Check the condition
Open every door and drawer. Look for swollen bases, loose joints, sagging bottoms and water stains.
Check whether the boxes are solid wood, plywood or particleboard, since that affects what can be done.
If the boxes are sound, you have more choices.
Think about layout
Do you like the way the kitchen works? If the layout is wrong, new cabinets are the best answer.
If the layout works, you can change the look without changing the boxes.
Consider whether you need more storage, since pull-outs and organizers can often be added.
Painting
Painting changes the color of existing doors and frames. Good preparation matters most.
It is the most economical way to change a kitchen and can be dramatic.
It does not change door style or fix worn doors.
Refinishing
Refinishing restores or changes the stain or paint on solid wood cabinets and protects the surface.
It suits cabinets with good doors that have faded or worn finishes.
Going darker is easy. Going lighter can be harder.
Refacing
Refacing replaces the doors and drawer fronts and covers the frames to match.
It changes the style and keeps the boxes, with less mess than replacement.
New hinges and drawer hardware are often included.
Replacing
Replacement removes everything and lets you change the layout, the style and the storage.
It is the biggest project and offers the most control.
If the boxes are damaged or the layout is wrong, it is usually the right answer.
If the boxes are sound and the layout works, refinish or reface. If not, replace.
