“The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also the first place that starts to look tired.”
A recent survey revealed that over 70% of homeowners in Melbourne plan a kitchen renovation within five years, and the most common trigger? Worn-out cabinets. The next big question is simple but very important: Should you reface or replace your kitchen cabinets?
At first glance, it looks like both options will give you a new, updated look. But if you look more closely, you’ll see that the costs, durability, and long-term value are very different.
As professional cabinet makers in Melbourne, we have seen many homeowners go through this same problem. So let’s break down what cabinet refacing and cabinet replacement really mean, how much they cost and what they do, and most importantly, which one saves you more money (and stress) in the long run.
What Is Cabinet Refacing and When Does It Make Sense?
Refacing your cabinets is like giving your kitchen cabinets a new look. Your cabinet maker doesn’t tear down your whole cabinet; instead, they only replace the parts that are easy to see, like the doors, drawer fronts, and handles. The cabinet boxes stay the same.
The cabinet frames are covered with a new veneer or laminate finish during the process. This gives your kitchen a new, modern look without having to tear it down and build it again.
When to Consider Cabinet Refacing:
- The structure of your cabinet boxes is still good.
- You like how your kitchen is set up now, but you want a new look.
- You have a limited budget but want to make the biggest difference.
- You want to avoid major disruption and mess.
Refacing is ideal if you’re happy with your kitchen’s footprint but feel it looks dated. It’s also faster, and most refacing projects in Melbourne take 3 to 5 days, compared to 2–3 weeks for full replacement.
What Is Cabinet Replacement and Why Some Homeowners Prefer It
On the other hand, replacing the cabinets means starting over. The old cabinets are taken out, and new ones are put in their place. People who want to change the layout of their kitchen, add more storage, or fix structural problems often choose this option.
When to Choose Cabinet Replacement:
- The cabinets that are already there are broken, warped, or mouldy.
- You want to redesign your kitchen layout for better functionality.
- Your cabinet boxes are not salvageable.
- You plan to sell your home and want a high-value renovation.
Replacement gives you total creative freedom from custom dimensions and hardware to new finishes and materials. With a skilled cabinet maker in Williamstown or nearby suburbs in Melbourne, homeowners can get completely tailored cabinetry that suits both their aesthetic and lifestyle.
However, with that flexibility comes a bigger investment of time and money.
Cost Comparison: Refacing vs. Replacement in Melbourne
Let’s talk numbers because cost is where most homeowners start (and where the decision often ends).
According to recent renovation cost data:
| Option | Average Cost (Melbourne) | Timeframe | Disruption |
| Cabinet Refacing | $4,000 – $9,000 | 3–5 days | Minimal |
| Cabinet Replacement | $12,000 – $25,000+ | 2–3 weeks | Moderate to High |
Note: These figures can vary depending on your kitchen size, materials, and finishes. A cabinet maker in Melbourne can provide a more accurate quote after inspecting your current cabinetry.
Why Refacing Often Saves More Money (Initially)
Cabinet refacing uses the same cabinet boxes, which saves a lot of time and money on labour and materials. The most expensive parts of building a cabinet are tearing it down, getting rid of it, and building a new carcass.
When Replacement Pays Off (Long-Term)
If your cabinets are old or not very strong, refacing them might only be a short-term solution. In that case, replacing it may be a better deal over time, especially if you plan to live in your home for more than ten years or want to raise its resale value.
Durability and Lifespan: How Long Will Each Option Last?
One question we get a lot is, “How long does cabinet refacing last compared to replacing them?”
- If you take care of them, refaced cabinets can last 10 to 15 years.
- Depending on the materials, new cabinets usually last between 15 and 30 years.
The main reason for this difference is the quality of the cabinet boxes and joinery. Refacing uses the structures that are already there, but replacement gives you a brand-new, factory-strength framework.
Refacing is a smart and long-lasting choice if your cabinet boxes are made of solid wood or high-density plywood. But if they are particleboard and look like they are swelling or sagging, it is better to replace them.
Environmental Impact: Which Is More Sustainable?
Many homeowners in Melbourne, where sustainability is becoming a top design priority, are looking for eco-friendly ways to remodel their homes.
Refacing is better for the environment because it
- Reuses cabinet boxes that are already there, which cuts down on waste going to landfills.
- Uses less raw materials.
- Makes less dust and debris when it’s being put together.
But replacing cabinets can also be good for the environment if you hire a cabinet maker in Melbourne who uses wood from sustainable sources and materials that can be recycled.
Time and Convenience: Refacing Is the Faster Fix
Let’s be honest: not many people want their kitchen to be out of commission for weeks.
Refacing usually only takes a few days, so you can still use your kitchen while the work is going on. On the other hand, replacement can take up to three weeks, especially if it’s part of a bigger kitchen cabinet redesign or whole renovation.
So if time and convenience are top priorities, refacing clearly wins in this category.
Design Flexibility: How Much Can You Really Change?
This is where things get interesting.
Refacing lets you change the look of the surface by adding new colours, modern handles, soft-close hinges, or a new veneer. You can even switch from woodgrain to matte white for a clean, contemporary look.
But if you want to change the cabinet layout, adjust heights, or add smart storage solutions, you’ll need a cabinet replacement.
A professional cabinet maker in Melbourne can also help you look into hybrid solutions, like replacing broken or awkward parts of your cabinets while keeping the rest of them. This method strikes a perfect balance between cost, looks, and durability.
The Hidden Costs to Watch For
Refacing is cheaper at first, but there are hidden costs if:
- The cabinet boxes aren’t strong enough to hold new veneers.
- The existing layout doesn’t meet your storage needs.
- You later decide to get new appliances or benchtops that don’t fit with the old cabinets.
Also, replacement costs can go up if you choose high-end finishes, premium hardware, or soft-close mechanisms. To avoid surprises, it’s best to ask your cabinet maker for a detailed quote.
So… Which Option Truly Saves You More Money?
The answer depends on your situation.
If your cabinets are in good shape and you like the way your kitchen is set up, cabinet refacing in Melbourne is the best way to save money. You’ll get a new look for a lot less money and with very little mess or downtime.
But if your kitchen layout doesn’t work, or your cabinets are deteriorating, cabinet replacement is the smarter investment. You’ll gain longer lifespan, modern functionality, and increased property value in making the extra upfront cost worthwhile.
Final Thoughts: How to Decide What’s Right for You
Here’s a simple rule of thumb we share with every homeowner:
“If the skeleton is strong, just give it new skin. But if the bones are weak, rebuild from the inside out.”
Your kitchen is one of the most valuable spaces in your home, so every dollar you spend should enhance both beauty and function.
Before you make a decision, set up a meeting with a cabinet maker in Melbourne that homeowners trust. A professional can look at the condition of your cabinets and give you a cost comparison. They can also help you decide if refacing or replacing them is the best option for your budget and goals.
Ready to Refresh Your Kitchen Cabinets?
At Fit My House, we specialise in both cabinet refacing and custom cabinet replacement across Melbourne. Whether you want a fast facelift or a full kitchen transformation, our experienced cabinet makers deliver craftsmanship, precision, and value that lasts.
Let’s make your dream kitchen a beautiful, affordable, and built-to-last reality.
