Reface or Replace? How to Decide Based on Your Kitchen Cabinet Costs
Giving your kitchen a facelift can be an exciting yet daunting endeavor. With the option to either reface or fully replace your existing cabinets, weighing the pros and cons of each route is key to making the best choice for your space and budget.
When embarking on a kitchen refresh, carefully evaluating whether to reface your current cabinetry or swap in completely new cabinets can save you from buyer's remorse down the line.
When Refacing Makes Sense
Replacing just the visible portions of your cabinets like doors, drawers and hardware can transform the look of your kitchen in a fraction of the time and cost as a full gut renovation. This approach leaves existing cabinet boxes intact while giving the face of your kitchen a fresh facelift.
Refacing typically costs around 30-50% less than installing all new custom cabinetry. It also minimizes disruption to your household since installation can often be completed in 3-5 days by an experienced contractor. This path is ideal for homeowners happy with their current kitchen layout and storage solutions but seeking an aesthetic upgrade.
Good Candidates for Refacing
Refacing can breathe new life into worn or dated cabinets. It's a smart solution if your cabinet boxes are structurally sound but fronts and exterior finishes are scratched up or out of style.
Home cooks who enjoy their kitchen's workflow need not change it up. Refacing updates style without altering cabinet footprint. Those on a tight budget will appreciate major impact without the hefty price tag of full replacement.
Downsides of Refacing
While less expensive, refacing won't fix serious issues like rotting wood, insufficient storage or poor layouts. Doors and hardware are replaced but interiors remain the same, limiting customization.
Since boxes aren't rebuilt, your upgraded kitchen will still rely on old cabinet construction. Lifespan may be shorter than buying new, quality cabinets.
When New Cabinets are the Better Choice
For homeowners seeking not just a cosmetic refresh but to fully transform their kitchen's form and function, installing brand new cabinetry may be the wiser route. This option allows for a wider array of styles, materials and customization.
While pricier upfront, newly constructed cabinets should provide decades of reliable performance. Whereas refacing may carry a 10-15 year lifespan, new cabinets can last upwards of 25-30+ years.
Good Candidates for Replacement
Damaged or lower-quality existing cabinetry will likely benefit from full replacement. Those with layout issues to resolve can reconfigure their whole kitchen during the install process.
Homeowners looking for maximum storage solutions or specialty cabinetry like roll-outs and lazy susans gain more options with new construction. For a total kitchen overhaul, ripping out old cabinets for new allows endless possibilities.
Downsides of Replacing
The upfront investment for purchasing brand new custom cabinets is significantly higher, ranging from 1.5-5 times that of refacing. Installation is also more intensive, involving full demolition and new cabinet builds.
While renovating, expect to be without a functional kitchen for weeks or longer. Reconfiguring layouts also risk disrupting the workflow of an already efficient kitchen.
Factors that Impact the Cost
Whether refreshing existing cabinets or installing completely new ones, a few key factors play into the final price tag.
Materials
Cabinetry made from premium hardwoods, exotic veneers and high-end finishes costs substantially more than standard oak or maple. Thermofoil and laminate options provide durability at lower price points.
Custom vs Stock Design
Stock or pre-fabricated cabinets are more budget-friendly than customized options built to your exact kitchen's specifications. But custom cabinetry allows you to optimize storage and layout.
Installation and Labor
A complex tear-out and install costs more than simply swapping door fronts. Hiring experienced contractors also bears a price premium but helps ensure quality results.
Getting bids from cabinet professionals for both refacing and replacement gives you an accurate apples-to-apples comparison. This makes it easier to determine the best ROI for your home and lifestyle.
While replacement cabinets may feel like a splurge upfront, they can be viewed as an investment towards your home's value while providing decades of reliable use. Either option can yield stunning results. Identify priorities like budget, longevity and customization needs to guide your decision.
By carefully weighing your options against your goals, you can pick the cabinet solution that optimizes function and aesthetic for your unique kitchen and budget.