Planning a kitchen renovation in Edmonton? One of the biggest decisions homeowners face is whether to reface existing cabinets or replace them with brand‑new cabinetry. Both options can dramatically transform your kitchen, but the best choice depends on your layout, budget, design goals, and the condition of your current cabinets.
Below is a complete, Edmonton‑focused guide to help you choose the right upgrade—along with additional improvements like new countertops, backsplash, flooring, and appliances.
What Is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is a renovation method where your existing cabinet boxes stay in place, but all visible surfaces are updated. This includes:
• New cabinet doors & drawer fronts
• New hardware (pulls, handles, hinges)
• New veneer or panels on exposed cabinet sides
• Optional crown moulding or trim upgrades
Refacing offers the look of a brand‑new kitchen at a lower cost.
Best for Edmonton homeowners who:
• Like their current kitchen layout
• Have strong, solid cabinet boxes
• Want a modern look without major renovation
• Are working within a moderate budget
Benefits of Refacing Cabinets
1. Cost‑Effective Transformation
Refacing typically costs 40–60% less than new cabinets while still delivering a dramatic upgrade.
2. Faster Installation
Most refacing projects take 2–5 days, minimizing disruption.
3. Eco‑Friendly Option
Reusing existing cabinet boxes reduces landfill waste—a sustainability bonus.
4. Modern Style Options
You can choose:
• Shaker, slab, or modern profile doors
• Matte, high‑gloss, or wood‑grain finishes
• Premium soft‑close hinges
• Handle/pull upgrades
Refacing is ideal if you want a fresh look without changing the kitchen’s footprint.
What Is a Full Cabinet Replacement?
Replacing cabinets means installing completely new cabinetry, allowing you to modify your layout, storage, and functionality from the ground up.
Best for Edmonton homeowners who:
• Want a totally redesigned kitchen layout
• Need stronger or deeper cabinets
• Have damaged or outdated cabinet boxes
• Want custom features (pantry, pull‑outs, organizers, island storage)
Benefits of Installing Brand‑New Cabinets
1. Complete Layout Freedom
Move appliances, add a pantry, reconfigure the island, or expand cabinet heights.
2. Maximum Storage & Functionality
Popular options include:
• Pull‑out shelves
• Spice drawers
• Corner cabinet systems
• Deep pot drawers
• Pantry towers
• Trash/recycling pull‑outs
3. Higher Home Value
New cabinets bring the highest long‑term ROI in Edmonton kitchen renovations.
4. Perfect If Your Cabinet Boxes Are Worn Out
Older Edmonton homes often have sagging shelves or water‑damaged sink bases—issues new cabinets resolve beautifully.
Comparing Refacing vs. Replacing Cabinets
| Feature | Refacing | New Cabinets |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Timeline | Faster (2–5 days) | Longer (2–6 weeks) |
| Layout Change | No | Yes |
| Ideal For | Good cabinet boxes & same layout | Full redesign |
| Style Options | Excellent | Unlimited |
| ROI | Moderate | High |
Upgrades to Pair With Refacing or New Cabinets
Whether you choose refacing or full replacement, these upgrades can complete your Edmonton kitchen transformation:
1. New Countertops
A new countertop instantly elevates your kitchen.
Popular options in Edmonton:
• Quartz (most popular)
• Quartzite
• Laminate (budget‑friendly)
• Butcher block
• Granite
• Porcelain slabs
If you’re installing new cabinets, you can upgrade to:
• Waterfall edges
• Thicker profiles
• Oversized islands
2. Modern Backsplash
Upgrading your backsplash ties the whole design together.
Trending styles include:
• Full‑height slab backsplash
• Large‑format tiles
• Textured or handmade‑look tiles
• Herringbone or chevron patterns
3. New Appliances
Many Edmonton homeowners upgrade appliances during a kitchen renovation for:
• Better energy efficiency
• Smart features
• Improved performance
• Modern aesthetic cohesion
Built‑in wall ovens, panel‑ready dishwashers, and gas cooktops are especially popular in higher‑end remodels.
4. New Flooring
Kitchen flooring affects overall style and durability.
Top choices:
• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
• Tile
• Engineered hardwood
• Laminate
Edmonton’s seasonal humidity shifts make engineered hardwood more stable than solid wood.
Which Option Is Best for Your Edmonton Kitchen?
Choose refacing if you want:
✓ A fresh, modern look
✓ Lower cost
✓ Minimal renovation disruption
✓ Existing layout stays the same
Choose new cabinets if you want:
✓ A fully redesigned kitchen
✓ Better storage solutions
✓ Custom cabinetry
✓ Higher long‑term value
✓ Stronger and more durable cabinet boxes
Final Thoughts
Both cabinet refacing and cabinet replacement are excellent options for upgrading your Edmonton kitchen—it simply depends on your budget, timeline, and how much change you want.
Ready to Transform Your Edmonton Kitchen?
Whether you’re refacing cabinets, replacing them entirely, or upgrading countertops, backsplash, flooring, and appliances, our team delivers high‑quality kitchen renovations tailored to Edmonton homes.
Contact us today for a free consultation and detailed quote.
Let’s create the kitchen you’ve always wanted.