One of the first things people want to remodel in their kitchen is their cabinets. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all needed to freshen up the space. But other times, more extensive projects like cabinet refacing or replacing are required. These projects are much more involved than simply repainting or upgrading the hardware, but not quite as extensive as doing a full kitchen renovation. We’ve explained the main differences between cabinet refacing and replacing to help you decide what’s best for your kitchen functionality and aesthetics.
What Is Involved With Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing provides a comprehensive approach to updating kitchen cabinets. The process involves removing the doors, hardware, and drawer fronts and covering the boxes with your desired veneer. The aesthetic changes can be very significant but a full kitchen renovation is not required. Whether aiming for a modern, contemporary, traditional, or custom kitchen style, cabinet refacing can transform your kitchen’s appearance.
The timeline for cabinet refacing is longer than refinishing, but not quite as long as a full replacement. However, when you reface your cabinets, you can enjoy the benefits for years to come since new durable materials are used to help resist fading and general wear and tear.
When Does Cabinet Refacing Make Sense?
Cabinet refacing often makes the most sense for homeowners who don’t have the budget for a full kitchen remodel, but need an extensive overhaul of their cabinets. The refacing process can leave your kitchen looking unique and modern depending on your style. The kitchen is one of the most visited rooms in a home, so homeowners deserve to enjoy being in it. Cabinet refacing is a viable option for homeowners to upgrade their kitchen cabinets without breaking the bank.
Another reason you may consider cabinet refacing is if you plan to sell your home soon. Your home’s value is tied to many factors, including kitchen aesthetics and functionality. Homeowners often deal with their homes how they are, but they must consider how a potential buyer would view their kitchen. If the kitchen cabinets need a lot of work, opting for cabinet refacing could provide a great return on investment.
Cabinet refacing also makes sense if you don’t like changing your kitchen very often. Refaced cabinets can last many years and withstand the wear and tear of daily use. The materials used are sometimes even better than those used for new cabinets. So if you don’t plan on repainting your cabinets every other year to achieve a new look and want a project that will withstand the test of time, then cabinet refacing is ideal.
Cost Considerations For Cabinet Refacing
Cost is one of the biggest factors homeowners consider when deciding what to do with their kitchen cabinets. Cabinet refacing is considered to be the middle ground. It will be more expensive than giving cabinets a facelift with paint, but not as expensive as replacing them. Depending on the style and options chosen, as well as other factors, the average cost of cabinet refacing projects is between $7,000-$10,000. When you consider the longevity of the project when completed by an experienced contractor, you should not need major cabinet work completed for many years afterward.
Is It Best To Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
There will be times when cabinet replacement is necessary as opposed to cabinet refacing. Homeowners should consider the overall condition of their existing kitchen cabinets to decide whether a replacement is ideal. If the cabinet boxes are broken in places or beginning to sag, then replacement is most likely required. Projects like cabinet refacing will not improve the structure of your kitchen cabinets, so replacements are required if structural improvements are needed.
A situation where you might replace your kitchen cabinets that are in good shape is if they aren’t as functional as you’d like. Sometimes we outgrow our kitchen or decide we need to use it differently than the layout provides. If you could use a different design for your kitchen cabinets to make them more functional, then replacing them is ideal.
Does Cabinet Installation Require A Professional?
If you are a handy person with experience in installing kitchen cabinets, then it’s possible to install them yourself. However, kitchen cabinet replacement can take a lot of time and your kitchen could be mostly unusable while the project is ongoing. And if you make a mistake, you may need to call a professional to fix any issues, which will add to the total cost of the project.
In most situations, it makes sense to have a professional replace your kitchen cabinets. They can take precise measurements and get a vision of exactly what you want in your kitchen. They can also make recommendations regarding the style, materials, and other factors based on their experience. Experienced professionals might also take half the time to do the project compared to DIY, so your home can get back to normal quicker and you won’t have to live under construction for very long.
Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Can Be Costly
The cost of replacing kitchen cabinets is higher than refacing them. But if you need more functionality or if your cabinets are an eyesore due to structural or major cosmetic issues, then it’s worth it. Many factors play a role in the total cost of kitchen cabinet replacement, but you can expect the cost to be between $12,000-$35,000. With this cost, you will get completely customized kitchen cabinets that could potentially last the rest of your life.
Are Refacing Or Replacing Kitchen Cabinets Best For You?
In either situation, it’s best to rely on experienced professionals to reface or replace your kitchen cabinets. You may consider interviewing a few different contractors and getting their opinions on whether you can enjoy the benefits of cabinet refacing or if replacing them is required for any reason. Your contractor should provide recommendations based on your best interests, budget, and other factors to ensure you are satisfied with the project. In many cases, if kitchen cabinets are structurally sound, then cabinet refacing makes sense. But if the structural integrity is compromised, then cabinet replacement will most likely be recommended.
Interstate Custom Kitchen & Bath, Inc. provides the highest quality service to ensure every homeowner is satisfied with any home renovation project they choose. Your kitchen cabinets can either be an eyesore or the main attraction of your kitchen. If yours could use some work, we would be happy to take a look and talk with you about some of the best ideas to improve them. It starts with a consultation with one of our experienced professionals, so don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule yours today.
