Cabinet Refacing vs. Cabinet Replacement: Which Project Offers the Best Value?

Refacing Cabinets Mar 22

The wrong cabinets can significantly detract from the appearance and functionality of your kitchen. But regardless of whether they’re scuffed, dated, or simply not your style, it would be a costly shame to tear out and replace perfectly good cabinets—especially if you are happy with the current layout of your kitchen. Plus, if your home is older, the underlying cabinet framework is probably well-made and sturdy, and it would certainly make sense to preserve it (you’ve undoubtedly heard the old adage, “they don’t make them like they used to,” and that often applies to cabinets).In this situation, cabinet refacing can be a cost-effective alternative to a full kitchen remodel or a cabinet replacement project. Essentially, cabinet refacing involves replacing only the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware with brand-new components. The underlying cabinet boxes are kept intact. Then, a durable hardwood or Thermafoil veneer is applied to all visible surfaces to create the cohesive look of brand-new cabinetry. As compared to a kitchen makeover or a cabinet replacement, cabinet refacing generally offers more for less. Here are some of the reasons why it is often the best value:

A Quicker Turnaround

One of the biggest advantages of cabinet refacing is the timeline. Consider that a kitchen remodel or a cabinet replacement can drag on for weeks (and possibly even months). For the most part, your kitchen will be “off limits” during that time. While eating out occasionally can be a welcome treat, having to do so for every single meal can get old fast. What’s more, a cabinet tear-out can create a cloud of dust, a lot of waste, and a big mess. This can be a major disruption to your household—after all, your kitchen is the heart of your home, and you and your family use it several times a day. A less extensive project, cabinet refacing can be completed in as little as three days, mainly because the core framework remains as is. Before you know it, the workers will be out of your kitchen and you’ll be enjoying your gorgeous “new” cabinetry!

Less Waste & a Lower Cost

With a cabinet refacing project, only the exterior portion of the cabinets is remodeled while the rest is left in place. Since the original cabinet boxes are repurposed instead of discarded, much less waste ends up in a landfill. You can feel good about making a green choice that is better for the environment. Additionally, cabinet refacing requires fewer new materials than a cabinet replacement, which translates to a lower cost for you.

A Smaller Margin of Error

A full kitchen remodel or cabinet replacement will involve completely tearing out the existing cabinets and starting from scratch. Even though you would most likely entrust this type of project to an experienced professional, there would still be a chance that something could go wrong. For instance, a countertop or appliance could get dinged, or a wall covering such as paint, wallpaper, or sheetrock could be damaged. Also, because more new materials would be required to complete the job, there would be a greater chance that a delivery could be delayed, which would in turn delay the entire project. Leaving most of the cabinets in place greatly reduces these risks as well as the associated costs.

Turn to the Cabinet Refacing Experts

Now that you’re convinced cabinet refacing delivers the best value, you’re probably anxious to get started. Your next step is to hire the right company for the job. Home Solutions by Kurtis expertly performs cabinet refacing projects for homeowners throughout the Detroit metro area. Reach out today to learn more about our services and discuss your cabinetry vision.