Cabinet Refacing vs. Custom vs. Built-Ins: The Hickory Diagnostic
Three ways to change your kitchen — refacing, full custom, or built-ins — and the right answer depends on your boxes, your budget, and how long you'll stay. In Hickory, full custom kitchens run 12,000-35,000 and refacing runs 6,000-17,000 — exactly half, because refacing keeps your existing boxes and replaces doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.
What each path involves
- Refacing: new solid-wood doors and drawer fronts on your current boxes; 3-5 days; saves exactly 50% on fabrication.
- Full custom: new boxes, new layout, dovetail drawers, soft-close hardware; 4-8 weeks; built to your exact space.
- Built-ins: cabinets designed into the architecture — window seats, media walls, pantry systems; the premium option.
Take the 60-second diagnostic
1. Are your current boxes structurally sound (no swelling, no sag)?
2. Do you want a new kitchen layout, or does the current one work?
3. Are you staying 5+ years?
4. Budget priority:
Not sure which path fits? A vetted Hickory pro can inspect your boxes and quote both paths — free, no obligation.
📄 Free Guide: 8 Weeks To Heirloom Cabinetry — download the printable reference.
