When Memphis homeowners start planning a kitchen remodel, one question comes up more than almost any other: should I reface my cabinets or replace them entirely? It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in a kitchen renovation — and the right answer depends on factors that are specific to your home, your goals, and your budget. At Capital Construction of Memphis, we specialize in both options, and we’re going to break it all down for you right here.

What Is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing is the process of keeping your existing cabinet boxes in place while replacing the door and drawer fronts with custom-fit, brand-new materials. We also apply new veneer to the visible face frames of the boxes to give the entire cabinet structure a fresh, unified look. The result is a kitchen that looks completely transformed — without the cost or disruption of tearing out and reinstalling entirely new cabinetry.

At Capital Construction, we offer refacing in real wood and RTF (Rigid Thermofoil), giving you access to a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes. The installation process typically averages just three to six days, meaning far less disruption to your daily life than a full replacement would require.

The 50% Savings Advantage

The most compelling reason Memphis homeowners choose cabinet refacing is cost. As your premier kitchen remodeler in Memphis, we routinely help clients save up to 50% by refacing rather than replacing their cabinets. In a market where full kitchen remodels can range significantly in price, that kind of savings gives you the freedom to put your budget toward other impactful upgrades — new countertops, updated hardware, a better backsplash, or improved lighting.

Cabinet refacing is particularly smart for Memphis homeowners who love their current kitchen layout and have no need to change where things are positioned. If your cabinet boxes are structurally solid, refacing is essentially a no-brainer from a value perspective.

When Does Full Replacement Make More Sense?

Cabinet replacement is the right choice in a few specific situations. If your existing cabinet boxes are damaged, warped from moisture exposure, or structurally compromised, refacing over them won’t solve the underlying problem. Memphis’s humid subtropical climate means moisture-related cabinet damage is more common here than in drier parts of the country — so it’s worth having our team assess the condition of your boxes before recommending an approach.

Replacement also makes more sense when you want to substantially change your kitchen’s layout. If you’re moving a wall, rerouting plumbing, adding an island, or fundamentally reconfiguring the footprint of your kitchen, new cabinets give you the flexibility to design from scratch.

Finally, if you’re after a very specific modern style — like frameless (European-style) cabinetry — that requires a fundamentally different box construction, replacement may be necessary to achieve the look you want.

What’s Trending in Memphis Kitchens Right Now

Whether you choose refacing or replacement, the same design trends apply to the final look. In 2026, wood tones are at the top of the list for Memphis kitchens, followed closely by warm neutrals like greige and soft taupe. Two-tone configurations — different colors on upper and lower cabinets — are extremely popular, as are shaker-style doors with clean, minimal lines.

Hardware is having a moment too. Mixed metals, particularly brass and matte black combinations, are showing up in some of the most beautiful Memphis kitchen remodels we’re completing this year. These small details have an outsized impact on the overall look of the finished space.

Why Choose Capital Construction of Memphis?

Our team includes licensed designers on staff at no extra cost to you. When you come to us for a kitchen remodel consultation, we don’t just hand you a catalog and wish you luck — we take your ideas and render them in a 3D digital version of your actual home. You see the finished product before a single cabinet door is touched.

We serve homeowners throughout Shelby County, including Memphis, Collierville, Germantown, Bartlett, Cordova, and beyond. Our BBB-accredited business has earned dozens of 5-star Google reviews from real Memphis-area families who trusted us with their homes.

Not sure whether refacing or replacement is right for your kitchen? Call us at (901) 870-3506 for a free consultation and quote. We’ll walk through the condition of your current cabinets, talk through your design goals, and help you make the smartest decision for your home and budget.