Is It OK to Choose Cabinet Refacing Over Replacement?
Is it okay to opt for cabinet refacing over replacing them?
Short answer? It depends on why you want to change your kitchen. If it’s just the aesthetic appeal you want, refacing the kitchen cabinet would be enough.
But not always.
Although both refacing and replacing change your kitchen’s appearance, one of them is costlier than the other.
If you were wondering whether to reface your kitchen cabinets or replace them, we have the answer. Keep reading.
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
This process is simple. You keep the kitchen cabinet as is and just change the doors and the drawer fronts.
It’s a makeover to your kitchen cabinet on the surface that changes how your kitchen looks. While refacing, all the cabinet frames, side panels, and drawer fronts are also covered using a veneer and match the new drawer fronts.
If you have already spent enough money on your kitchen cabinets, then refacing should be easy on the pockets.
Plus, if you’re confident about the sturdiness of your cabinets, then refacing them will give them a fresh look and let you save on the budget.
With a cabinet refacing, you get to keep the structure, the frame, the shelves, and your kitchen interiors the same. But their looks on the surface change with new cabinet skins and colors.
Again, It’s a change on the surface and not the structure. But it doesn’t mean this process is without hassle.
Usually, you must remove the drawers and the doors. This way, you can apply new veneer to the surface of the parts.
If necessary, the hardware can use little modifications, such as changing the hinges, handles, and drawer pulls.
Note: If you are deciding to choose refacing services, try looking for businesses that specialize in it. Some companies exclusively provide refacing services, while some have other services but not refacing.
How Long Does Cabinet Refacing Take?
Try refacing your kitchen cabinets if you want to give them a fresh and new look before Christmas.
We don’t usually have a lot of time before the festivities – which is why a refacing is good enough.
A fresh new look must come at an easy price and FAST.
A refacing usually takes 2 to 5 days. You can only get this done fast if the cabinet doors are made of stock materials. You can get back to your kitchen in 2 to 5 days if you are choosing refacing over replacement.
How Much Does Cabinet Replacement Cost?
Yes, kitchen cabinet refacing costs comparatively less than cabinet replacement. But there are expensive ones.
So, for an affordable, fresh look, painting the cabinet cases can prove to be a better option.
But, if you choose to reface your kitchen cabinets, it’ll only cost $7000.
When to Reface Kitchen Cabinets?
There’s no point in wasting your money on a makeover or modification that’s not worth the money.
Kitchen cabinet refacing is the best option under the following conditions –
- Are the cabinet boxes in solid shape?
- If the replacement cost feels too much, you can go with refacing.
- When remodeling your old home, you can reface your kitchen cabinets instead of rebuilding them.
- If you like the current kitchen boxes and want a change on the surface level, refacing is the option.
Kitchen Cabinet Replacement
Unlike kitchen cabinet refacing, this project is an all-out change for your kitchen cabinet. If you want to change your kitchen cabinet, this is something you want to keep in mind.
This change means changing all the components of the cabinet, including doors, frames, shelves, cabinet hinges, and other parts of the cabinet hardware.
You can change the entire model or the structure of the kitchen cabinets if you want.
But it’s important to remember that kitchen cabinet replacement takes more time and costs comparatively more.
How Long Does Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Take?
The entire process of replacing your kitchen cabinets is time-consuming. While refacing just takes adding new veneers, replacement means tearing down and rebuilding the entire structure.
First, your service providers will demolish your old kitchen cabinets. The process can take one day or more, depending on the complexity of the structure.
Next, once the new cabinet design is ready, they’ll level it properly and install it. This process can also take more than 2 to 5 days on average. If you are hiring expert service providers, they’ll complete it within this timeline.
You can get it done within two weeks of the timeline if you choose to replace your kitchen cabinet. But you shouldn’t forget to add your lead time.
But, if you are going for something custom-made, it’ll take around eight weeks to complete the entire infrastructure.
How Much Does Cabinet Replacement Cost?
The cost of replacing a kitchen cabinet depends entirely on how much you want to spend on it. The average cost for a kitchen replacement is between $8200 and $10000. But, you can go higher and spend as much as $24600.
However, there are other factors, such as the size of your kitchen and the cabinet type you are using for the replacement.
Usually, the cabinets are priced by linear foot. It is the easiest pricing model to consider. The price of such kitchen cabinets usually includes doors, kitchen cabinets, shelves, etc.
If you go for the stock cabinets, you’ll usually spend between $50 to $100 per linear foot. There are more people who will follow and work things out better for you.
For semi-custom cabinets, you have to spend around $150 to $650 per linear foot. The custom-made kitchen cabinets are even costlier. They can cost you around $500 to $1,200.
When to Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
As you can already see, replacing your kitchen cabinets can be expensive.
A dirty and unclean cabinet can be dealt with without punching a hole inside your pocket.
A refacing is more than enough in that case.
But, if the kitchen cabinet is worn out, has damage, cracks, etc., it’s time to get a replacement.
So, when should the kitchen cabinets be replaced? The following are the answers –
- Does your kitchen cabinet have scratches or dents?
- If the kitchen cabinet looks outdated, you should get a replacement.
- If the cabinet doesn’t match the quality of your house, go ahead and get it replaced.
- Old cabinets often get worn out, resulting in parts like the doors not working properly.
- If you need to add new kitchen equipment that your old cabinet doesn’t have space for.
- If the kitchen cabinet doesn’t suit your needs, then it’s time for a change.
Is it Okay to Choose Kitchen Cabinet Refacing over Replacement?
It all depends on what your kitchen requires. Does the cabinet look sturdy and strong enough?
If all the hardware, including the doors and the hinges, is working properly, there’s no need to replace the kitchen cabinets.
Most importantly, before deciding to restructure your kitchen cabinet, consider the expense. If there’s a minor dent or damage, small modifications should be enough.
Unless you see the warning signs mentioned above, there’s no need to replace the kitchen cabinet.
But, if you want a visual makeover for your kitchen, refacing is a good option. Installing new Veneers can transform your kitchen like the touch of a magic wand.
Consider changing the hinges and minor hardware to get the feeling of using a completely new kitchen cabinet.
A refacing takes 2 to 5 days, while cabinet replacement can take two weeks or more (if you are going for custom cabinets).
So, yes, it’s perfectly fine to choose kitchen cabinet refacing over replacement. It’s more cost-efficient and less time-consuming.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision is yours whether you want to reface or replace the kitchen cabinets. Refacing will give a new look to your kitchen; while replacing them will help you extend your kitchen’s life. Plus, kitchen renovations can increase your house’s property value during property value. With a custom cabinet replacement, you can use your kitchen space to its optimum level.
But refacing is a smart decision if your kitchen cabinets are sturdy and strong enough. So, which one is it going to be? Do let us know through the comment section. Thank you for reading.
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