Replace, reface or repaint?
| Option | What changes | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Repaint | Color only | Boxes and doors are solid and the style still suits you. |
| Reface | New doors, drawer fronts and veneer on existing boxes | Layout works and boxes are sound, but the style is dated. |
| Replace | New boxes, doors, hardware and often new layout | Storage does not work, boxes are damaged, or the layout is changing. |
Refacing keeps existing box sizes, so it cannot fix storage that does not work. If you are frustrated by deep corners, shallow drawers or missing pantry space, replacement is usually the better route.
Storage that makes daily life easier
- Deep drawers for pots and dishes instead of lower doors with shelves.
- Pull-out pantry or tall pantry cabinets with roll-outs.
- Corner solutions instead of blind corners.
- Tray dividers, spice pull-outs and trash and recycling pull-outs.
- Appliance garages to hide toasters and coffee makers.
- Cabinets to the ceiling to remove dust-collecting soffit space.
Construction and finishes
Boxes
Plywood and good-quality particleboard can both perform well. What matters more is a sealed finish around the sink base, full-extension drawer slides and solid hinges.
Door styles
Slab doors suit contemporary desert homes. Shaker-style doors fit many eras. Inset doors are a premium, furniture-like detail common in luxury kitchens.
Finishes for strong light and dry air
Very dry air can cause solid-wood parts to move slightly with the seasons. Painted finishes may show hairline joints at frame corners over time. Strong sun through windows can fade some finishes. Ask about UV resistance for cabinets near windows.
Planning the layout
New cabinets are the moment to fix workflow: where you prep, where dishes live relative to the dishwasher, and where the trash pull-out sits. Our kitchen planning guide covers layout, cabinets, countertops and finishes in more detail.
Related work
New cabinets usually mean new countertops, because counters rarely survive removal. If you are also reworking the island, see kitchen island remodeling. For a full renovation, go to kitchen remodeling.
