Cabinet refacing means keeping the existing boxes in place and replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and exposed panels with new veneer or materials, usually paired with new hardware. Full installation is a different job: old cabinets come out and new boxes go in, which affects plumbing, electrical, flooring, and sometimes wall framing. Milford has a mix of older colonials and capes with original cabinetry from decades past, plus newer builds needing layout changes, so both approaches show up regularly in local kitchens.
We track 16 businesses in Milford that handle refacing, new cabinet installation, or both. Some specialize in one over the other, and a few only work with certain cabinet lines or box styles, so it's worth confirming that a company's typical project matches what you're planning before you get too far into quotes.
What to look for before you hire
- Whether they measure on-site before quoting (a phone or online estimate without a visit is a red flag for anything beyond minor refacing).
- How they handle box condition issues found mid-project, since older cabinet frames sometimes need repair before new fronts go on.
- Who pulls permits and coordinates with electricians or plumbers if outlets, lighting, or sink lines need to move.
- Whether the quote separates materials, labor, and disposal so you can compare bids apples to apples.
Our ranked guide to Milford's best kitchen cabinet companies scores each business on factors like review consistency, responsiveness, and how well their work history matches the type of job you need. The full scoring breakdown is on our methodology page if you want to see exactly how we weigh those factors.
