Kitchen facelift in Geelong showing new doors and benchtops on existing cabinets

A kitchen facelift in Geelong is the smart way to transform a tired-looking kitchen without the cost, time, or disruption of a complete renovation. If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and the layout works for your family, a facelift can deliver a stunning new look at 40–60% of the cost.

Kitchen facelifts are one of the fastest-growing renovation trends in Greater Geelong, with homeowners discovering they can achieve a completely modernised kitchen in just 1–2 weeks.

What Is a Kitchen Facelift?

A kitchen facelift keeps your existing cabinet boxes, plumbing, and electrical layout in place while replacing the visible surfaces:

  • New cabinet doors and drawer fronts — Choose from 2-pack polyurethane, vinyl wrap, timber veneer, or modern laminate finishes
  • New benchtops — Upgrade from laminate to engineered stone like Caesarstone or Smartstone
  • New handles and knobs — Brushed brass, matte black, stainless steel, or integrated handleless profiles
  • New splashback — Glass, subway tile, or pressed tin to complete the transformation
  • New hinges and hardware — Upgrade to Blum soft-close for a premium feel

Kitchen Facelift vs Full Renovation

FeatureKitchen FaceliftComplete Renovation
Timeline1–2 weeks3–6 weeks
Cost$8,000–$18,000$20,000–$45,000+
DisruptionMinimal — kitchen usable most eveningsFull kitchen unavailable for weeks
Layout changesNoYes
New plumbing/electricalNoYes
New cabinetsNo (existing boxes kept)Yes (all new)
ResultFresh, modern appearanceCompletely new kitchen

When Is a Facelift the Right Choice?

A kitchen facelift is ideal when:

  • Your cabinet boxes are solid — Check for water damage, warping, or structural issues. If the boxes are in good condition, there’s no reason to replace them
  • The layout works — You’re happy with where the sink, stove, and fridge are positioned
  • Your budget is $8,000–$18,000 — You want maximum visual impact for your investment
  • You need a quick turnaround — Selling your home soon, or simply can’t have your kitchen out of action for weeks
  • You want to add value before selling — A facelift at $10,000–$15,000 typically adds 1.5–2x value to your Geelong property

When Should You Consider a Full Renovation Instead?

Opt for a complete renovation if:

  • Cabinet boxes show water damage, swelling, or structural failure
  • You want to change the kitchen layout significantly
  • Plumbing or electrical needs relocating
  • The kitchen footprint needs expanding

Facelift Door Options

2-Pack Polyurethane Doors

Premium spray-painted finish in any colour. Smooth, seamless, and easy to clean. The most popular choice for modern Geelong kitchen facelifts.

Vinyl Wrap (Thermoformed) Doors

A durable vinyl film wrapped around an MDF core. Available in matt, gloss, and woodgrain finishes at a lower price point than polyurethane.

2-Pack Respray

Your existing doors can sometimes be resprayed rather than replaced. This works best on flat-panel doors in good condition and is the most cost-effective option.

Timber Veneer Doors

Natural timber veneer applied to new MDF door blanks. Suits traditional homes across Newtown, Geelong West, and older Geelong suburbs.

Local Facelift Specialists

Companies like Dream Doors operate in the Geelong region, specialising exclusively in kitchen facelifts and door replacements. Local kitchen cabinet makers also offer facelift services alongside their full renovation work.

The key is working with a specialist who accurately assesses whether your existing cabinet boxes will support new doors and benchtops. A thorough inspection before quoting prevents surprises during the renovation.

Cost Breakdown

ComponentTypical Cost Range
New doors and drawer fronts (polyurethane)$4,000–$8,000
New doors and drawer fronts (vinyl wrap)$3,000–$6,000
Engineered stone benchtops$3,000–$6,000
Glass splashback$1,500–$3,000
New handles$200–$800
New hinges (Blum soft-close)$300–$600
Total facelift$8,000–$18,000

Compare this to the Victorian average full renovation cost of $42,630 — a facelift saves Geelong homeowners $15,000–$25,000 while delivering a visually identical result from the front.

Ready to transform your kitchen without the full renovation cost? Get a free facelift quote or call 03 4054 5727 to discuss your options.