What pros need to know about the cost, time, and ROI of cabinet refacing vs. full replacement
As more homeowners seek kitchen upgrades, not everyone is ready for a complete overhaul. Cabinet refacing provides a faster, cost-effective alternative that transforms kitchens without the disruption of a full remodel.
If you work in home renovations or construction, it helps to know when refacing is the better option. In this article, we’ll walk through how refacing compares to full replacement, how costs vary by region, and how Eagle Woodworking helps pros save time while keeping quality high. We’ll also explore how outsourcing cabinetry can streamline workflows and help meet rising demand.
More homeowners are asking for faster, budget-friendly kitchen upgrades. Contractors need to know when refacing makes more sense than a full replacement.
Cabinet refacing gives kitchens a new look without the full tear-out. Instead of tearing out cabinets, contractors can reface them by adding new doors, drawer fronts, hardware, and panels over the existing boxes. The layout stays the same, and the installation takes under a week to complete.
For homeowners who like their kitchen layout but want a new look, refacing is a great option. It’s faster, less messy, and more affordable than a full remodel. With quality parts, it can still look high-end and hold up over time.
Cabinet replacement involves removing the entire cabinet structure and installing new boxes, fronts, and hardware. It’s often the right call for major remodels or layout changes, but it comes with longer timelines, higher costs, and added coordination with plumbing, electrical, and flooring.
Replacement gives more design options, especially if you’re changing the layout. But in many mid-range remodels, that much work isn’t needed. Refacing can give the kitchen a new look with less time, lower costs, and fewer trades involved. It’s a smart option when the layout works and the cabinet boxes are still solid.
Homeowners today care more about ROI. The 2024 Cost vs. Value Report shows mid-range kitchen remodels only recoup about 49.5% of their cost. That’s making a lot of contractors and homeowners alike think twice about full tear-outs. Refacing gives you a solid middle-ground. It delivers a high-end look without the high price or long delays.
This is where Eagle Woodworking shines. We deliver custom dovetail drawers and cabinet doors fast. Our parts show up ready to install and built to last. That means contractors can finish jobs quicker without giving up quality. It's an easy way to keep projects moving and clients happy.
Remodeling budgets and ROI vary widely by region, and cabinet replacement is no exception. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, the national average cost for a mid-range major kitchen remodel is nearly $80,000, but typically returns less than 50% of that cost at resale.
For example:
These numbers highlight a key issue: homeowners want the look of a remodel without the cost or delay of a full tear-out. That’s where cabinet refacing offers real value. With a significantly lower material and labor cost, refacing helps contractors offer a premium upgrade while protecting client budgets and project margins. It’s a win-win for you and your customers.
One of the most significant advantages of cabinet refacing is speed. While a full cabinet replacement can stretch up to 12 to 16 weeks, including demolition, plumbing, electrical, and new installation. Refacing typically takes 2-4 weeks for the full process, with just 3 to 5 days for the installation. For contractors, that means quicker turnarounds, less disruption to the household, and happier clients.
It also means better scheduling. With shorter lead times and precision-built components, Eagle Woodworking helps tradespeople hit their timelines without sacrificing quality. Whether you're tackling a full kitchen or just updating worn cabinets, having doors and drawers that arrive ready to install can keep projects on track and minimize jobsite delays.
Cabinet trends change by region. In the Northeast, especially in older urban homes, about 65% of homeowners prefer refacing. Tight layouts and faster timelines make it a smart choice. In the South, especially in the suburbs, full replacement is more popular, with about 70% of homeowners choosing that route when doing a larger remodel according to a Google Trends data analysis.*
Search data shows interest is growing across the board. Over the past year, places like D.C., New Jersey, and Colorado had the most searches for cabinet and kitchen remodeling. States like Minnesota and Ohio also ranked high, showing strong demand in the Midwest.
Eagle Woodworking helps pros keep up with demand without cutting corners. Our wood cabinet doors and drawers are precision-made and built to fit. They show up ready to install, so you can move fast and still deliver incredible work.
Full cabinet replacement can take 12-16 weeks. With Eagle’s custom parts, most refacing jobs can complete the entire installation in just 3 to 5 days. That kind of speed, paired with 45 years of trusted craftsmanship, helps contractors reduce jobsite time, stick to the schedule, and keep clients satisfied.
For homeowners who want a fresh kitchen without tearing everything out, refacing is a solid option. It costs less, takes less time, and gives the space a whole new look — often in under a week.
Contractors who work with Eagle get a real edge. Our fast turnarounds and reliable components help you finish projects quicker, keep the quality high, and protect your bottom line in a busy market.
*Google Trends Data Analysis (March 2024-2025) Methodology: This study analyzes search interest in various kitchen renovation and upgrade trends across the United States. The data was collected using Google Trends, focusing on five key search terms: DIY Kitchen, Kitchen Refacing, Cabinet Refacing, Kitchen Upgrade, and Kitchen Remodel. The analysis was conducted on a state-by-state basis to identify regional variations in consumer interest. The data was collected over the past 12 months (March 2024-March 2025) to identify which state shows the highest search activity for those keywords overall.
For each state, the search interest scores for all five keywords were summed and then divided by five to calculate an average interest score for all things kitchen makeovers. Based on search trends, the state with the highest average score was determined to be the most obsessed with kitchen makeovers.