My Experience With Refacing Versus Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
When my husband and I decided to remodel our kitchen, one of the biggest decisions we had to make was whether to reface or replace our cabinets. We had heard conflicting opinions from friends and family, so we decided to do our own research and make an informed decision.
Refacing Versus Replacing Kitchen Cabinets: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into the pros and cons of refacing versus replacing kitchen cabinets, let’s first define what each option entails.
Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
Refacing kitchen cabinets involves replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware of your existing cabinets while keeping the cabinet boxes intact. The cabinet boxes are covered with a veneer or laminate to match the new doors and drawer fronts.
Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
Replacing kitchen cabinets involves completely removing your old cabinets and installing brand new ones. This option allows for more customization and flexibility in terms of design and layout.
Step-by-Step Guide for Current Trends on Refacing Versus Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
Here is a step-by-step guide for both refacing and replacing kitchen cabinets:
Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
- Remove the old cabinet doors and drawer fronts
- Choose new cabinet doors and drawer fronts
- Select new hardware
- Cover the cabinet boxes with a veneer or laminate to match the new doors and drawer fronts
- Install the new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware
Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
- Remove the old cabinets
- Measure and design the new layout
- Choose new cabinets
- Install the new cabinets
- Add hardware and accessories
Top 10 Tips and Ideas on Refacing Versus Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some tips and ideas to consider when deciding between refacing and replacing your kitchen cabinets:
- Consider your budget
- Think about the current condition of your cabinets
- Consider the layout of your kitchen
- Think about the overall design and aesthetic you want to achieve
- Consider the time and labor involved in each option
- Think about the functionality and storage needs of your kitchen
- Consider the resale value of your home
- Think about the environmental impact of each option
- Consider the level of customization and flexibility you want
- Think about the maintenance and upkeep required for each option
Pros and Cons of Refacing Versus Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
Pros:
- Less expensive than replacing
- Faster and easier installation
- Less disruptive to your daily routine
- Less waste and environmental impact
Cons:
- Less flexibility in terms of design and layout
- Cannot fix underlying structural or functional issues
- May not increase the resale value of your home as much as replacing
Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
Pros:
- More customization and flexibility in terms of design and layout
- Can fix underlying structural or functional issues
- May increase the resale value of your home more than refacing
Cons:
- More expensive than refacing
- Longer installation time and more disruptive to your daily routine
- More waste and environmental impact
My Personal Review and Suggestion on Refacing Versus Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
After weighing the pros and cons and considering our budget and overall goals for the kitchen remodel, we ultimately decided to replace our kitchen cabinets. We wanted a completely new layout and design, and we were willing to invest in the increased resale value of our home.
That being said, I can certainly see the benefits of refacing for those who want a quick and affordable update to their cabinets. It really comes down to personal preference and priorities.
Question and Answer/Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to reface kitchen cabinets?
A: Refacing kitchen cabinets typically takes 2-4 days.
Q: How long does it take to replace kitchen cabinets?
A: Replacing kitchen cabinets can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks depending on the complexity of the project.
Q: Can you reface cabinets that are in poor condition?
A: No, cabinets that are in poor condition or have underlying structural or functional issues should be replaced rather than refaced.
Q: Will refacing increase the resale value of my home?
A: Refacing may increase the resale value of your home slightly, but not as much as replacing your cabinets.