Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement: Cost Comparison

In Quebec, the kitchen is the heart of family life, but it is also one of the rooms where renovations can offer some of the strongest resale returns. According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC), kitchen renovations are among the projects with the greatest potential to recover their cost at resale, with historically estimated returns ranging from 75% to 100%. Actual returns can vary depending on the property, the quality of the work and materials, and the real estate market. With material and labour costs continuing to rise, many homeowners are deciding between refreshing their existing cabinetry and starting over with a full replacement.

Choosing between cabinet refacing and a complete overhaul depends on the condition of your cabinets, your available budget, and how much disruption you are willing to tolerate during the renovation.

Difference Between Cabinet Refacing and Complete Replacement

Source: Ayon Design & Build Corp

To make an informed decision, it is important to understand the technical scope of these two renovation methods.

What Is Kitchen Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing involves keeping the existing cabinet structure—the cabinet boxes—while replacing the visible components. A kitchen specialist removes the old doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, then covers the exposed sides and faces of the cabinet boxes with a matching veneer.

Steps in a cabinet refacing project:

1. Remove the existing doors, fronts, and hinges

2. Inspect, clean, and reinforce the cabinet boxes

3. Apply a bonded veneer to the sides and trim

4. Install new doors, drawers, and handles

5. Optionally install a new countertop and backsplash

This technique can completely change the look of a kitchen, such as moving from traditional honey-oak cabinetry to a modern thermofoil MDF or polymer finish, without removing the cabinet structures anchored to the walls.

What Is a Complete Cabinet Replacement?

A complete cabinet replacement involves removing the existing kitchen cabinetry. The old cabinet boxes are taken out, along with any components that must be removed to complete the replacement, such as the countertop and, depending on the scope of the project, the sink or backsplash.

Steps in a complete cabinet replacement:

1. Disconnect plumbing and electrical components

2. Remove and dispose of the old cabinet boxes

3. Adjust the layout, including walls, outlets, and plumbing lines

4. Assemble and secure the new custom cabinet boxes

5. Install doors, countertops, sinks, and appliances

This approach provides much more flexibility to change the layout, including modifying the kitchen work triangle between the refrigerator, sink, and range, adding a large central island, reconfiguring storage, and integrating built-in appliances.

Cost Comparison: Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement in Quebec

The logistical and financial differences between these two options can be compared using several key criteria:

* The prices listed above are estimates and can vary considerably depending on the number of doors, materials, hardware, region, and contractor selected.

How Much Does Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Cost in Quebec?

Source: KickStart Reno

In Quebec, on average, the cost of a cabinet refacing project ranges from $4,000 to $9,000. The price varies depending on the number of doors required, the size of the kitchen, and the material chosen for the new finish.

Estimated refacing costs by kitchen size:

• Small kitchen (condo or apartment, 10 to 12 doors): $3,500 to $5,000

• Standard detached-home kitchen (bungalow, 15 to 22 doors): $5,500 to $8,500

• Big kitchen or premium materials (25 doors or more): $8,500 to $12,500

The cost of a professional refacing project is generally divided as follows:

• New doors and drawer fronts (45%): The selected material, such as melamine, thermofoil MDF, polymer, or solid wood, represents the largest share of the cost.

• Cabinet-box veneer and trim (25%): Application of matching finish sheets to exposed cabinet structures, end panels, and light valances.

• Hardware and accessories (15%): Replacement of hinges with adjustable soft-close models, new handles, and drawer slides.

• Labour and installation (15%): Detailed measuring, fitting, adjustment, and installation work in the home.

For an estimate tailored to your existing cabinetry, you can request cabinet refacing quotes from local specialists.

How Much Does a Complete Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Cost?

Source: G&H Cabinetry and Woodworks 

A complete cabinet replacement requires a larger investment. In Quebec, the total budget for a new kitchen typically ranges from $12,000 to $30,000 and can exceed $45,000 for high-end projects using premium materials.

Example budget breakdown for a $20,000 kitchen replacement:

• Custom cabinet boxes and doors: $9,000 (45%)

• Countertop purchase and installation (quartz/granite): $4,500 (22.5%)

• Labour, demolition, and assembly: $3,500 (17.5%)

• Plumbing, electrical, and backsplash: $2,000 (10%)

• Contingencies and specialized hardware: $1,000 (5%)

Typical price ranges for a new kitchen can also be grouped by component quality:

• Entry-level ($10,000 to $14,000): Standard melamine cabinet boxes, melamine or laminate doors, formed laminate countertop, and a straight layout without plumbing changes.

• Mid-range ($15,000 to $25,000): Durable cabinet boxes, thermofoil MDF or polymer doors, full-extension soft-close hardware, a central island, and a quartz or granite countertop.

• High-end ($26,000 to $45,000+): Custom cabinetry, solid wood doors in oak, maple, or birch, plywood cabinet boxes, premium quartz countertops, custom integrated storage, and recessed LED lighting.

