Reface vs Replace Kitchen Cabinets:
Outdated or damaged cabinets can quickly ruin the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom, even if you update the other elements in the space. Replacing the cabinets is one way to add an instant update, but you could also reface them instead. The better option depends on your budget and the layout or condition of the existing cabinets.
Refacing cabinets involves installing new cabinet door and drawer fronts and covering the exposed face frames of the cabinets with a wood or plastic veneer. This typically takes two to four days, depending on the size of your kitchen, and the work is usually done by professional craftsmen. The doors and drawer fronts must be removed to reface them, and the old finish is roughed up to prepare the surface for the new covering, which is glued or nailed over the old finish. The nail holes are then filled and seams and edges are trimmed. Replacing your cabinets is much more involved and can take much longer if you factor in the planning and ordering of the cabinets. The cabinets must be removed, so their contents must be packed away. While homeowners can replace cabinets themselves, a professional installer knows how to measure and order to ensure the cabinets fit perfectly into your kitchen or bathroom. When refacing cabinets, you typically have three options for finish: rigid thermofoils (RTF), wood veneer or plastic laminates. Laminates come in a wide variety of colors, but their rigidity limits their use to plain cabinet styles. RTF is made using flexible vinyl foil over medium-density fiberboard and can be shaped into a range of styles. Wood veneer gives the look and warmth of natural wood cabinets but costs more than either RTF and laminate. If you choose to replace the cabinets, your design options expand to include a wide range of colors, styles, sizes and materials. Basically, you can choose whatever suits your budget. Consider your current cabinets before you make a decision about whether to replace or reface them. If you’re unhappy with how your cabinets look but they’re otherwise in good shape and their layout works with your space, refacing may be the right choice. It improves the look of your cabinets and is less disruptive to your daily routine. Because you’re not removing the cabinet, you can leave the contents, which makes less work for you. If your kitchen doesn’t work for you in terms of layout, replacing the cabinets gives you the chance to rearrange them. If the cabinets are structurally damaged, you should replace them. Refacing doesn’t correct damage or deterioration of the cabinet materials. Contact us today for a free quote.
