New Kitchen vs. Cabinet Refinish
Whether you are planning to completely remodel your kitchen or tweak just a few details that have been bothering you, one of the biggest decisions you are going to have to make will be what to do with the cabinets. As cabinets occupy a huge percent of the kitchen space they are crucial for leaving a good first impression. However, getting new cabinets might have a significant impact on your kitchen remodeling budget, even up to 50 percent. At the same time, functional and space-efficient cabinets can make all the difference in your newly remodeled kitchen. In this article we are going to list all the pros and cons and determine once and for all which one is the winner decision: get a new kitchen vs. cabinet refinish option?
Is Refacing Your Best Option?
If you decide on refacing your cabinets you should know that there are a few ways to proceed, depending on the current state, quality and the level of damage to your cabinets. A professional kitchen remodeling company will determine whether your cabinets only need to be repainted or refinished, whether new laminate or wood needs to be installed over the cabinet and drawer fronts or if completely new doors and drawer fronts need to be added.
The final call is up to you. Apart from taking into account the state of your cabinets you also have consider the cost, as repainting is significantly cheaper than installing new doors. Another detail you should consider is the finish: install new knobs and pulls to complement the look of your newly resurrected cabinets. You should also consider adding new features to improve the cabinets’ functionality. Consider adding trendy elements like rotating shelves, pull-out drawers and similar elements.
Refacing will give a brand new look and feel to your kitchen while saving your money and reducing the stress. Refacing will also save you a lot of time and is highly practical, as you don’t have to remove the appliances so you can still use your kitchen while the cabinets are being refinished. Cabinet refacing usually lasts two to four days, but this depends on the size of your kitchen and the level of detailing needed to make your old cabinets look new.
When Should You Consider New Cabinets?
Although cabinet refacing can be significantly cheaper, it isn’t the best option for any homeowner. You have to consider a few things like the age and state of your kitchen. If the cabinets you already have were low-quality to begin with, refacing will only lead to additional costs. Go through your cabinets and look for any sings of damage, for example from faulty plumbing or bad construction. You also need to take into account the age of your kitchen, as cabinets were built much sturdier before the 80’s.
If your old cabinets are still in good shape you could also consider converting them to open shelving. You can give your dated cabinets a contemporary look and still fit into your budget frame. However if your old cabinets lack functionality, the best way to proceed might be to choose a kitchen cabinet material and get an entire new set. Sometimes starting from scratch is the best option.
Why Not Both?
Another road less taken is mixing both refacing and replacing. You could replace the old and worn-out cabinets and reface or repurpose the ones in better shape. This is another cost-efficient option many San Diego homeowners never even consider. Remodel Works is a professional San Diego kitchen and bathroom remodeling agency with over three decades of experience in home improvement. Our expert designers will help you determine whether cabinet refinish would be the best option for you, or if brand new elements are a better way to get your dream kitchen. Contact us for a free quote at 858-683-8596.
