Revitalize your Kitchen: Replacing, Refacing or Refinishing Cabinets

The kitchen is the heart of the home and often reflects the soul of its occupants. It's where culinary masterpieces are born, where families gather, and where memories are made. However, as time passes, even the most well-loved kitchens may start to show signs of wear and tear, particularly the cabinets. When faced with tired, outdated cabinets, homeowners have several options: replacing, refacing, or refinishing. Each choice comes with its own set of benefits, considerations, and associated costs, but how do you know which is the right option for you?

1. Replacing Cabinets: A Total Makeover

For those seeking a complete overhaul of their kitchen's aesthetic, replacing cabinets is the most transformative option. This approach involves removing the existing cabinets entirely and installing brand new ones. New cabinets offer endless possibilities for customization, from style and materials to layout and functionality.

Why choose new?  If your cabinets are old or worn, not working properly, don’t have the organizational features you’d like or the layout of your kitchen is inefficient, then replacing will be your best option.

The cost of replacing cabinets can vary depending on factors such as the size of the kitchen, the quality of materials chosen and the amount of customization. New cabinetry will typically run around 30% of the total cost of the remodel making cabinets the most expensive part of your project.

2. Refacing Cabinets: Giving them a Facelift

For homeowners who like the layout of the kitchen but are looking to refresh its appearance, cabinet refacing offers an attractive compromise. Refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of existing cabinets while retaining the original cabinet boxes. You’ll have the opportunity to select a new door and drawer style and cabinet hardware.  Matching veneers will be applied to the existing cabinet boxes to make everything cohesive. This approach allows you to achieve a brand new look for your kitchen, generally at a lower cost than full replacement. Another advantage of refacing is its efficiency. Compared to the extensive demolition and installation required for cabinet replacement, refacing is a relatively quick and straightforward process. This means less disruption to your daily routine and a faster turnaround time for your kitchen makeover.

Just like replacing, the total cost will depend on factors such as the size of the kitchen, the materials chosen for the new doors and drawer fronts, and whether additional modifications or upgrades are required to the existing cabinet boxes. Refacing costs can range anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000. 

3. Refinishing Cabinets: A Fresh Coat

For those seeking a budget-friendly yet impactful way to breathe new life into their kitchen cabinets, refinishing offers an effective solution. Refinishing involves sanding down the existing cabinet surfaces to remove old finishes and blemishes before applying a fresh coat of paint or stain. This process allows you to update the look of your cabinets while preserving the integrity of the original wood.

Refinishing is an excellent option for homeowners who are satisfied with the layout and functionality of their existing cabinets but wish to change their appearance. The cost of refinishing cabinets is typically the most affordable option, ranging from $1,800 to $5,000, depending on factors such as the size of the kitchen, the complexity of the refinishing process, and whether professional assistance is required. 

Making the Right Choice for Your Kitchen

When it comes to revitalizing your kitchen cabinets, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best option for you will depend on your budget, timeline, aesthetic preferences, the condition of your existing cabinets and how functional your current kitchen layout is. Whether you opt for the total transformation or a simple refinish, one thing is certain: with a little creativity and ingenuity, you can breathe new life into your kitchen and create a space that reflects your unique style and personality. If you are considering a kitchen update, we offer in-person consultation services to help you determine the best options for your project.