Refinish or Replace? How to Get Kitchen Cabinets You'll Love!
Cabinets, a key kitchen feature, serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They provide ample storage space to keep your supplies organized and make your kitchen look visually appealing. Cabinets are considered one of the longest-lasting components of a kitchen. However, that lifespan depends on the material's quality and maintenance.
Kitchen cabinets face a lot of use, making them appear old, outdated, and worn-out over time. When looking for a kitchen cabinet makeover, whether to improve functionality or beauty, homeowners have to make a tough choice between refinishing or replacing. Several factors need consideration to determine which option is the best.
What is kitchen cabinet refinishing?
Refinishing the kitchen cabinets means giving the existing cabinets a refreshed and unique appearance by thoroughly cleaning them and stripping off the old paint and stain from the surfaces to attain a smoother finish for repainting or restaining them.
When should you consider cabinet refinishing?
Here are a few reasons to choose cabinet refinishing over replacement:
The cabinets are outdated but structurally sound
Refinishing is a good option when only the cabinet finish has faded, become damaged, or look unattractive due to general wear and tear but are still sound structurally. Refinishing gives the wooden cabinets a new appearance and a new lease of life by changing the design and color without much hassle.
Budgetary constraints
Kitchen cabinet replacement is expensive. Refinishing offers a cost-effective option to homeowners willing to give the kitchen a facelift without spending too much. The cost of refinishing depends on the kitchen size, number of cabinets, stain or color choice, and level of customization, but it still will be lower than replacing.
Change the style
When the homeowner wants to change the cabinets' style (as they are tired of seeing the existing one for years), refinishing is an ideal choice that saves money and does not leave the kitchen unusable for long. It is best for high-quality wood cabinets that are less than a decade old.
No issues with the current kitchen design
Homeowners happy with their current kitchen layout and do not need significant design changes or new cabinets can consider refinishing to restore the beauty of their old kitchen cabinets.
Refinishing cabinets is simple, cost-effective, less time-consuming, and does not require extensive planning.
What is kitchen cabinet replacement?
Replacing the kitchen cabinet involves entirely removing the existing cabinets to install new ones.
When should you consider cabinet replacement?
A homeowner should choose replacement over refinishing when:
The cabinets are significantly damaged
Water damage is a common occurrence in wooden kitchen cabinets. Warping, bubbling, signs of mold, soft spots, delamination, dark spots, and faulty opening and closing indicate the need for cabinet replacement. First, find the source and fix the water damage before replacing cabinets.
Malfunctioning cabinets
Consider replacing cabinets that are hard to access, do not open correctly, or keep getting stuck and make odd sounds.
Changing the kitchen layout and functionality
When remodeling your kitchen and changing its design and layout, or when looking to add more cabinets or fix the cabinets installed in the wrong places, Replace the cabinets to meet the demands and aesthetics of the new kitchen if you are:
Remodeling your kitchen
Changing its design and layout
Adding more cabinets in existing and new locations
Replacing kitchen cabinets is expensive and time-consuming but offers a brand-new look and fixes the poor layout.
Refinishing and replacement are great options for homeowners looking for a kitchen upgrade. Choose the best option depending on your budget, time, convenience, and the condition of your existing cabinets.
The Wood Doctor is the leader in wood restoration, refinishing and refacing in the Portland area. Call 503-560-5220 for a project consultation.