Painted cabinets that have chipped, oak doors that have darkened, or hinges that no longer close right are all signs of cabinets past their prime. The right path depends on whether the boxes are still sound.
If the boxes are square, the floors and shelves are not sagging, the doors hang straight (when adjusted), and the construction feels solid, the boxes are likely worth keeping. Refacing or door swaps are good options.
If the boxes are damaged, particle board has swollen from water exposure, or the layout simply does not work for how you cook, replacement is the right call.
Refacing keeps existing boxes and replaces doors, drawer fronts, and visible box surfaces with new veneer or paint. It runs $8,500 to $18,000 for a standard kitchen and produces a real visual change. Door-and-hardware swap keeps everything else and runs $4,500 to $9,500. Full replacement runs $12,000 to $45,000+ depending on cabinet grade.
Painted shaker doors in white, off-white, warm gray, taupe, or dark navy are the dominant styles in current Indianapolis kitchens. Stained finishes (walnut, rift-cut white oak, warm medium-brown) are gaining ground in higher-end remodels.
The estimate visit looks at the existing cabinets, evaluates box condition, and provides written pricing for refacing, door swap, and replacement so you can compare paths.
Refacing makes sense when boxes are sound and the layout works. Replacement makes sense when boxes are damaged or the layout needs to change.
Most refacing projects take four to eight days of active work plus three to six weeks of door and drawer front lead time before work begins.
