We get it—a kitchen remodel can seem like a daunting project because of all the moving parts, costs, and time that is often required. There are many ways around some of these roadblocks, including opting for cabinet refacing instead of new cabinets. While refacing might be the best option for some, we have found that there are far more benefits to a full cabinet replacement versus refacing.
The Drawbacks of Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet refacing is a popular option for giving kitchen cabinets a fresh look without completely replacing them. While it has its benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
Limited Design Changes
Cabinet refacing involves changing the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and sometimes veneering the cabinet boxes. This limits the extent of design changes you can make. If you want to reconfigure the layout, add new cabinets, or change the cabinet structure, refacing might not be suitable.
Cost
While refacing is generally more affordable than completely replacing cabinets, it can still be a significant investment. The cost depends on factors like the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, and labor expenses.
Quality of Existing Cabinets
Refacing works best when the underlying cabinet boxes are in good condition. If your cabinets are structurally compromised, with water damage, warping, or weak construction, refacing might not be a viable solution. In such cases, replacement might be necessary.
Limited Material Options
Refacing materials are typically limited to veneers, laminate, and wood for cabinet doors and drawer fronts. If you’re looking for more diverse or unique materials like metal, glass, or stone, refacing might not provide the variety you desire.
Hardware and Functional Upgrades
While you can update cabinet hardware during refacing, major functional upgrades like installing soft-close hinges, pull-out trays, or internal organizational systems might be more challenging or costly to implement.
Longevity
While properly refaced cabinets can provide a significant lifespan extension, the longevity might not match that of brand-new cabinets. Over time, wear and tear might affect the refaced surfaces differently than they would new materials.
Time & Disruption
Refacing still requires some demolition and installation work. While it’s generally quicker than a full cabinet replacement, it can still cause kitchen disruption for a period of time.
Unforeseen Issues
During the refacing process, unexpected problems might arise, such as underlying structural issues or challenges matching new materials with existing ones. These could lead to delays and additional costs.
Resale Value
While a well-done cabinet refacing can enhance the visual appeal of your kitchen, it might not provide the same value boost to your home’s resale price as brand-new, high-quality cabinets would.
Replacement Cabinets for Your Low Country Home
If you are looking for reliable, long-lasting solutions for your kitchen cabinets we suggest high-quality replacement cabinets. That way, you can eliminate doubt and headaches while customizing your cabinets to your individual needs.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of cabinet replacements or would like to schedule a service, please contact us at Kitchen Design Solutions today! We are proud to be the area’s most trusted kitchen remodeling company.
