Reface or Replace?

Remodeling a kitchen can require a significant cost. One of the most important choices you’ll have to make about your kitchen cabinets is whether to replace them completely or just reface them. Each alternative has advantages and disadvantages, and the ideal solution for your house will rely on a number of variables, like as your intended look, budget, and the state of your cabinets right now. 

As a company with decades of experience, we at Askin Cabinets are aware that choosing this can be difficult. Refacing and replacing have different benefits and drawbacks. With the help of this blog, you will be able to make the best decision for your kitchen and your budget by weighing your options.

What is Cabinet Refacing?

When cabinet refacing, the existing cabinet boxes are kept and just the doors, drawer fronts, veneers, and the thin coating of laminate or wood that covers the exterior of the cabinet boxes are replaced. Without replacing all of your cabinets, this method may drastically change the appearance of your kitchen. Skilled staff will remove outdated drawer fronts, cabinet doors, and veneers during a refacing process and install new ones that complement your chosen finish and design or you can also go for the DIY route. For a unified, modern appearance, we might also replace the hinges, handles, and other hardware.

Benefits of Refacing Cabinets:

  • Cost Savings: Since you’re simply paying for new doors, drawer fronts, veneers, and installation labor, refacing is usually less expensive than replacing an entire cabinet. Comparing this to a full cabinet replacement can save you as much as fifty percent.
  • Shorter Time: Refacing takes only a few days to finish in most circumstances, which is shorter than replacing the cabinet boxes since they stay in place.
  • Less Disruption: Refacing disrupts your kitchen less because it doesn’t need demolition, which makes it a more practical choice for people who need to keep their kitchen working while renovating.
  • Impact on the Environment: Refacing is a more environmentally responsible option since it minimizes waste by keeping the original cabinet boxes, which are frequently constructed of durable, high-quality materials.

When is Cabinet Refacing a Good Option?

Cabinet refacing is an excellent choice if:

  • The cabinet boxes that you now have are structurally sound and free of rot or other damage.
  • You’re happy with how your present cabinets work and how they are laid out.
  • Your main objective is to modernize your kitchen’s appearance without doing a complete makeover.
  • Even though you have a tight budget, you still hope to see a significant improvement.

What is Cabinet Replacement?

As the name suggests, replacing your cabinets entails taking them out completely and building new ones from the ground up. With this option, you may create a kitchen that precisely matches your needs and tastes by starting from scratch. This can also be done via DIYor by calling a professional.

Benefits of Replacing Cabinets:

  • Total Customization: You can create the kitchen of your dreams without being limited by the current layout or cabinet measurements when you change all of the cabinets.
  • Enhanced Functionality: The functionality of your kitchen can be improved by adding new cabinets that incorporate the newest design features, like pull-out shelves, integrated organizational systems, and enhanced accessibility.
  • Enhanced Property Value: If you decide to sell your house in the future, a thorough kitchen renovation that includes new cabinets may help you recover a sizable amount of your initial outlay.
  • Longevity: New cabinets are an investment that will last for decades, especially if they are made of high-quality materials.

When is Cabinet Replacement a Good Option?

Cabinet replacement is the better choice if:

  • Your current cabinets are in such bad shape that refacing is not possible due to extensive rot, corrosion, or structural problems.
  • You want to completely remodel your kitchen because you’re not happy with the look or usefulness of your current cabinets.
  • A complete kitchen makeover will raise the value of your house and attract more potential buyers if you were to sell it soon.
  • You can afford a more extensive remodeling if you want a genuinely unique and long-lasting solution, and you have more money to spend on it.

Things to Think About

It’s important to take the following aspects into account when choosing between replacing and refacing your cabinets:

  • Budget: Although replacement may be a better long-term investment if you expect to stay in your house for a long time, refacing is usually more affordable.
  • Desired Aesthetic: Replacing all of the cabinets in your kitchen might be required if you’re hoping to completely change how it looks and feels.

However, refacing might be a good alternative if you’re content with the general arrangement and simply want a modern, fresh look.

  • Condition of Existing Cabinets: Refacing can give your existing cabinets a new lease of life if they are in good structural shape. However, a replacement can be a preferable option if they’re really damaged or out of date.
  • Resale Value: Replacing your old cabinets in your kitchen can add a substantial amount of value and appeal to buyers if you want to sell your house soon.
  • Time Frame: Refacing usually takes less time than replacing cabinets, as demolition, installation, and perhaps structural changes take more time.
  • Personal Preference: While some homeowners are happy to update their old cabinets through refacing, others prefer the peace of mind that comes with brand-new cabinets.

Ready to Choose an Option? Get a Quote from Us!

For a free consultation on the best course of action for your kitchen, contact Askin Cabinets. Our design experts can evaluate your current cabinets, talk with you about your ideal kitchen, and make specific recommendations for replacement and refacing choices. Additionally, we provide an extensive range of quality cabinet types, materials, and finishes to precisely match your preferred style.