When preparing for a kitchen remodel, many homeowners struggle over the decision of whether to reface or replace their cabinets.
Refacing involves keeping the base structure of the cabinets but replacing all cabinet doors, drawer fronts and hardware. You’re giving the existing kitchen cabinets a makeover, instead of replacing them. Replacing, of course, involves ripping out the old cabinets and starting from scratch.
There are pros and cons to each option. What’s right for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Answering the questions below will help you decide whether it’s best to reface or replace.
Are The Old Cabinets Sturdy?
Are your existing cabinets in good shape structurally, but ugly or outdated? If so, you should consider refacing. The box part of the cabinets that is still in good shape won’t go to waste, but the look of the cabinets will be completely transformed. If the box part is falling apart, you’re better of replacing the cabinets.
Does the Existing Layout Work for You?
With a complete remodel, you can design the layout of your kitchen from scratch. Don’t have enough cabinet space? Add more. Need rollout shelves or a lazy susan? Design them into the plan. Refacing doesn’t offer this luxury, however. The layout you have before is the layout you’ll have after. If it doesn’t meet your needs, replacement is the best option.
How Much Do You Want to Spend?
Cabinet refacing is great if you’re on a tight budget. Most projects can between $4,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of your kitchen, its configuration and the type of doors and hardware you select. Cabinet replacements are more expensive. You’ll be lucky to spend $10,000, and some projects top $20,000.
How Much Time Do You Have?
A cabinet refacing project is relatively quick. Most of the time, the project can be completed in three to five days. Replacing is more involved, so the project takes longer. If you need the cabinets in a hurry or you don’t want to be without a kitchen for an extended period of time, refacing is the best option.
How Much Equity Do You Have?
Kitchen remodels are typically a great investment. Modern, updated kitchens are high on the wish list of most buyers, so you’re likely to recoup much of the investment in your sale price. But an expensive remodel usually isn’t a good idea if you don’t have much – or any – equity built up in the home. If this is the case, save the extra money by opting for refacing. If you do have a decent amount of equity built up, go for the complete replacement.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Carol Garbiano.