Kitchen Cabinet Cost 2026: Refacing vs Replacing vs Custom

Cabinet Cost Overview

Cabinets are the most expensive part of any kitchen — typically 30–40% of the total budget. In 2026, Canadian homeowners spend anywhere from $2,500 to repaint existing cabinets to $50,000+ for full custom cabinetry. The right choice depends on the condition of your current boxes and how much your layout needs to change. Get a tailored number from our kitchen renovation calculator, or read the full kitchen renovation cost guide.

Refacing vs Refinishing vs Replacing

Option	Cost	Best When
Refinishing (paint)	$2,500 - $6,000	Boxes and doors are solid; you just want a new colour
Refacing (new doors + veneer)	$4,000 - $12,000	Layout works, boxes are sound, doors are dated
Replacing (new cabinets)	$6,000 - $50,000+	Layout changes, water damage, or you want new storage

Refacing keeps your existing cabinet boxes and replaces the doors, drawer fronts and visible veneer — about 40–60% cheaper than new cabinets while looking brand new, as long as the layout stays the same.

New Cabinet Cost by Tier

Tier	Typical Kitchen	What You Get
Stock	$6,000 - $15,000	Pre-made standard sizes, limited finishes, quick install
Semi-custom	$12,000 - $25,000	More sizes, finishes and organizers; the most popular choice
Custom	$25,000 - $50,000+	Built to your exact layout, any material, premium hardware

Cost Per Linear Foot

Cabinets are often quoted per linear foot of run. In 2026, expect $100–$300/linear foot for stock, $150–$650 for semi-custom, and $500–$1,200 for custom. A typical 10' × 10' kitchen has roughly 20–25 linear feet of cabinets, which is why even mid-range kitchens cross $15,000 on cabinets alone.

Which Option Is Right for You?

• Happy with the layout, doors look tired → reface or repaint. Best dollar-for-impact move.
• Want to move the sink, add an island, or fix water damage → replace.
• Selling soon → refacing or painting almost always beats new cabinets on ROI.

Comparing local labour rates? See kitchen renovation cost in Saskatoon or in Toronto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cabinet refacing worth it vs. replacing?

If your boxes are structurally sound and you like the layout, yes — refacing costs 40–60% less than new cabinets and looks new. Replace only when the layout must change or the boxes are damaged.

How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets in Canada?

Professional cabinet refinishing runs $2,500–$6,000 in 2026 depending on the number of doors and whether you spray or brush. It's the cheapest way to transform a dated kitchen.

What percentage of a kitchen reno is cabinets?

Typically 30–40% of the total budget — the single largest line item, ahead of countertops and appliances.

How long do new kitchen cabinets take?

Stock cabinets can be installed in 1–3 days once on site. Semi-custom and custom have 4–10 week lead times for fabrication before install.

Are custom cabinets worth the price?

Only if you have an awkward layout, non-standard ceiling heights, or specific storage needs that stock and semi-custom can't meet. For most kitchens, semi-custom delivers 90% of the result at half the price.