Refacing cabinets is an excellent way to get a completely new look with minimal cost and lowest possible environmental impact. It involves changing the doors, doorframes and all other visible sides and surfaces of the cabinets. The way you go about the job depends on how handy you are and how much of the work you want to do yourself.

1.  The easiest option of all involves painting what you’ve got now. This isn’t refacing, and though it sounds second-rate, painting can be surprisingly effective.
2. Remove the doors and hinges
3. Lightly sand all surfaces with 120-grit paper (you don’t need to remove the old finish, just texturize it a bit).
4. Apply a latex primer, let it dry, then brush on a couple of coats of latex paint. (I prefer a flat sheen because it looks great and hides many flaws and brush strokes.)

Refacing kitchen cabinets requires a moderate level of woodworking skills, but the job is within reach of anyone with the know-how to operate a tablesaw and make simple woodworking joints. You’ll find ready-made frame-and-panel cabinet doors available for ordering in many different sizes from building supply outlets everywhere. Quality is high and prices are reasonable. You’ll also find professionals specializing in cabinet refacing. Fees are lower than cabinet replacement, and refacing is far less disruptive.