Refinish or replace
Nine things to weigh before you decide
We sell refinishing, so read this with that in mind. The rows where replacing wins are marked, and we'll say so at your walkthrough too.
| What matters | Replace | Refinish |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ReplaceNew boxes, counters and installation, priced for the whole kitchen. | RefinishBetter: Priced by how many doors you have, and written after a walkthrough. |
| The kitchen out of use | ReplaceWeeks, with demolition, counters, plumbing and electrical. | RefinishBetter: Doors are away about a week. Boxes are finished in place, so most days you keep a sink and a refrigerator. |
| Changing the layout | ReplaceBetter: Move the sink, the island, a wall or the appliances. | RefinishNone. We finish what's there, and a bigger change means a different job. |
| Damaged or swollen boxes | ReplaceBetter: New boxes throughout, with no old damage behind the doors. | RefinishWe fill dings and small chips. Water-swollen or broken boxes need replacing, and we'll say so. |
| Storage and function | ReplaceBetter: New drawers, pull-outs, deeper uppers and a layout drawn for how you cook. | RefinishThe doors, drawers and shelves you have now; hinges and pulls can be updated. |
| How the finish wears | ReplaceA factory finish, which also chips at edges and hinges over time. | RefinishHard-wearing, with edges, hinges and the dishwasher side the places any painted cabinet wears first. |
| Color | ReplaceThe maker's range, or a custom color at a cost. | RefinishBetter: Any color, including dark to light, which takes more prep and coats. |
| What goes to the landfill | ReplaceThe old kitchen, usually all of it. | RefinishBetter: Sound cabinets stay in use. |
| Time to decide | ReplaceDesign, orders and lead times before anything starts. | RefinishBetter: A walkthrough and a written scope. |
When replacing is the better call
Four reasons we'd send you to a cabinet maker
Water-damaged boxes
Swollen particleboard under a sink or beside a dishwasher won't hold a screw or a finish.
A new layout
Moving the sink, adding an island or opening a wall can't be done with paint.
Failing thermofoil
Peeling or bubbling vinyl-wrapped doors take paint badly. New doors are the honest fix.
Boxes that sag or don't fit
If you're fighting drawers that don't close, a finish won't cure it.
When refinishing is the better call
Three reasons it often is
The boxes are sound
Solid wood or good plywood with a layout you like is worth keeping.
You want it done in days, not weeks
Doors are away about a week and the rest happens in your kitchen.
The budget is better spent elsewhere
Counters, flooring or lighting may do more for your kitchen than new boxes.
Get a straight answer for your kitchen
A walkthrough ends with a recommendation, even when it isn't us.