Is it cheaper to reface or replace kitchen cabinets in New Brunswick?

Refacing kitchen cabinets costs $5,000 to $12,000 in New Brunswick, compared to $10,000 to $25,000+ for full replacement — making refacing roughly 40-60% cheaper in most cases. However, the right choice depends on the condition of your existing cabinet boxes, whether your current layout works for you, and how long you plan to stay in the home.

Cabinet refacing involves keeping your existing cabinet boxes in place and replacing only the doors, drawer fronts, and visible end panels, then applying a new veneer or laminate to the face frames. Hardware is replaced, and you get an entirely new look without the cost and mess of a full tear-out. Refacing works beautifully when your cabinet boxes are still structurally sound — solid plywood or hardwood boxes from the 1980s and 1990s are often in excellent shape even if the doors look dated. Many NB homes from this era have cabinets that were overbuilt by today's standards.

Refacing does have limitations. You can't change your kitchen layout — the cabinets stay exactly where they are. You can't add soft-close hinges to old-style face-frame cabinets without modification. And if your existing boxes are particle board that's swollen from moisture (common under sinks in NB's humid climate), refacing won't fix the underlying problem. If more than two or three boxes have water damage, full replacement becomes the more practical option.

Full replacement means tearing out everything and installing new cabinets. Stock cabinets from big box stores run $5,000 to $10,000, semi-custom $10,000 to $18,000, and custom built by a local NB shop $18,000 to $25,000+. The advantage is a completely fresh start — new layout options, modern features like soft-close drawers, pull-out shelving, and better use of corner spaces. If you've always wanted to move from a galley kitchen to an L-shape with an island, replacement is your only option.

Making the Decision

Choose refacing if your layout works well, cabinet boxes are solid, and you want a dramatic visual update on a budget. Refacing takes 3 to 5 days compared to 2 to 4 weeks for full replacement, meaning far less disruption to your daily life. Choose replacement if boxes are damaged, you need a layout change, you want modern cabinet features, or you're doing a comprehensive renovation that includes moving plumbing and electrical.

One NB-specific consideration: if you're refacing, choose your new door material carefully. Solid wood or painted MDF doors handle New Brunswick's extreme humidity swings far better than thermofoil. The dry winter air from forced heating (indoor humidity drops to 15-25%) causes thermofoil to peel and delaminate within 5 to 10 years — a frustrating outcome on a $5,000 to $12,000 investment.

Whichever route you choose, get at least three quotes from local contractors. Pricing varies significantly across New Brunswick. New Brunswick Kitchens can match you with kitchen renovation professionals for free estimates.

---

Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Thirty Four Renovations
• Gionetterenovations