Cabinet refacing and cabinet replacement are the two most common paths to an updated kitchen in South Florida. Refacing costs 30 to 50% less, but it is not always the right choice. This guide compares both options honestly, covering when refacing makes sense, when it does not, and what to expect from each in a Florida home.
What Is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing replaces the doors, drawer fronts and hardware while keeping the existing cabinet boxes in place. A matching veneer is applied to the visible sides and face frames of the existing boxes so everything looks new. Refacing does not change the internal layout, depth or configuration of your cabinets.
What Is Cabinet Replacement?
Full cabinet replacement removes all existing cabinets down to the bare wall and installs entirely new ones. This allows you to change the layout, add an island, adjust heights, increase depth, add features like pull-out shelves and soft-close hardware, and install any style or configuration you want.
Cost Comparison in South Florida
| Option | Typical Cost in South FL | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet refacing | $6,000 to $18,000 | 3 to 7 days |
| Semi-custom replacement | $18,000 to $40,000 installed | 2 to 5 weeks |
| Custom replacement | $40,000 to $80,000+ installed | 8 to 16 weeks |
When Cabinet Refacing Makes Sense in Florida
- The existing cabinet boxes are in good structural condition (no swelling, rot or mold)
- You are happy with the layout and the size of your kitchen
- You do not need to add storage, change the island configuration or move appliances
- You are preparing for a quick sale and want the kitchen to look updated without a full remodel investment
- Your budget is under $15,000
When Cabinet Refacing Is NOT Right for a Florida Home
- The existing boxes show signs of moisture damage, swelling or delamination (very common in South Florida homes over 20 years old)
- The kitchen has a poor layout that does not function well
- You want soft-close hardware, pull-out shelves or other internal upgrades (these can be added during refacing at extra cost, but only if the existing box dimensions allow it)
- The existing cabinets are particleboard and have been exposed to Florida's humidity for 15+ years (they likely have internal swelling that refacing will not address)
- You want to change the footprint, add an island or borrow space from an adjacent room
Florida's Humidity and Cabinet Materials
This is the most important factor that South Florida homeowners need to consider when deciding between refacing and replacement. Particleboard cabinet boxes, which are standard in many builder-grade kitchens from the 1990s and 2000s, absorb moisture over time in Florida's humid climate. The result is swelling at the base of the cabinet near the toekick, delaminating shelf boards and compromised structural integrity. Refacing a cabinet box with these issues gives it a new face but does not fix the underlying damage. B8 Home always assesses the condition of existing cabinet boxes before recommending refacing.
The Quality Upgrade Argument for Replacement
Semi-custom cabinets available today offer features that simply do not exist in most builder-grade 1990s kitchens: full-extension soft-close drawers, pull-out trash and recycling, corner carousel systems, deep pot drawers, roll-out shelves and custom organizational inserts. If you are living in your kitchen daily, these functional upgrades are often worth the extra cost of full replacement over refacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Florida kitchen cabinets are worth refacing?
Check the base of the lower cabinets and the inside of the lower cabinet boxes near the floor. If you see swelling, soft spots or delamination, the particleboard has absorbed moisture and refacing is not advisable. If the boxes are solid and structurally sound, refacing is a viable option.
Can refaced cabinets look as good as new cabinets?
Yes, if the existing boxes are in good condition and you choose quality door styles and veneer. Refacing done professionally is difficult to distinguish from new cabinets from the front. The difference is visible inside the cabinet, where the existing box interior remains.
Does B8 Home do cabinet refacing in South Florida?
Yes. B8 Home offers cabinet refacing as part of kitchen refresh projects in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. We assess your existing cabinet condition and give you an honest recommendation on whether refacing or replacement is the better investment for your specific situation.