Should You Reface or Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets? Find Out Now!
Kitchen Reface or Replace?
If you’ve ever stood in your London kitchen and thought, “This space feels tired, but do I really need to rip everything out?” — you’re not alone.
Cabinet doors chip, handles loosen, and trends change. But deciding whether to repaint, reface, or replace entirely can feel overwhelming, especially when costs in London are often higher than the UK average. The good news? With the right approach, you can refresh your kitchen without blowing the budget — or make a full investment if that’s the smarter move.
👉 If you want a more technical comparison with detailed breakdowns, check out our full guide on Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement.
Quick Answer: Reface vs Replace
- Reface if your cabinet boxes are solid, you’re happy with the layout, and you want a 2–3 day facelift with minimal mess.
- Replace if your cabinets are warped, water-damaged, or you’re dreaming of a completely different layout with bespoke storage.
Think of it this way: if your kitchen is like a solid old townhouse in Islington, sometimes a lick of paint and new fittings do wonders. But if the foundations are crumbling, it’s time for a rebuild.
What Refacing Actually Means
In the UK, “refacing” is often called door replacement or a “kitchen makeover.” Here’s what it usually involves:
- New doors and drawer fronts
- Matching veneer panels for the sides and plinths
- Upgraded handles and hinges
- Optional: new worktops, splashbacks, or lighting
It doesn’t touch the underlying box structures, so it’s only as good as the condition of your carcasses.
👉 We covered the process in more detail in Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement, including common pitfalls and finish options.
London example: A Hackney flat with decent IKEA Metod units but outdated beech slab doors. Instead of ripping it out, you could fit slim Shaker fronts in sage green, brass handles, and quartz worktops. Two days later, it looks like a £15k designer kitchen—but at half the cost.
What Replacing Means
Replacement is exactly what it sounds like: removing all existing carcasses, doors, and fittings, and starting fresh.
This opens up the chance to:
- Redesign the layout (add an island in a Clapham terrace, for example)
- Upgrade to premium carcasses (plywood instead of chipboard)
- Integrate modern organisers, drawers, and pull-outs
- Future-proof with solid warranties and long lifespan
It’s more disruptive (1–2 weeks installation, plus lead time), but you end up with a brand-new kitchen inside and out.
London Kitchen Cabinet Cost Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of average refacing vs replacing costs across the UK — with London-specific adjustments.
| Kitchen Size | Refacing (new doors & panels) | Full Replacement (units + fitting) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (8–10 units, ~8m²) | £1,500–£2,500 | £7,000–£12,000 | London pricing trends ~15–25% higher than UK |
| Medium (12–16 units, ~12m²) | £2,500–£4,500 | £12,000–£20,000 | Popular in London terraces & maisonettes |
| Large (18–24 units, ~18m²) | £4,500–£7,000 | £20,000–£35,000+ | Prime London kitchens with islands often exceed £40k |
| Worktops (quartz) | £375–£500 per m² UK | £500–£650 per m² London | Marble, Dekton, or porcelain can go higher |
| Spray-paint doors (budget facelift) | £850–£2,500 | N/A | Great for landlords or quick updates |
👉 For a fuller cost analysis with UK averages, refer to Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement.
When Refacing Works Best
Refacing shines when:
- Boxes are solid: If your chipboard hasn’t swollen (common near dishwashers in London flats), you’re good.
- Layout still works: A galley kitchen in Camden, for example, might just need a fresh colour and better handles.
- You want speed: A makeover can be done in 2–3 days versus weeks.
- Eco-conscious: Less waste goes to landfill, and you reuse most of what you already have.
👉 We’ve also listed key signs your cabinets are good for refacing in Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement.
London homeowner example: A couple in Walthamstow kept their sturdy 2010 Wickes carcasses but swapped oak doors for pale Shaker ones, added black handles and quartz tops. Cost: ~£4,200 vs £15,000+ to rip out.
When Replacement is the Wiser Choice
Go for replacement if:
- Water damage is visible: Swollen plinths under sinks are a dead giveaway.
- Hinges keep tearing out of soft chipboard.
- Layout needs rethinking: Want an island, or to swap cupboards for deep pan drawers?
- You want premium durability: Plywood carcasses, soft-close everything, and internal organisers that last decades.
London homeowner example: A family in Richmond wanted an island for entertaining and to move their hob for better workflow. Refacing couldn’t achieve it—they invested £28,000 in a full reconfiguration.
Popular Cabinet Styles in London (2025)
When Londoners do replace, these are the go-to styles:
- Slim Shaker / Micro-Shaker: Clean lines, timeless for both period homes and modern flats.
- Handleless slab fronts: Sleek and minimal, popular in Docklands and Canary Wharf apartments.
- Fluted or ribbed textures: Trendy for feature islands.
- Glass-fronted accents: Perfect in narrow Victorian terraces to “open up” space.
- Colours: Sage greens, olive tones, natural oak veneers, off-whites — less sterile than pure white.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Refacing
Pros
- Budget-friendly (usually half the cost)
- Quick turnaround (days not weeks)
- Eco-friendly, less waste
- Huge visual impact
Cons
- Won’t fix damaged carcasses
- Limited by existing layout
- Custom sizes can be tricky
👉 See a side-by-side pros and cons comparison in Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement.
Replacing
Pros
- Brand new boxes + long warranty
- Full layout flexibility
- Premium internals (drawers, pull-outs)
- Longest lifespan
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- More disruption (1–2 weeks + lead time)
- Hidden surprises (plumbing/electrics)
Regulations and Practical Notes (London)
- Planning permission: Not needed for internal kitchens, unless you live in a listed building.
- Building regs:
- Electrical work must meet Part P (use a NICEIC electrician).
- Gas hobs need a Gas Safe installer.
- Extractor changes may require Part F (ventilation compliance).
Always keep your certificates — buyers and mortgage lenders will ask.
Should You Reface or Replace? (Checklist)
Answer these honestly to decide:
- Are my cabinet boxes solid?
- Yes → Reface is possible.
- No → Replace.
- Am I happy with the current layout?
- Yes → Reface and upgrade doors/worktops.
- No → Replace.
- What’s my budget?
- <£5,000 → Refacing.
- £12,000+ → Replacement is within reach.
- How long can I live without a kitchen?
- Few days → Reface.
- Weeks → Replacement.
- Do I want long-term durability and storage upgrades?
- Yes → Replace.
- No → Reface.
FAQs
Is refacing durable?
Yes — new doors and panels are just as durable as a new kitchen, but the longevity depends on the old boxes. See our breakdown on cabinet lifespan in Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement.
How long does a reface last?
With solid carcasses, easily 10–15 years.
What’s the cheapest facelift option?
Spray-painting existing doors — starting from £850 in London.
Do I need certificates?
Yes, for electrics and gas. Keep them safe for resale.
Final Word
If you’re a London homeowner with solid carcasses and a layout you like, refacing is a no-brainer — fast, affordable, eco-friendly, and stylish. But if your cabinets are on their last legs or you want to reimagine your layout entirely, replacement is the smarter investment.
Either way, set a realistic budget, get three quotes, and choose a designer or installer who understands the quirks of London homes—from narrow doorways in Victorian terraces to awkward service routes in modern flats.
👉 Want even more detail? Don’t miss our complete guide: Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement.
