The Total Overhaul or the Efficient Update?
Full custom cabinetry replaces everything — boxes, doors, hardware, layout. Refacing keeps your existing boxes and replaces doors and drawer fronts. Both have a place; this guide helps you choose.
The short version
- Custom: new layout, better boxes, 25-30 year lifespan
- Refacing: lower cost, faster, keeps current layout
Not sure which fits your Naperville home? Ask a vetted pro — free consultation.
The 5-year rule
A simple rule of thumb: if you're staying 5+ years and your boxes are sound, custom wins on cost-per-year. If you may move sooner, refacing protects your budget — new doors and drawer fronts for exactly half the fabrication cost, installed in 3-5 days. Either way, verify all-plywood boxes and dovetail drawers before you commit.
The 50% rule
Refacing runs exactly 50% of a full custom build's fabrication cost — new solid-wood doors and drawer fronts on your existing boxes. In Naperville terms: against a 12,000-35,000 custom kitchen, refacing typically lands at 6,000-17,000, installed in 3-5 days instead of 4-8 weeks. Same look from the doorway, half the budget.
The box-condition test (5 checks)
Refacing is only as good as what's underneath. Run these five checks before choosing it: (1) any water damage or swelling near sinks and appliances? (2) any sagging shelves? (3) drawers still glide and close straight? (4) boxes square — doors and drawers align? (5) hinges and glides in decent shape? A fail on 1-2 means repair first; a fail on 3-4 means the boxes are telling you to build new.
The 5-year rule
Staying 5+ years with sound boxes? Custom wins on cost-per-year — 25-30 years of service against the 8-10 a budget build gives you. Planning to move sooner? Refacing protects your budget and the next owner sees new doors, not old boxes.
What refacing includes
- New solid-wood doors and drawer fronts, built to your exact openings
- Soft-close hinges and under-mount glides
- New hardware and matching finish
- Optional countertop and backsplash refresh
The diagnostic
Not sure which path fits? A vetted Naperville pro inspects your boxes and quotes both paths — same kitchen, two honest numbers, you decide. That's the whole point of comparing like for like.
