Reface or Replace Your Cabinets?

Last Updated on October 3, 2016

Cabinet refacing is a great way to make what’s old new again – but how do you know if it’s the right choice for your kitchen? In this blog, we’ll discuss the different ways you can reface your cabinets, and also offer tips and suggestions on how you can determine whether it’s time to reface or replace.

Homeowners are saving thousands of dollars by choosing to reface their cabinets instead of replacing them. Cabinet refacing can cost up to half the price of a total cabinet replacement, so you can give your kitchen the facelift it needs without busting your budget.

Which Refacing Option is Best for You

Refacing can be as simple as one, two, three. By determining the type and condition of your cabinets, it’s easy to decide which refacing option is best for you:

1. Refinish or Paint: If your existing cabinets are made of solid wood, then refinishing or painting them is a great option to update the look of your kitchen (while also expressing your creative side).
2. Install New Doors and Drawers: If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and in good condition, then replacing the cabinet door and drawer fronts – also known as cabinet refacing – is a surefire way to give your kitchen an instant facelift and change the look of your kitchen without any demolition. Granite Transformations offers cabinet refacing with a wide variety of both wood and rigid thermofoil (RTF) options and styles.

What’s on the inside counts, too, so don’t forget to consider updating the interiors of your cabinets. Adding pull-out drawers or rotating shelves is a great way to add functionality to your cabinets without too much effort. To make the experience even more fun, try painting the inside of the cabinets or adding veneer to switch up the look. You’ll be surprised how something so subtle can have such a big impact.

Once you’ve determined the best refacing option for your cabinets, it’s time to start thinking about accessorizing them with new pulls and knobs. Adding this finishing touch to your cabinets not only completes the look, but can also give you the flexibility to transform it into something more traditional, chic or funky. It’s a great and subtle way to express your personality while creating the dream look you’ve always wanted.

How to Know if Your Cabinets are a Good Candidate for Refacing

• Quality Counts: If you’re starting out with high-quality, expensive wood cabinets that are in good condition, then refacing is a good option for you. Lower-quality cabinets, on the other hand, may not hold out over time, which could cost you more in the long run.
• Age Matters: Consider the age of your cabinets. Older cabinets are better to replace, while newer cabinets might prove easier to reface.
  Keeping the Layout: If you’re keeping the layout of your kitchen, then cabinet refacing is a great, cost-effective option.

When to Consider Replacing

• Ready for a new kitchen layout: Some homeowners find that they need more counter and storage space and want their kitchens to have more flexible function. If you’re considering a new kitchen layout, and are also looking for more functionality, then you’ll have to replace your cabinets.
• Cabinets in Disrepair: Water damage, mold or years of wear and tear can take its toll on your cabinets. If you find your cabinets are structurally unsound and in poor condition, it may be time to consult with a professional contractor to determine if you need to replace them.

Time, convenience and cost are major factors when deciding to reface or replace your cabinets. You can turn to Granite Transformations to guide you every step of the way. Sign up for a free in-home consultation today and get a free quote – it can’t hurt! With little-to-no demolition – and as most jobs are completed in one day – you could be one step closer to your dream kitchen.