Kitchen Cabinets: Reface vs. Replace

Kitchen Cabinets: Should You Reface or Replace?

If you are planning a change to your kitchen, whether large or small, deciding what to do about your cabinets is one of the biggest decisions you will make and can account for a large portion of your overall budget. New cabinets can take up to nearly 50 percent of your total kitchen remodel budget, and cabinets that function well can be all of the difference in a kitchen. But if you can’t afford or don’t want to buy all new cabinets with all of the latest features and styles, alas… there is still hope.

Today, many homeowners are saving money with cabinet refacing – rather than completely replacing their existing kitchen cabinets. Futhermore, you can also customize your look with all new hardware. Pulls and knobs contribute a lot to your kitchen’s style, swapping them out can take your kitchen from traditional to modern and beyond!

When refacing the cabinets, consider freshening up the interiors too. They can be sanded, painted or veneered for a completely new look. Adding handy functionality, like pull-out drawers and rotating shelves, is another great option. There are so many options and great products out there, ask us what may work best for you.

Fans of refacing say this mini-makeover can give a kitchen a whole new look at a much lower cost than installing all-new cabinets. Cabinet refacing can save you significantly when compared to completely replacing cabinets and it is must less involved process than removing old cabinets and installing new ones. It is an ideal option for many people because of its convenience, it doesn’t require demolition, pulling out appliances and more. You can still have a fully functioning kitchen during a kitchen cabinet refacing project.

Even with the potential cost-savings, kitchen cabinet refacing isn’t right for every kitchen remodel. Before making the decision to reface, rather than replace, homeowners need to consider a number of factors. Are you happy with your current layout? Consider the “bones” of the cabinets – are your existing cabinets in good shape? Is there any signs of damage or excessive wear and tear or faulty construction that should be taken into consideration?

Knowing when your kitchen cabinets were originally constructed is also helpful, you may not want to spend money to reface cabinets that are truly worn out. Keep in mind that cabinets built prior to the 1980s were generally built of better materials than newer ones.

However, even if your original cabinets are solidly built and in good condition, refacing or converting to open shelving may not be the best option if your current cabinet design or layout isn’t efficient or functional.

Let us help you determine what may be the best option for you. Call us today for a free consultation (702) 233-1888.