Cabinet Updates
Cabinet Refacing in Scottsdale, Arizona
Cabinet refacing delivers a dramatic kitchen transformation at a fraction of the cost of full replacement. By replacing doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while applying fresh veneers to existing cabinet boxes, refacing gives your kitchen a completely new look in just a few days.
How Cabinet Refacing Works
Cabinet refacing is a targeted renovation approach that focuses on the visible surfaces of your cabinetry — the parts you see and interact with every day — while leaving the structural framework in place. The process begins with removing all existing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. The exposed cabinet box exteriors are then covered with a new veneer or rigid thermofoil material that matches the new door style and finish. New doors and drawer fronts are installed, followed by new hardware. The result is a kitchen that looks completely new.
For Scottsdale homeowners whose kitchens have solid, well-constructed cabinet boxes but dated door styles or finishes, refacing offers an excellent balance of transformation and value. Many kitchens built in the 1990s and early 2000s — common in McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch, and South Scottsdale — have structurally sound cabinet boxes that simply need updated aesthetics.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Cabinet Replacement: Making the Right Choice
The decision between refacing and replacement comes down to the condition of your existing cabinet boxes and whether your kitchen layout meets your needs. Refacing is the right choice when the boxes are structurally sound, the layout works, and you want to update the appearance without the cost and disruption of full replacement. Replacement is the better choice when boxes are damaged, the layout needs to change, or you want to significantly increase storage capacity.
During your free consultation, we assess your existing cabinetry honestly and help you understand which approach will deliver the best result for your specific situation. We do not recommend refacing when replacement would serve you better — and we do not recommend replacement when refacing will achieve your goals at lower cost.
Door Style and Finish Options for Cabinet Refacing
One of the most exciting aspects of cabinet refacing is the ability to completely change the door style. If your kitchen currently has raised panel oak doors — a common feature in 1990s Scottsdale homes — refacing can replace them with clean Shaker-style doors in a painted white or greige finish, creating a kitchen that looks decades newer. The range of available door styles, materials, and finishes for refacing is comparable to what is available for new cabinetry.
Popular refacing choices in Scottsdale include white Shaker doors for a transitional look, flat-panel doors for contemporary kitchens, and warm wood-tone doors for kitchens that blend natural materials with modern design. Hardware selection — pulls, knobs, and hinges — completes the transformation and can dramatically influence the overall aesthetic.
Cabinet Refacing FAQs
What is cabinet refacing?
Cabinet refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while applying a new veneer or laminate to the visible surfaces of the existing cabinet boxes. The result is a kitchen that looks completely new while retaining the original cabinet framework.
How much does cabinet refacing cost compared to replacement?
Cabinet refacing typically costs 40–60% less than full cabinet replacement. For an average Scottsdale kitchen, refacing might range from $5,000 to $15,000 compared to $15,000 to $40,000 or more for full replacement. The exact savings depend on kitchen size and material selections.
How long does cabinet refacing take?
Most cabinet refacing projects are completed in 3–5 days, significantly faster than full cabinet replacement. This means minimal disruption to your kitchen and daily routine.
Is my kitchen a good candidate for refacing?
Refacing works best when your cabinet boxes are structurally sound, the kitchen layout meets your needs, and you are satisfied with the existing storage configuration. If boxes are water-damaged, warped, or the layout needs to change, replacement is the better option.
Can I change the door style when refacing?
Yes. One of the primary benefits of refacing is the ability to completely change the door style — from raised panel to Shaker, from oak to painted white — while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. This allows a dramatic aesthetic transformation without full replacement.
What materials are used for cabinet refacing?
Cabinet door and drawer fronts can be made from the same materials as new cabinets — wood, MDF, thermofoil, or laminate. The cabinet box exteriors are covered with a matching veneer or rigid thermofoil that creates a seamless, unified appearance.
Can I add new cabinets during a refacing project?
Yes. It is common to add a new cabinet or two — a pantry unit, a base cabinet, or an island — during a refacing project. New cabinets can be finished to match the refaced cabinetry for a cohesive result.
Related Cabinet Services
Cabinet Replacement
Full cabinet replacement for complete transformations.
Cabinet Painting
Fresh painted finish for existing cabinets.
Cabinet Refinishing
Restore or update stained wood finishes.
Kitchen Cabinets
Complete kitchen cabinet design and installation.
Cabinet Hardware Installation
Update pulls, knobs, and hinges.
Kitchen Remodeling
Full kitchen remodeling services in Scottsdale.
Is Cabinet Refacing Right for Your Kitchen?
Schedule a free consultation and we will assess your cabinets and help you choose the best path to your dream kitchen.