What Are the Pros and Cons of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets?

Is Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Right For You?

Are you hoping to upgrade your kitchen without doing a complete remodel? Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective alternative that will give your kitchen a brand-new look! Let’s take a look at what it is and how it works. If you’re ready to get started now, contact Dreamstyle Remodeling today! In the meantime, if you’re wondering what are the pros and cons of refacing kitchen cabinets, here’s what you need to know to decide if this approach is right for you. 

 

What Is Kitchen Cabinet Refacing?

Kitchen cabinet refacing involves replacing old cabinet doors and drawer fronts, leaving the cabinet boxes intact. Cabinet boxes are built to last a long time, so there’s a good chance that yours are still in good condition. We simply apply a solid wood veneer to your existing cabinet frames for a fresh look. Then, we install new doors, hardware, knobs, and drawer fronts, following the kitchen design specifications that you choose.

This is an excellent option if your existing cabinet boxes are in good shape. Otherwise, you may need to consider a full replacement for your cabinets and overhaul everything. But, if you’re able to go with this refinishing option, you’ll save money, increase your home value, and avoid the time-consuming experience of a full remodeling project. There are many other opportunities for DIY projects to continue upgrading the look of your kitchen without high costs.

There are pros and cons of refacing kitchen cabinets—you should consider all factors when deciding the best approach for your new kitchen. Here’s what you need to know.

 

Pros of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Easy Kitchen Makeover

The first pro is obvious—give your kitchen the makeover it deserves! If your existing kitchen feels outdated, but you don’t want to go through with a full kitchen renovation, this is a fabulous option. You’ll get to keep our existing layout but revamp the look and feel of your kitchen. There are other touches you can add, like a new backsplash, without changing your kitchen layout.

Cost-Effective

Refacing allows you to get new cabinets without replacing the entire cabinetry system. The cost of kitchen cabinet refacing is less than that of fully replacing cabinets traditionally. 

Eco-Friendly

With cabinet refacing, there’s simply less waste because you aren’t throwing as much away. When old cabinets are removed, they end up in a landfill. By keeping your current cabinet boxes intact, you’re helping to reduce waste and your carbon footprint.

Less Intrusive

Home improvement solutions are exciting, but they can really take over homeowners’ lives. Cabinet refacing is a wonderful alternative because it is much less disruptive than a full renovation. This project typically takes only a few days, whereas a complete remodel can take weeks or months. 

 

Cons of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Mixing Old With New

For some people, the overall external look is what matters. However, if you’re a perfectionist or get caught up in the little details, this might bother you. Your cabinets will still be old inside. A refacing company like Dreamstyle will put great effort into upgrading the cabinet faces, including a new veneer, new hardware, new drawer pulls, etc. However, you might still notice an older essence of the cabinets when you open them if you choose to focus on that.

 

Not a Full Upgrade

While refacing can give the look of brand-new, custom cabinets, there’s more to a kitchen! Refacing can certainly give your kitchen a fresh look, but it might inspire you to change more things about it. For example, the look of new cabinets might push you to replace those outdated laminate countertops. So, keep in mind that a refacing job might lead to more renovations in the future.

 

Limitations on Cabinet Size

Since it’s not a full cabinet replacement, there are some limitations regarding design. Your current cabinets are a specific size and shape, and the new cabinet doors and drawer fronts must match those specifications. Refacing may be insufficient if you have a very particular design in mind. 

 

Limitations on Changing Cabinet Functionality

Kitchen cabinet refacing does not allow for functional changes, such as changing your kitchen’s layout or increasing your storage capacity. If you want to do a more extensive kitchen renovation, it might be worth it to consider a full remodel instead if you think there are functional changes that would improve your kitchen as well. 

 

So, Is Kitchen Cabinet Refacing For You?

Now that you understand the pros and cons of kitchen cabinet refacing, is it right for you? 

If you’re looking to save money, get the job done fast, and simply get a fresh look without changing anything functionally, refacing could be the way to go. It’s a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and less intrusive way to makeover your favorite room.

If you have thought about making other big changes to your kitchen regarding the layout or storage capacity, you might want to consider a full remodel. This is especially true if your existing cabinets seem really old and tattered. They may be beyond the point of refacing. We also offer full kitchen remodeling, if that’s what you need.

Whatever you choose, Dreamstyle Remodeling can help. Contact us today for a free consultation!