Your Kitchen Cabinets: Should they be Refaced or Replaced?

Whether you decide to reface your kitchen cabinetry or completely replace them, both projects will give your kitchen an attractive, fresh appearance. However, if you’re in a quandary over which direction you should take, here’s some helpful advice regarding the benefits and factors of both options.

Choosing to Reface your Cabinetry

Many homeowners are opting to reface their kitchen cabinets rather than replacing them. One of the main reasons for their decision is the price tag, which is a fraction of the price for new cabinetry. Depending on the grade of materials you select and the number of cabinets that need to be refaced, the cost can run between $3,000 and $10,000. Because it’s an inexpensive quick-fix, you’ll have more money left over to purchase new countertops, new flooring, or another upgrade or necessity. Another reason homeowners choose this option is the fact the entire job can be done quickly. In most case scenarios, our craftsmen can finish refacing your cabinets in as little as two to five days, which makes it convenient for busy families and working couples. Likewise, your kitchen will be fully functional during the process.

Refacing your kitchen cabinets is also a great option if you’re preparing your home for sale or you just moved into an older house that’s in need of several updates. Moreover, with the plethora of attractive textures, shades and colors of refacing finishes available, you won’t have any trouble finding one that will blend in with your kitchen perfectly. The three basic grades of finishes you can choose from are plastic laminate, rigid thermofoil, called RTF, and wood veneer. While the most popular and expensive refacing option is wood veneer, plastic laminate is the most affordable and looks strikingly similar to wood. However, plastic laminate can only be applied to flat surface cabinets, whereas RTF is very versatile and can be conformed to many cabinet door styles such as arched, raised panel and cathedral doors. No matter what grade you choose, they are all very durable and water resistant.

Opting to Replace Your Kitchen’s Cabinetry

While cabinet refacing is a quick and inexpensive way to achieve beautiful results, it may not be the best option for your circumstances. For example, if you’re unhappy with your kitchen’s layout, refacing won’t solve your problem. Additionally, poorly constructed cabinets, metal cabinets that are beginning to rust, and excessively worn and damaged cabinets should not be resurfaced. You should also reconsider refacing your cabinets if they’re out of kilter due to settling floors, since this may signal serious structural issues in your home that may need to be addressed prior to doing kitchen updates.

Purchasing new kitchen cabinetry carries a variety of benefits. First, you can choose the exact style of cabinetry that reflects your personal taste and blends in with your home’s style. Then, when they’re strategically placed in your kitchen, you’ll enjoy a more organized, efficient and functional space. For instance, full extension roll-out shelves and a corner base cabinet with a lazy Susan can help you recover lost space while keeping items organized and easy to find. A custom-built wall cabinet installed above your refrigerator is another space saver, while base cabinets with large drawers will neatly store away your pots and pans. Many homeowners who opt for new cabinets also wisely choose to have correlating countertops installed during the process, which can save them time and money.

If you’re thinking of getting your kitchen cabinetry refaced or replaced, Handyman Connection of Blue Ash has kitchen remodeling experts who can take care of all the details. From plumbing, electrical and carpentry services to drywall, decks, shelf and storage installations and more, we’re your one-stop-source for your home’s improvement projects. Give us a call today or visit our website to find out more information about our company. We offer a wide range of home services, including maintenance and installations.