Refinish, Reface or Replace? Your Guide to Fixing Peeling Kitchen Cabinets

If you've noticed paint chipping, cracking, or peeling on your kitchen cabinets, you're not alone. Dealing with peeling cabinets can be frustrating, but the good news is that with the right approach, you can restore them to look like new again.

With some planning and elbow grease (or hiring a pro), you can breathe new life into your kitchen and finally bid farewell to that peeling paint.

When Refinishing Makes Sense for Peeling Cabinets

Cabinet refinishing involves stripping cabinets down to the bare wood and applying new stain or paint. It allows you to change the color and refresh the look of your existing cabinet boxes.

Refinishing can be a great option when:

• You want to update the color or finish of your cabinets
• Your cabinet boxes are in good structural condition
• You're on a tight budget

The Refinishing Process

Refinishing kitchen cabinets is a multi-step process. It involves thoroughly cleaning cabinets, sanding to remove the existing finish, repairing damage, applying primer, and finally painting the cabinets in your desired new color. Allow proper drying time between steps.

While refinishing cabinets is a bigger project than refacing, the process allows you to fully customize the color without the limitations of new cabinet door fronts. And you'll retain your existing cabinet layout.

Should You Hire a Pro?

You can refinish cabinets yourself, but it's a time-consuming process requiring some DIY skills. Professionals have the tools and expertise for a smoother experience. They'll also properly prep and finish the cabinets for a longer-lasting result.

Consider hiring a pro if you want it done fast or have severely damaged cabinets. But if you don't mind investing some sweat equity, refinishing can be an affordable DIY project.

When Refacing Makes Sense for Peeling Cabinets

Cabinet refacing keeps the existing cabinet boxes while replacing the doors and drawer fronts. It allows a quick kitchen update in as little as a few days.

Refacing is ideal when:

• Your cabinet boxes are structurally sound
• You want a faster update than refinishing
• You want minor style changes vs. full color change

How Cabinet Refacing Works

With cabinet refacing, old doors and drawer fronts are removed and replaced with new ones made of materials like wood, thermofoil, or laminate. Refacing professionals will ensure new fronts complement your cabinet boxes.

Refacing avoids the mess and time commitment of refinishing. It also allows easy style changes like switching to shaker-style doors or glass fronts.

Hiring a Professional is Best

While DIY refacing is possible for savvy homeowners, hiring a professional ensures proper measurements and installation. Experienced refacers will also flawlessly match new door fronts to your existing cabinet finishes.

Go with a pro when refacing for a seamless update in just a few days. The cost is less than full replacement.

When Replacing Cabinets is the Right Call

For some homeowners, peeling cabinets are a sign it's time for a full kitchen remodel with brand new cabinets. Replacing makes sense when:

• Cabinet boxes and interiors are damaged - not just peeling exteriors
• You want to change the layout and modernize the kitchen
• You don't mind the higher cost and time investment

The Replacement Process

Kitchen cabinet replacement involves selecting new cabinets, having them professionally installed, and integrating them seamlessly with countertops, appliances, plumbing, and lighting. It often goes hand-in-hand with an overall kitchen remodel.

While cabinet replacement is the priciest option, you can fully customize with durable new cabinets in styles and finishes you love. It also allows you to remedy any structural issues.

Leave it to the Experts

Cabinet replacement is not a DIY project. Leave it to the professionals for proper demolition, cabinet installation, adjustments for plumbing and electric, and integration of new countertops.

Investing in new custom cabinets from home improvement stores or local cabinet makers is the best way to maximize your kitchen's functionality and make it look like new.

Key Factors in Making Your Cabinet Decision

When deciding whether to refinish, reface or replace peeling kitchen cabinets, keep these key factors in mind:

• Budget - Refinishing and refacing are more budget friendly than replacing
• Extent of damage - Refinishing may work for surface damage, while replacement is better for structural damage
• Desired update - Refinishing accommodates color changes better than refacing
• DIY skills - Refacing and replacement are best left to professionals
• Disruption - Refacing causes the shortest downtime

In many cases, a combination approach is best. For example, refacing combined with refinishing visible cabinet interiors. Assess your needs and choose the option that fits your kitchen and budget.

Don't let peeling cabinets put a damper on your kitchen any longer. With some planning and strategic repairs, you can stop cringing every time you see them.

Refinishing, refacing or replacing can help transform your kitchen from drab and dated to fresh and modern again. By understanding the pros, cons and process of each approach, you can make the best choice for your needs and budget.

Say bye bye to those peeling cabinets for good, and hello to a kitchen you can't wait to show off!