Cabinet Refacing FAQ

About Face Cabinetry | Tampa Bay & Lowcountry South Carolina

If you're considering cabinet refacing in Tampa Bay or Charleston, SC, here are answers to the most common questions homeowners ask.

1. What’s the difference between cabinet refinishing and cabinet refacing?

Optimized Answer:
Cabinet refinishing keeps your existing cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer fronts in place and simply sands and repaints or restains them. Cabinet refacing replaces all visible surfaces — new cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and durable laminated surfaces applied to the cabinet boxes — while keeping the existing layout. Refacing delivers a brand-new kitchen look with far greater durability than paint or stain. About Face Cabinetry specializes exclusively in cabinet refacing.

2. Is it cheaper to replace cabinets or reface them?

Optimized Answer:
Cabinet refacing typically costs about 50% less than full cabinet replacement. Replacement pricing usually includes only the cabinets themselves and does not account for demolition, drywall repair, flooring, countertops, plumbing, or painting. Refacing avoids those costs, which is why we say it’s half the cost, half the time, and half the mess of replacement.

3. How durable is cabinet refacing compared to new cabinets?

Optimized Answer:
Our cabinet refacing system uses solid laminated surfaces that are more scratch-resistant and fade-resistant than painted or stained wood. These materials are engineered for long-term durability and outperform many traditional wood or veneer cabinet finishes, especially in high-use kitchens.

4. How long will a refaced kitchen last?

Optimized Answer:
A professionally refaced kitchen is designed to last decades, not years. Our laminated cabinet surfaces, doors, and drawer fronts are backed by a Lifetime Warranty, offering long-term peace of mind. Warranty terms and conditions apply.

5. Can you replace only some cabinets or damaged cabinets?

Optimized Answer:
Yes. In addition to cabinet refacing, we custom build plywood cabinets in our own shop. This allows us to replace water-damaged cabinets, add new cabinets, or fully replace existing ones while perfectly matching your refaced kitchen.

6. Can you replace just my drawers?

Optimized Answer:
Yes. We custom build all drawers from durable finished plywood to fit your existing cabinets precisely. Drawer upgrades include full-extension ball-bearing slides with optional soft-close functionality for smoother operation and increased storage access.

7. Do you provide countertops with cabinet refacing?

Optimized Answer:
Yes. We fabricate and install granite, quartz, and natural stone countertops in our own stone and solid-surface shop, allowing us to coordinate cabinet refacing and countertop installation seamlessly.

8. Do you handle full kitchen renovations?

Optimized Answer:
We specialize in cabinet refacing, cabinetry, and countertops. While we do not perform services such as tile backsplashes, flooring, or lighting, we work with trusted local professionals we can recommend for those services.

9. Does cabinet refacing require permits or condo approval?

Optimized Answer:
Cabinet refacing typically does not require permits. However, condominium associations or HOAs may require contractor licensing, insurance documentation, or approval forms. We routinely work with COAs and HOAs and can comply with all required documentation and regulations.

10. Are you licensed and insured?

Optimized Answer:
Yes. We are fully licensed and insured. Every client receives copies of our licensing, insurance, and recent customer references with their proposal.

11. Do thermofoil cabinet doors peel over time?

Optimized Answer:
No. Our thermofoil cabinet doors are manufactured using high-quality German press technology. We have worked with the same manufacturer since 2007 and have had zero peeling warranty claims. Our doors are backed by a written warranty.

12. How long does cabinet refacing take?

Optimized Answer:
Most cabinet refacing projects are completed in under five days, even when new countertops are included. This allows homeowners to avoid the extended disruption of a full kitchen remodel.

13. Do I need to empty my cabinets before refacing?

Optimized Answer:
Yes. We ask homeowners to empty cabinets and drawers before work begins to prevent damage to personal items and ensure a smooth installation process.

14. Do you offer financing for cabinet refacing?

Optimized Answer:
Yes. We offer third-party financing options with quick approval processes. Many homeowners find cabinet refacing significantly more affordable than full remodeling and may not require financing at all.

Still have a question?

Choosing cabinet refacing is an important decision, and we’re here to make it simple. Whether you're in Tampa Bay or the Lowcountry of South Carolina, our team is happy to walk you through materials, timelines, pricing, and design options so you can feel confident in your investment. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and see how About Face Cabinetry can give your kitchen a completely new look — with half the cost, half the time, and half the mess of full replacement.