Kitchen Remodeling Guide 2026
Cabinets eat up 25–35% of a kitchen remodel budget. Here's how to decide between refacing (save thousands) and replacing (start fresh) — from a contractor who's done both.
Cabinet refacing costs $4,000–$10,000 and takes 3–5 days. Full cabinet replacement costs $12,000–$25,000 and takes 2–3 weeks. Refacing saves 50–70% — but only if your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and your layout isn't changing.
If your boxes are water-damaged, warped, or you want to change the kitchen footprint, replacement is the better call. Let's go through every factor.
Cabinet refacing replaces the visible surfaces while leaving the cabinet box structure intact. It includes:
New cabinet doors & drawer fronts
Custom-sized to your existing boxes
Real wood veneer on boxes
Matches new doors perfectly
New hardware & soft-close
Hinges, pulls, drawer slides
| Scope | Refacing | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (10 linear ft) | $4,000 – $6,000 | $12,000 – $16,000 |
| Medium kitchen (15 linear ft) | $6,000 – $8,000 | $16,000 – $20,000 |
| Large kitchen (20+ linear ft) | $8,000 – $10,000 | $20,000 – $25,000+ |
| Timeline | 3–5 days | 2–3 weeks |
| Kitchen usable during work? | Yes (same evening) | No (1–3 weeks) |
Houston's humidity is brutal on cabinets. If your existing boxes show any signs of moisture damage — swollen edges, musty smell, separating joints — do NOT reface them. The veneer will fail within 2–3 years. We've had to fix refacing jobs done by other contractors who ignored Texas climate realities.
For refacing in Houston, insist on: catalyzed conversion varnish finish (not standard lacquer), solid wood or plywood veneer (not thermofoil), and a thorough moisture inspection of all boxes before work begins.
The #1 choice in Montgomery County. Clean lines, timeless appeal. Works in farmhouse, transitional, and modern kitchens. Flat center panel with square frame. Painted white, navy, or sage green are top colors for 2026.
Modern and sleek. Popular in contemporary Texas kitchens. Flat surface with no frame — easy to clean. Works best with wood grain veneers (white oak is huge in 2026) or high-gloss lacquer finishes.
Classic, traditional look. Beveled center panel adds depth and detail. Best for traditional or Mediterranean-style Texas homes. Darker wood stains with this style create a rich, formal feel.
Solid Wood Veneer (¼" thick)
Most durable option. Lasts 20+ years. Resists Houston humidity best. Maple, oak, cherry available. Costs more but worth it.
Rigid Thermofoil (RTF)
PVC-based, seamless look. Easy to clean. 10–15 year lifespan. Caution: Must be heat-resistant grade for Texas. Cheap thermofoil delaminates near ovens and dishwasher vents.
Laminate / Melamine
Cheapest option but least durable. Chips easily, can't be repaired. Shows wear within 5–7 years. We don't recommend this for Houston kitchens.
We'll inspect your cabinet boxes, discuss your goals, and give you an honest recommendation — with a detailed quote for both refacing and replacement so you can make the right call for your home and budget.
Serving Montgomery, Magnolia, The Woodlands, Conroe, Tomball & all of Greater North Houston