How much does cabinet refacing cost per door and drawer front in Moncton or Fredericton, and how does it compare to full cabinet replacement in terms of cost per linear foot?

Cabinet refacing in Moncton and Fredericton typically costs $150-$300 per door and $100-$200 per drawer front, making it roughly half the cost of full cabinet replacement when your existing cabinet boxes are in good condition.

The total cost for cabinet refacing runs $5,000-$12,000 for an average kitchen, which translates to approximately $200-$400 per linear foot depending on the door style, material choice, and hardware upgrades. This compares favorably to full cabinet replacement, which costs $300-$700 per linear foot for stock to semi-custom cabinets in the Moncton and Fredericton markets.

What's included in cabinet refacing covers new door and drawer fronts, fresh veneer or laminate on visible cabinet box surfaces, new hinges and drawer slides, plus updated hardware like handles and knobs. The existing cabinet boxes remain in place, which is why the savings are substantial. However, refacing only works if your current layout functions well and the cabinet boxes are structurally sound — common issues in New Brunswick's older housing stock include water damage around sinks, sagging shelves, or boxes that are out of square.

Material choices significantly impact pricing in the Maritime market. Thermofoil doors start around $150 per door but can delaminate in New Brunswick's dry winter conditions when forced-air heating drops indoor humidity to 15-25%. Solid wood or MDF with painted finish ($200-$250 per door) handles our climate swings much better. Premium options like solid hardwood or specialty finishes can push door costs to $300+ each.

Full replacement becomes worthwhile when you need layout changes, additional storage, or when existing boxes are damaged. Stock cabinets run $300-$400 per linear foot installed, semi-custom ranges $400-$600, and custom work reaches $600-$700+ per linear foot. The break-even point typically occurs when refacing costs exceed 60-70% of replacement cost, or when you're planning other major changes like moving plumbing or electrical that require accessing the cabinet interiors anyway.

Timing considerations matter in New Brunswick's renovation market. Cabinet refacing projects take 1-2 weeks versus 3-6 weeks for full replacement, and the work can often be scheduled during slower winter months (November through March) when contractors may offer 10-15% discounts. Door manufacturing lead times are typically 3-4 weeks for refacing versus 4-8 weeks for new semi-custom cabinets.

Before committing to refacing, have a contractor assess whether your cabinet boxes can support modern soft-close hinges and full-extension drawer slides — older boxes may need reinforcement. Also consider that refacing doesn't address interior organization, so you'll keep the same shelf configuration and storage limitations.

Need help finding a kitchen renovator to evaluate whether refacing or replacement makes sense for your project? New Brunswick Kitchens can match you with experienced contractors who specialize in both options.