If you’ve started looking into kitchen cabinet updates, you’ve probably been quoted numbers that made you pause. Full cabinet replacement in the St. Louis area can run anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 or more. Cabinet refacing delivers the same visual result at a fraction of that cost. Here’s why the difference exists, and how to think about which option makes sense for your home.
What You’re Actually Paying for With Full Replacement
When you replace cabinets entirely, you’re paying for removal and disposal of existing cabinets, new cabinet boxes, new doors and drawer fronts, and extended installation labor. Here’s what most contractors won’t tell you: the cabinet boxes themselves — the part you never actually see — are almost always in perfectly good structural condition. You’re paying to replace them anyway, simply because they’re attached to the parts that do need replacing.
What Refacing Costs — and Why
Cabinet refacing keeps the existing boxes in place and replaces only what needs to be replaced: the doors, the drawer fronts, and the visible veneer on the cabinet face frames. Because you’re not paying for new boxes, not paying for demo, and not paying for an extended installation project, the cost comes down significantly. The result to anyone looking at the finished kitchen is identical.
When Replacement Actually Makes Sense
To be straightforward: there are situations where full replacement is the right call — if the existing boxes are structurally compromised, or if you want to completely change the layout of your kitchen. Cabinet Coverup evaluates every kitchen honestly and will tell you if refacing isn’t the right fit. But for the majority of St. Louis kitchens — cabinets that are dated, worn, or simply out of style — refacing is the smarter financial decision.
Get an accurate number for your kitchen: request a free in-home quote from Cabinet Coverup. Call (636) 305-6579.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cabinet refacing cost in St. Louis?
Cabinet refacing cost varies based on kitchen size and materials chosen. Cabinet Coverup provides free, no-obligation in-home quotes — the best way to get an accurate number for your specific kitchen.
Is cabinet refacing cheaper than full replacement?
Yes, significantly. Refacing eliminates the cost of new cabinet boxes, demolition, disposal, and extended installation labor. Savings compared to full replacement are often 40-60%.
Does refacing look as good as new cabinets?
Yes. Cabinet Coverup uses solid hardwood doors and real hardwood veneer — the same materials used in new custom cabinets — so the finished result is visually identical to a full replacement.