and warping from steam and heat exposure (think about how often you boil water or bake in your kitchen).
Scuff marks and scratches that are impossible to buff out.

Once the veneer starts to wear, it’s tough to repair without replacing the entire door—so much for that long-lasting, budget-friendly update.

When Refacing Might Actually Be a Good Idea

I don’t want to paint refacing as a complete disaster—it has its place. If your cabinets are in good structural shape and you’re happy with the layout, it can be a quick facelift for a tired kitchen.

But be aware of the risks, and don’t let anyone convince you it’s the only budget-friendly option.

Ready to Make the Right Choice for Your Kitchen?

Determining whether to reface or replace kitchen cabinets can be pretty challenging. Considering the 4 pitfalls mentioned above, you can make a wiser decision.

If you’re unsure whether refacing suits your home, contact KBA Kitchen and Bath Design and Build; we can help you weigh your options. Hiring us to do the job can save you a lot of money and frustration.

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