Went through the full comparison between cabinet refacing and IKEA replacement for our 1990s Toronto kitchen. Ended up going with refacing but it was close. Sharing the analysis.
Our Kitchen Situation
Solid maple boxes from 1994, completely structural - no warping, no water damage, very square. Doors and drawer fronts are dated oak with a yellow tone. Layout works fine.
Refacing Quotes
Company 1: $9,200 for new shaker-style painted MDF doors, veneer on exposed sides, new hardware
Company 2: $7,800 for thermofoil doors (white), same scope
Company 3: $8,500 for painted MDF, new soft-close hinges included
Went with Company 3 at $8,500 including soft-close hardware upgrade.
IKEA Alternative Analysis
Did a full IKEA kitchen plan online.
- Cabinet boxes (SEKTION): $4,200
- AXSTAD doors (matte white): $1,800
- Installation by a local IKEA installer: $4,500
- New countertop (keeping existing granite - IKEA counter not needed)
- Approximate IKEA total: $10,500
The IKEA route would have given me all-new boxes but required full kitchen demo (walls, etc.) and more disruption.
Why We Chose Refacing
- Boxes are solid - no reason to demo perfectly good structure
- Layout works for us
- Less disruption (no countertop removal, 2 days vs 5-7 days)
- Cost was $2,000 cheaper than the IKEA option
- Better quality doors (Company 3 uses Conestoga Mill painted MDF, very high quality)
2 Years Later
Extremely happy. Kitchen looks like a new kitchen to anyone who visits. The painted shaker doors are timeless. No issues with the refacing - edges are tight, paint is durable.
If your boxes are damaged or you want to change layout - go IKEA or custom. If your boxes are good and layout works - refacing makes more financial and practical sense.