5 Ways to Restyle Your Kitchen Cabinets If your kitchen cabinets are outdated and unattractive,…
Looking at Redoing Your Kitchen Cabinets? Do These 3 Steps First
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If your kitchen cabinets are looking outdated, worn, or no longer match your style, you’re not alone—many homeowners find themselves wondering if it’s time for a refresh.
Before you start pulling doors off hinges or pricing out full renovations, it’s important to take a step back and think strategically.
Whether you’re aiming for a modern upgrade or simply want to bring life back to a tired kitchen, our experts in kitchen makeovers are sharing the essential steps you need to take before redoing kitchen cabinets.
Table of Contents
- Step 1 – Know Your Goals and Kitchen Layout
- Step 2 – Explore Your Cabinet Update Options
- Step 3 – Get a Professional Cabinet Evaluation
- How Much Does Redoing Kitchen Cabinets Cost?
- Upgrade Your Kitchen With Our Raleigh Cabinet Refacing Team
Step 1 – Know Your Goals and Kitchen Layout
Before you make any decisions about materials, finishes, or styles, you need to start with a solid understanding of what you want your kitchen to accomplish, both in form and function.
Knowing your end goal helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures the finished cabinetry result suits your needs and design preferences.

Consider Function and Flow
Take a close look at how your kitchen works for you today. Are the cabinet placements efficient for your cooking and entertaining needs? Are there hard-to-reach corners, wasted space, or storage challenges?
Mapping out how you move around your kitchen will help determine whether your existing layout supports your needs or if simple updates, such as better cabinet organization or cabinet door replacement, can make a significant impact without a full remodel.
Define Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
List out what’s most important in your updated kitchen. Are you focused on increasing storage? Adding visual appeal? Creating more accessibility? This helps separate cosmetic updates from structural needs, allowing you to prioritize options like cabinet refacing over a full replacement.
Match Your Cabinet Goals to Your Home’s Style
Finally, consider how your kitchen fits with the rest of your home. Do you want it to blend seamlessly or make a bold statement? Whether you live in a modern house in downtown Raleigh or a classic brick ranch in the suburbs, your kitchen should reflect your overall aesthetic. That vision will guide your choices on cabinet color, door style, and hardware finishes.

Step 2 – Explore Your Cabinet Update Options
Once you’ve defined your goals and evaluated how your kitchen functions, it’s time to look at the different ways to bring your vision to life.
Not all cabinet makeovers are created equal, and some can cost you far more time and money than necessary.
Refacing vs. Repainting vs. Replacing
There are three main ways to update your kitchen cabinets:
Replacing Cabinets
Replacing involves removing all existing cabinets and installing new ones. It’s the most expensive and time-consuming option, usually requiring full demolition and a new layout.
Repainting Cabinets
Repainting gives your cabinets a new look with a fresh coat of paint, but it doesn’t fix worn doors, outdated styles, or structural issues—and the results often chip or fade over time.
Refacing Cabinets
Refacing offers the best of both worlds by updating only the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and exterior surfaces while keeping the cabinet boxes intact.
Why Cabinet Refacing is the Smart, Cost-Effective Choice for Redoing Your Cabinets
Cabinet refacing delivers high-impact visual results without the mess and expense of replacing the entire cabinet. It’s ideal if your cabinet boxes are in good condition, but the fronts are outdated or worn.
At Cabinet Cures of the Triangle, we use premium materials and custom designs that give your kitchen a brand-new look with less disruption to your home and lifestyle.
Step 3 – Get a Professional Cabinet Evaluation
After outlining your goals and exploring your options, the next step is to bring in an expert to assess your kitchen in person.
A professional kitchen cabinet evaluation ensures you’re making decisions based on your kitchen’s actual structure, condition, and potential.

What to Expect from a Cabinet Refacing Consultation
During an in-home consultation, your cabinet contractor will inspect your cabinet boxes, review the condition of your existing doors and hardware, and take precise measurements. They’ll also ask about your goals, preferences, and budget to help you determine whether cabinet refacing vs refinishing is best suited for your project.
Questions to Ask Before You Commit
To get the most out of your kitchen cabinet design and installation consultation, consider asking questions like:
- How long will the project take from start to finish?
- What materials do you use for doors and drawer fronts?
- How durable is the finish compared to painting?
- Will you update hinges, drawer slides, or add new storage features?
- Can I keep my existing countertops and appliances?
- Can I add a new, custom kitchen island to optimize storage and surface space?
- What other types of kitchen modifications do you offer to your customers?
How Much Does Redoing Kitchen Cabinets Cost?
The cost of redoing kitchen cabinets can vary significantly based on the method you choose, the size of your kitchen, and the materials involved.
Here’s what Raleigh homeowners can expect when comparing the most common cabinet upgrade options:

- Full Cabinet Replacement: $15,000–$35,000— includes demolition, new cabinet boxes and doors, and possible plumbing or electrical changes. Best for complete kitchen remodels with layout changes.
- Cabinet Refacing: $7,000–$15,000—Replaces doors, drawer fronts, and exteriors while keeping cabinet boxes. Offers a high-end look with less cost, mess, and downtime.
- Repainting Cabinets: $3,000–$7,000—Adds fresh color to existing cabinets but doesn’t fix wear or change door styles. Paint can chip or fade, requiring more upkeep over time.
Why Cabinet Refacing Offers the Best Value
If you’re looking to improve the look and functionality of your kitchen without overspending, cabinet refacing is a smart investment.
Cabinet refacing:
- Increases your home’s visual appeal
- Boosts resale value
- Saves you time and money compared to more invasive alternatives
Want a more accurate estimate for your home? Cabinet Cures of the Triangle offers free consultations to help you understand what’s possible for your space and budget.
Upgrade Your Kitchen With Our Raleigh Cabinet Refacing Team
If you’re thinking about redoing your kitchen cabinets, don’t settle for costly replacements or short-term fixes. Cabinet refacing offers a beautiful, durable, and efficient solution, and our team at Cabinet Cures of the Triangle is here to help you get started.
With custom designs, high-quality materials, and expert craftsmanship, we bring your vision to life while respecting your time and budget.
Contact us today to schedule your FREE estimate and design consultation and discover why Raleigh homeowners trust us for cabinet refacing done right. Get started now by calling 919–809–6161 or filling out our contact form below.
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