Kitchen Cabinets: Reface or Replace?

Replace vs. Reface: What’s The Difference?

The biggest need in a kitchen remodel is a cabinet update. Most of the time, homeowners want to change their cabinets in some way, shape, or form. Surprisingly, cabinets that are in good structural shape are demoed and replaced because a homeowner doesn’t like the look. On the other hand, sometimes kitchen cabinets have taken their fair share of wear and tear and need to be replaced. This article will explain each process and help you decide which one is right for you and your home.

 

What is Cabinet Refacing?

The cabinet refacing process utilizes your current cabinet bases and gives them a facelift. Here at JSB Home Solutions, we take out your old doors and drawers, put a quarter inch wood facing on top of your current cabinets and replace your doors and drawers with new, updated ones. Along with your new doors and drawers, we install all new hinges that provide a soft close finish. We also update your handles and drawer pulls to complete your new kitchen look. With the refacing process, you still have the design freedom to choose updated cabinet door fronts and drawers from our many different samples. You also still have the freedom to select the color of your choice, whether that be in a stain or paint color.

 

What is Cabinet Replacing?

The cabinet replacing process is exactly how it sounds, replacing your old cabinets. Your old cabinets are removed from your kitchen space, and we replace them with brand new Amish made cabinets in the style and color that you choose. The cabinet replacing process is slightly different than the refacing process as it is more labor-intensive and time consuming. This process takes almost a week and a half compared to a couple of days like the refacing process.

 

Evaluating Your Cabinets:

When deciding between cabinet refacing or replacing, it’s important to take time to evaluate your current cabinets to see if they’re worth saving or not. Not every cabinet is a good candidate for refacing but it doesn’t mean that older cabinets need to be fully replaced. Many older cabinets are built sturdier than most built today so investigating the sturdiness of your current cabinets is the most important step. The next step is to check your cabinet’s face frames. Good hardwood face frames will bind better with the cabinet refacing process and can anchor the new doors easily. Lastly, check the internal hardware like the drawer tracks and storage elements. If your drawers do not operate smoothly or if you want to add more storage inside of your cabinets, then the refacing process may not be the best option.

 

Pros and Cons of Reface and Replace:

Deciding what to do with your kitchen cabinets during a remodel is a little like a balancing act. There may be many questions surrounding what the best option is when it comes to your cabinets. Here is a list of pros and cons for replacing and refacing to help make this decision easier.

 

Cabinet Refacing:

Cons:

  • If you are looking to add to your kitchen, like an island or cabinet extension, you most likely would not be able to utilize the refacing process.
  • The box interiors of your current cabinets do not change. If you are looking to add more shelving for storage, updating the interior may cost a significant bit.

Pros

  • Keeps current kitchen layout. Refacing is perfect if you want to keep your layout the same.
  • Cost saving. Refacing usually gives you the look of brand-new cabinets at a lesser cost than brand new cabinets.
  • Refacing cabinets normally takes less time to complete, so you can start enjoying your updated kitchen quicker.
  • Endless style options and colors are available when refacing your cabinets and you can update your cabinet fixtures to your liking.

 

 

Cabinet Replacing:

Cons:

  • Brand new cabinet installation normally has a longer installation timeframe than refacing. This process can take up to two weeks, so you could be without many kitchen necessities for a while.
  • Brand new cabinets normally are more expensive than refacing your current kitchen cabinets.

Pros:

  • Brand new cabinets are installed. From the beginning you get to choose what style, color, and layout for your new cabinets.
  • More storage options, pull out drawers, and even baking sheet dividers can easily be added to your new cabinet layout.
  • Many styles, color and stain options are available that will suit your design style.
  • If you are looking to add to or expand your kitchen space, you can do that with brand new cabinets. With new cabinets adding an island to your current kitchen layout can add more value to your home.

 

 

Choose What Is Best For Your Home

Whether you decide with a reface or a replacement for your kitchen cabinets, make sure it’s the best decision for your family and your home. Take the time to thoroughly inspect your current cabinets to make sure that they are either structurally sound enough to keep or not. Also make sure to take into consideration what you truly want in your kitchen space. Whichever option you choose, we can do it! JSB Home Solutions offers a limited lifetime warranty with all of our products to ensure that you and your project is covered.

Next Steps!

Schedule a free consultation to see how JSB Home Solutions can help transform your home!