Last Updated on March 14, 2021 by
Whether it is worth refacing your kitchen cabinets or not depends on several factors. If your kitchen cabinets are in excellent state and still functional, then you can consider a reface. If, on the other hand, the cabinets are already old and deteriorated, a replacement would serve the purpose, and refacing would not be worth it.
Your cabinets could still be firm but if the doors are chipped, warped, or faded they will need a reface. There could also be an insufficient space of the counter, or the layout could be inconvenient, and if this is the case, you need a kitchen remodeling. But, before you can decide on whether to reface, remodel, or replace your cabinets, it is necessary to understand the benefits of this process.
Advantages Of Refacing Your Kitchen Cabinets
Many benefits come with refacing kitchen cabinets that include;
Transformation Of Your Kitchen
Kitchen cabinets take up most space in the kitchen; increasing their artistic value and updating them makes your kitchen more fulfilling. No one will tell that the cabinet boxes are old after a reface since their exteriors will look magnificent. It is necessary to pick a color, material, and finish that will enhance the ambiance and complement the theme of your kitchen.
Saves On Time
Unlike remodeling or replacing your kitchen cabinets, the process of refacing takes only a short period to complete. You can plan the process with your busy schedule and this will take less than one week to finish.
It Is Cost-Effective
Kitchen cabinet refacing is a cost-effective process, especially if you are on a budget. You can spend half the amount of money used for Replacement or remodeling and still give your kitchen that modern and sleek look that you desire.
It Is Environmental-Friendly
When you reface your cabinet doors, there is no waste added to the landfill, and this process is a green option. It is even possible to recycle and reuse the kitchen cabinet doors into a cork board or chalkboard.
Refacing Is Hassle-Free
If you choose to remodel or replace your kitchen cabinets, it will require you first to remove everything and perform your tasks elsewhere. However, if you decide to reface your cabinets, you don’t have to empty or restock your kitchenware since this is a hassle-free project. You can still use your kitchen space even when the project is on-going.
Adds Value To Your Home
Adding a facelift to your kitchen cabinets increases your home’s value, especially if you intend to sell it later. Unlike worn-out fixtures in the kitchen that will put off potential buyers, refaced cabinets make your kitchen more attractive. You will even get higher offers when selling than when the kitchen is in poor condition.
What Is The Difference Between Refacing And Replacing Kitchen Cabinets?
Cabinet refacing includes installing new doors and drawer fronts, veneering cabinet boxes, and building new cabinet hardware. On the other hand, Replacement involves removing the existing cabinets and putting up new ones. The bases may also need leveling to prevent further cracking of counters, and the process will also include hanging the cabinets and installing new hardware and doors.
When Refacing Kitchen Cabinets Will Not Work
Sometimes it may not be ideal for refacing kitchen cabinets, and it is necessary to look out for the following to make a viable decision;
Poor Kitchen Layout
A kitchen that has a poor layout may not change even after a reface. You could use a lot of money to update it and still end up with a non-functional kitchen. If the cabinets are falling apart or were not built well initially, refacing may not work. If these fixtures are made of metal that has started to rust, it is high time you consider a remodel or Replacement.
Sometimes there may be other structural issues like a floor that has settled, leaving the cabinets out of kilter, making it worthless to reface your cabinets.
Choice Of Materials
Picking the finishing materials to use is among the most crucial decisions you need to make. You may decide to replace the old wooden center glides on your drawers with new tracks mounted on the roller sides. Like many other homeowners, you may also opt to replace the old drawer boxes with entirely new ones that are custom-built.
Your kitchen floor and countertop installations may require a replacement or an update. If the faucet and sink are not in good shape, you may have to replace them together with the countertops. The corner cabinets may also need to be customized or need to match the over-the-refrigerator units with old ones.
You may opt to have flip-out drawer fronts, pull-out trash bins, new wine racks, pull-out shelves, among other accessories. All these items will add to the cost of refacing cabinets which may be higher and not make sense. It would therefore be cheaper and more viable to replace these fittings.
Costs
The cost of refacing your kitchen cabinets depends on the finishing materials you pick, your kitchen’s size, and what you want to be included. You may sometimes realize that a facelift will cost more or slightly less than having new fixtures altogether. It is advisable to get quotations from various firms and compare their costs. If you aren’t saving a reasonable amount, you can remodel or replace your cabinets.
How To Know If Your Kitchen Cabinets Can Be Refaced Or Not
Not all kitchen cabinets are compatible with refacing procedures, and it is necessary to know if yours can be refaced or if you need to replace them. You can inspect them to see the way forward. Look out for the following;
Face Frames
Face frames are usually attached to the boards to hide the cabinet edges. These frames act as attachment points for hardware, doors, pulls, and other items. If the frames are still in excellent condition, they can be refaced by applying a new veneer. These frames’ excellent condition makes it possible to attach new pieces and hardware.
Are The Cabinets Smooth And Sturdy?
Your cabinets need to be smooth and firm for a new veneer to bond and hold perfectly. If your cabinets are made of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or plywood panels and are still in perfect shape, then a reface will be a good option. If, on the other hand, the materials are rough and weak, you should think of a replacement.
Cabinet Hardware
Your cabinet drawers should not be getting stuck or falling apart on the inside. If these fittings are not functioning appropriately, refacing the cabinets will waste time and resources.
Steps To Follow When Refacing Your Kitchen Cabinets
While some contractors may arrange their tasks differently, you can expect the following steps in a kitchen cabinet reface;
1. Removing the cabinet drawers, drawer fronts, and doors but leaving the other pieces intact
2. Covering the front parts of the cabinet boxes with natural wood veneer. One can use RTF (rigid thermofoil)
3. Skinning the sides of the cabinets using either a laminate or a wood veneer
4. Installing new door hinges if need be, but there will be no need to replace them if they are in perfect conditions.
5. Installation of doors and drawer front pieces
6. The addition of new fixtures such as drawer pulls and handles
Installing any other extra components like lighting accessories, crown molding, glass panels, storage attachments, and more
Conclusion
Sometimes you can consider giving your kitchen cabinets a facelift if they are worn out, and you don’t want to spend a lot of money. It is less expensive to reface kitchen cabinets than replace them, especially if you like the existing layout. But, if your cabinets are completely worn out or the structure is not pleasing to you, consider a replacement.
Refacing your kitchen cabinets or having them replaced will add value to your home and attract buyers faster if you want to sell.
