Renovate Without The Headache: Why Refacing Beats Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
If your kitchen is looking tired but you dread the idea of a full-scale remodel, cabinet refacing may be the perfect solution. By resurfacing existing cabinet boxes and replacing doors, drawer fronts and hardware, refacing delivers an affordable kitchen facelift with far less disruption than tearing everything out to start from scratch.
Read on to discover why more and more homeowners opt to reface rather than replace when renovating their kitchens.
What Does Refacing Kitchen Cabinets Involve?
Kitchen cabinet refacing keeps the existing cabinet box frames in place while replacing exterior surfaces to transform dated or damaged cabinets. The process typically includes:
- Removing old doors, drawers and hardware
- Stripping and preparing existing cabinet box frames
- Installing new wood veneers, doors, drawers and hardware
- Applying fresh paint or stain finishes
An experienced contractor can reface kitchen cabinets in as little as 3-5 days. The kitchen remains fully functional during the process, avoiding the need to remove countertops, sinks or appliances - a huge perk compared to full replacement.
Eco-conscious homeowners will also appreciate that refacing recycles the existing cabinet boxes rather than sending loads of wood to landfills. Many contractors also use sustainable, formaldehyde-free materials for the new veneers and components.
Primary Benefits of Refacing Over Replacement
Less Disruption And Faster Completion
A full kitchen cabinet replacement requires demolishing existing cabinets and tearing out countertops to access walls and utility lines. Refacing avoids such major construction: contractors simply work directly on the existing cabinets to replace exterior surfaces.
With fewer preparatory and demolition steps, a refacing project takes mere days instead of weeks. Kitchens remain fully functional too - you won't need to disconnect the sink or remove appliances to accommodate new cabinets going in.
Greater Affordability
Buying and installing all-new custom cabinetry costs $15,000 to $35,000 or more. Refacing existing cabinet boxes costs roughly 30-50% less on average - often $7,500 to $15,000 for a full kitchen. Significant savings for the same refreshed aesthetic!
Moreover, revisiting cabinet layout or altering kitchen functionality during replacement adds further expenses. Refacing neatly sidesteps expensive structural changes by retaining your current footprint.
Come tax season, energy-efficient kitchen upgrades like refacing may qualify for tax credits up to $1,500 too.
Wide Range Of Customization
Think refacing just means slapping on a coat of white paint? Think again! The options for upgrading style and appearance rival a full replacement.
New shaker-style doors lend cottage charm, while sleek slab fronts create contemporary allure. Mix open shelving and glass cabinet doors for added flair. Contrasting finishes like brushed brass knobs against dark espresso cabinets pack visual drama into any design scheme.
Tailor interiors too with roll-out trays, spice pull-outs, tilt-down bins, adjustable shelves and other functional upgrades. Such customization can enhance storage efficiency and accessibility without altering the overall kitchen footprint.
Retain Existing Cabinet Footprint
Speaking of footprints, keeping your current kitchen layout intact saves massive time, money and headaches compared to reconfiguring cabinet placement. Refacing updates style without moving walls, plumbing or electrical.
You also avoid potential storage loss from layout changes. Refacing renews existing cabinet capacity. While you likely won't gain more cubic footage, simple adjustments like drawer organizers, Lazy Susans and pull-out cabinets boost functionality within the existing framework.
Downsides To Consider
Before opting for refacing, weigh a few potential downsides:
- Limited structural changes possible: Refacing won't raise cabinets to increase room height, for example.
- Durability less than brand new cabinets where the entire structure is replaced.
- Upfront cost still substantial, especially for larger kitchens.
You won't reconfigure your kitchen or address serious structural issues with refacing. However, the affordability and convenience trade-offs often outweigh such cons for homeowners primarily seeking a style update.
Key Factors About Your Existing Cabinets
Whether refacing makes sense hinges largely on your current cabinets. Assess the following first:
Condition of Cabinet Boxes
Refacing works best on structurally sound cabinets with surface-level flaws. Before committing, inspect for:
- Rotting, water damage or termite damage
- Drawers/doors that stick or don't close properly
- Wobbly cabinets not adequately secured
If the underlying boxes have functional or structural issues, full replacement may be the wiser route for longevity.
Adequacy of Existing Storage
Can your current layout accommodate storage needs? Refacing won't expand footprint but may incorporate space-saving solutions like:
- Roll-out trays and shelves
- Pull-out cabinet towers
- Drawer organizers
- Lazy Susans
If you need significant layout changes, however, replacement opening up the floorplan may suit better.
Desired Changes to Layout
Similarly, replacement conquers foundational changes like:
- Moving cabinet positions
- Changing kitchen shape
- Relocating appliances/sink
- Raising/lowering cabinets
Without structural modifications, refacing affordably reinvigorates style within the existing footprint.
Incorporating Accessibility Features
Those with mobility concerns can integrate helpful upgrades via refacing like:
- Adjustable shelves and roll-outs
- Drawers replacing lower cabinets
- Lever-style cabinet door hardware
Such tweaks refresh aesthetics while optimizing comfort and safety.
Questions for Contractors About Refacing
Researching professional refacing services prepares you to make the best choice. Key questions for contractors include:
- What is the typical lifespan of refaced cabinets?
- What types of warranties do you offer?
- How long will our kitchen be unusable?
- Can you modify/replace cabinet interiors?
- Do you use sustainable materials?
A reputable pro will readily share such details to build confidence around the refacing process and recommended approach for your specific kitchen.
Kitchen cabinet refacing uniquely fuses affordability with convenience: you refresh cabinets cost-effectively without the mess or timeline of full replacement. The facelift can completely transform kitchen aesthetics without altering the existing footprint.
That said, underlying structural issues or significant layout changes may warrant complete replacement. Assess your needs honestly before deciding which route works best.
Unsure whether to reface or replace? Reflect on what matters most - budget, layout, storage, accessibility, sustainability - and have candid conversations with experienced kitchen remodeling contractors. Thinking through priorities and options guarantees you choose the optimal update pathway.