Should I Replace or Reface My Kitchen Cabinets?

No one loves brand new kitchen cabinets more than we do, but occasionally we agree some existing cabinets need only a facelift rather than a replacement. Refacing cabinets may include repainting cabinet doors and drawer fronts or veneering existing cabinets. The other option is replacing doors and drawer fronts altogether while keeping the existing cabinet boxes.

When to Reface Rather than Replace

Again, there’s nothing like a brand new set of gleaming kitchen cabinets. But when you’re on a budget and your cabinets are still in good shape, you can easily get away with simply refacing your cabinetry. The cost of refacing cabinets is approximately 40% to 50% less than a total cabinet replacement. You’ll also need to love, or at least really like, your current kitchen layout for this option to work.

What to Expect When Refacing Your Cabinets

The first thing you need to know about refacing cabinets is that it isn’t necessarily easier to do than building all new cabinets. Many homeowners attempt to start a refacing project themselves only to later hire a contractor because the task proved too difficult. We’re not saying you can’t DIY a refacing project, but we strongly suggest understanding what you’re getting into before you do it. We also recommend hiring a professional to guarantee the work is sound.

If you are planning for a DIY refacing project, here are some things to consider before diving in. Re-painting the cabinets requires more than a paint brush and a new bucket of paint. Painting is actually the easy part. First, you’ll need to remove the doors and drawer fronts, as well as the hardware on each drawer and front. Then you’ll need to sand down doors, fronts, and cabinet boxes (the rest of the cabinet). This first step alone could take an entire weekend if you’re doing it by yourself.

Cabinet veneers are another option for homeowners who want an updated wood look. Veneers work kind of like dental veneers, they’re a covering for your existing cabinets. Sort of like a wallpaper, if you will. However, if you’ve ever hung wallpaper you know that is one project that’s much easier said than done. Hanging cabinet veneers is an even tougher job, one that pretty much requires experience to accomplish successfully. Again, a professional would be the best option here.

If your cabinet boxes and drawers are still in good shape but the doors and drawer fronts are long past their better days, you can replace just the doors and fronts. Measurements will need to be exact with no room for error in order for the new doors and fronts to fit properly. You’ll also need to repaint or stain your existing cabinet boxes with the exact paint or stain used on your new fronts.

If after reading this and watching a few YouTube videos, you’ve decided new cabinets are easier and well worth the money, we agree! Call us at 662-728-1533 to request a free quote for your new cabinets or click here to request your quote online.