Before breaking ground, estimate the cost of a complete kitchen replacement to make sure your budget aligns with your design goals.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Your Project

Source: RIGO ébénisterie

Whether you choose refacing or replacement, several technical variables can affect the final amount quoted by your kitchen contractor.

Factors that influence the total cost include:

• Door finish material

• Hardware complexity

• Countertop replacement

• Plumbing and electrical modifications

• Addition of mouldings, ogees, and light valances

1. Choosing Materials for Doors and Finishes

The material selected for your cabinet fronts affects scratch resistance, ease of maintenance, and cost:

• Architectural melamine: Affordable and durable, with finishes that can closely mimic wood grain. Well-suited to lower-budget projects.

• Thermofoil MDF: Provides a smooth, seamless finish and is available in a wide range of matte and satin colours. It can be sensitive to extreme heat, such as directly beside a self-cleaning oven without appropriate heat protection.

• Polymer (suede/satin): Durable and highly resistant to moisture and impact. It offers strong value for money in Quebec.

• Solid wood or wood veneer: Maple, birch, or oak. Timeless and repairable, but more sensitive to humidity fluctuations if indoor humidity levels are not properly controlled during Quebec winters.

2. Hardware and Storage Mechanisms

Modern accessories can improve kitchen functionality but also increase the total project cost.

Typical examples include:

• Soft-close drawer slides: $30 to $60 per drawer

• Adjustable concealed hinges with dampers: $12 to $25 per door

• Corner storage systems such as a Magic Corner or Lazy Susan: $350 to $800 per unit

• Trendy pulls and handles in finishes such as matte black or brushed brass: $8 to $25 each

3. Countertop Condition and Replacement

If your cabinet boxes are still in good condition but your laminate countertop is outdated or worn, the countertop can be replaced at the same time as the refacing. A laminate countertop typically costs $20 to $45 per square foot, while quartz or granite generally ranges from $70 to $150 per square foot, including installation.

For advice on which materials best suit your needs, consider comparing quotes from qualified kitchen contractors.

When Should You Choose Refacing Instead of Replacement?

Source: Intérieurs Griffés s.e.n.c.

Refacing is not suitable for every kitchen. To determine whether your kitchen is a good candidate, inspect the condition of the existing cabinet boxes carefully.

Refacing or replacement decision guide:

• If your cabinet boxes are solid, straight, and free of moisture damage: Refacing

• If your melamine or plywood cabinet boxes are still in good condition: Refacing

• If the existing layout is ergonomic and works well: Refacing

• If you want to move the sink or range: Replacement

• If you want to enlarge the room or remove a wall: Replacement

• If the cabinet boxes are swollen, moisture-damaged, or mouldy: Replacement

To perform a basic cabinet-box inspection, open the cabinets below the kitchen sink and examine the bottom panel and melamine edges:

1. If the material is swollen, crumbling, or shows signs of mould caused by a previous water leak, refacing is generally not recommended because the structure may be compromised.

2. If the wood or melamine is dense, firm, dry, and free of significant damage, the cabinet boxes may be good candidates for refacing.

Regulations and Choosing a Contractor with the Appropriate RBQ Licence

Source: H Man Reno

Kitchen renovations often require coordination between several trades, including cabinetry, electrical, and plumbing. In Quebec, these activities are subject to legal and regulatory requirements designed to protect consumers.

Regulatory and legal considerations for kitchen renovation work include:

Appropriate RBQ Licence

• Depending on the nature of the work, the contractor must hold the applicable RBQ licence subclasses. Manufactured cabinetry and countertop work may fall under subclass 12.0, while plumbing and electrical work must be performed by contractors holding the appropriate specialized licences.

OPC Recommendations for Payments

• Whenever possible, avoid paying a deposit or keep it to a small amount. Payments should generally be tied to project progress, with a final payment of approximately 10% to 15% of the total cost retained until the work is complete.

Municipal Renovation Permit

• A municipal permit may be required depending on the scope of the work, including changes to the layout, partitions, plumbing, or other regulated components. Check your municipality’s requirements before starting the project.

The Office de la protection du consommateur recommends having a detailed written agreement that specifies the nature of the work, selected materials, price, expected dates, and payment terms. Additional requirements may apply depending on the type of contract. Payments should be scheduled according to the progress of the work, for example, with a small initial deposit, a payment when materials are delivered, and the final balance after the completed work has been reviewed.

Also, make sure that the contractors performing the work hold the RBQ licences appropriate to their scope of work. Depending on the project, subclass 12.0 – Manufactured Cabinets and Countertops may be relevant, while plumbing and electrical work must be carried out by contractors holding the appropriate specialized licences.

To plan your project with peace of mind, take the time to find a certified kitchen renovation contractor and bring your vision to life at the best market price.