It takes a closer look to understand that the dilemma of refacing or replacing kitchen cabinets is not actually a dilemma at all. It’s only a matter of weighing your needs, considering the cost, and deciding which one of the two solutions suits you the most. Because we are actually talking about two completely different solutions for your kitchen.
What’s involved in each of these kitchen renovation projects?
• Replacing the kitchen cabinets is exactly what it sounds like – the replacement of the cabinetry – the whole thing. This is often done in full-kitchen remodel jobs or when the cabinets are damaged. The advantage of having the kitchen cabinets replaced is that it gives you the chance to add more cabinets and thus multiply the storage room. This is one great way to increase home value too. Everyone wants a kitchen full of cabinets, right? The main downside of getting new cabinets for the kitchen? The cost. The cost of new kitchen cabinets actually accounts for half the money you will pay for the remodel. And if you get custom cabinetry, the cost will be even higher.
• Refacing kitchen cabinets is all about changing their face. This means, installing new cabinet doors and drawer fronts, veneering the rest of the cabinets but without changing the boxes. The whole idea is to get rid of the face of the cabinets which ruins the room’s aesthetics due to wear. Now if the cabinet fronts are not worn but you simply hate the color, there’s an even simpler and cheaper way to change the looks of your kitchen. That’s to repaint or stain the cabinets and add new hardware. Either way, the appearance of the kitchen changes, with less disruption too. The disadvantage of refacing the kitchen cabinets? Apart from the looks, nothing changes. You still have the same storage capacity and there’s not any change as far as the kitchen layout is concerned either.
What to do, replace or reface kitchen cabinets?
Let’s face it: refacing the kitchen cabinetry is always the second choice. If you are going to make some changes – especially those involving the storage space in your kitchen, they’d better be good. This is the one room in the house where ample storage space is still not enough. And so, unless you already have lots and lots of cabinets in the kitchen, replacing them just to create a new layout with more drawers, cabinets, and pantries is an excellent choice – unless you cannot afford it.
The price for the replacement of the kitchen cabinets is high and so the number one reason why most homeowners seek different solutions. And so, it’s fair to say that the family budget plays the main role in such decisions.
To help you decide, we made a shortlist of things you should consider.
• The budget Speak with kitchen remodel contractors near you to get an idea of the current costs. These things change. Get prices for cabinet materials and styles you love – if you are going to pay the price, they’d better be worthy of the expense. If the prices are exorbitant – at least for your budget, the market has already decided for you.
• The condition of the cabinets. What’s the condition of the cabinet boxes? Are there broken, warped, rotten? Or, are they in good shape? There’s no point in spending money on new cabinet doors and drawer fronts if the cabinet boxes are ruined. Of course, if they are just fine, you can reface them.
• Storage space Are you happy with how much storage room you’ve got in the kitchen? If not, why pay to reface the cabinets? They are not going to serve your needs any different just because they have a new face! In such a case and if you lack the budget, it’s best to wait a while to save the money and replace the cabinets instead of paying for something it won’t work for you.
• Is this a complete kitchen remodel or not? That’s that too. If you are going to spend a lot of money to remodel the kitchen anyway and especially if you plan to change the layout, get new cabinets too.
