Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs. Full Replacement in Vermont: What Actually Makes Sense?

If you are staring at your kitchen right now, wishing your cabinets looked different, you are probably weighing two options: Do you rip them all out and start fresh, or do you try to save money by just replacing the doors?

Over the last 50 years doing custom woodworking and general contracting here in Vermont, I get asked this question all the time. Kitchen cabinet refacing in Vermont has become a huge trend. It sounds like a quick, cheap fix.

But as a master craftsman, I have to give you the honest truth. Before you spend thousands of dollars putting a fresh face on old boxes, here is what you really need to know.

What Exactly is Cabinet Refacing?

When you "reface" your cabinets, you are keeping the original cabinet boxes attached to your walls. A crew comes in, removes the old doors and drawer fronts, applies a new veneer (a thin layer of wood or plastic) over the outside of the old boxes, and puts on brand-new doors.

It makes the outside look new, but the "bones" of your kitchen remain exactly the same.

The Big Problem with Refacing

Refacing only makes sense if two things are absolutely true:

1. Your current cabinet boxes are made of high-quality, solid plywood or hardwood.
2. You absolutely love the current layout of your kitchen.

The reality? Most homes I walk into for a kitchen renovation in Chittenden County have cabinets built in the 1980s or 90s out of cheap particleboard. Over the years, that particleboard absorbs moisture, sags, and weakens.

Refacing a cheap particleboard is like putting a brand-new paint job on a car with a blown engine. It looks pretty for a year, but the foundation is still falling apart.

Why Full Replacement (With Custom Woodworking) Wins

If you hate the way your kitchen functions, if the corners are cramped, the counters are too low, or you don't have enough storage, refacing won't fix your problem.

When we do a full replacement, we take the room down to the bare walls. Because I am a custom woodworker, we don't just order standard boxes from a factory. We build handcrafted cabinetry specifically for your space.

• We fix the layout: We can add a custom island, build a hidden pantry, or make the cabinets reach all the way to the ceiling.
• No wasted space: Older Vermont homes have quirky, uneven walls. Custom cabinets fit those walls perfectly, with no awkward gaps or filler strips.
• Built to last: We use traditional joinery and solid materials that will outlast any peel-and-stick veneer.

Let’s Look at Your Cabinets

I am never going to tell you to spend money you don't need to. If your existing cabinet boxes are historic, solid, and worth saving, I will be the first one to tell you.

But if you are ready for a kitchen that actually works for your real life, let’s talk. I offer free, open-book, itemized estimates. I will come out, look at the "bones" of your kitchen, and give you honest advice on what makes the most sense for your home.

Give me a call directly at (802) 585-9112 or send me a message through the website.

A Few Quick Questions I Hear About Cabinets (FAQs)

Is refacing actually that much cheaper than replacing?

It is cheaper, but not as much as people think. Quality refacing with real wood veneer and good hardware can actually cost 60% to 70% of what a full replacement costs. When you are spending that much money, it often makes more financial sense to invest a little more to get brand-new, high-quality cabinets and a better layout.

Can I just paint my old cabinets instead?

Painting is a great budget-friendly option if your cabinets are structurally sound! Just keep in mind that painting oak or heavily grained wood won't hide the texture, and a DIY paint job in a high-traffic kitchen tends to chip quickly. If you want a flawless finish, it requires professional sanding, priming, and spraying.

How long does it take to install brand-new custom cabinets?

Because I build your custom cabinets in my own wood-shop, your kitchen stays intact while I work. We only tear out your old cabinets when the new ones are completely finished and ready to be installed. This means you are without a kitchen for a much shorter amount of time compared to waiting for factory cabinets to be shipped.

What kind of wood do you use for new cabinets?

Whatever fits your style and budget! We build with everything from classic cherry and maple to painted finishes. I will sit down with you, look at samples, and help you choose a material that is durable and beautiful for your specific home.