Kitchen Renovation
Cabinet Refacing vs Replacement in Newark, NJ
During a recent kitchen renovation in Newark, we had to decide between refacing existing cabinets or replacing them entirely — and the cost difference was bigger than expected.
At first glance, refacing looked like the obvious choice. The cabinet boxes seemed solid, and the layout worked. But once we priced everything out, the gap wasn’t as clear as we assumed.
Project snapshot:
Kitchen size: small–medium apartment kitchen
Scope: cabinet refacing + new hardware vs full replacement
Final choice: full cabinet replacement
Total cost: ~$14,600
Cost comparison:
Cabinet refacing + doors + labor: ~$9,800
Full cabinet replacement (mid-range): ~$11,900
Additional electrical & wall patching: ~$2,700
Why replacement made more sense:
Old boxes weren’t perfectly level
Layout tweaks improved storage and workflow
New cabinets allowed better appliance spacing
Local sourcing note:
Cabinets were ordered through a local Newark cabinet supplier, which helped with faster revisions and fewer delays.
Takeaway:
Refacing looks cheaper on paper, but once labor and limitations are factored in, replacement can offer better long-term value.