Five Reasons for Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
By Karen LawsonRefacingCabinet.com Columnist
You're thinking about remodeling your entire kitchen but maybe it just needs a "face lift." Refacing kitchen cabinets can help you achieve the look you want for much less than the cost of replacing your kitchen cabinets. This list can help you decide whether to "replace or reface."
- Your existing cabinet doors are worn, but your cabinets are structurally sound: Cabinets build in the 1970's and before may be of higher quality than many prefabricated kitchen cabinets available today. If you want cosmetic changes, refacing can save money while preserving the structural quality of older cabinets.
- You're happy with the current layout of your kitchen cabinets: If you're happy with the layout of your kitchen, refacing cabinets provides an economical option to update your home. Refacing cabinets is not practical if your remodel project requires moving existing cabinets.
- You don't want to go broke: Replacing kitchen cabinets requires demolition, removal, and installation of new kitchen cabinets. This can cost many thousands of dollars and needless additional expense. If you're looking for cosmetic improvements and aren't changing your kitchen's layout, cabinet refacing is much less costly than installing new cabinets. Kitchen cabinet refacing costs are typically less than half of the cost of completely replacing your kitchen cabinets.
- You're selling your home: Kitchen cabinets are a prominent feature in your kitchen and are one of the first things buyers notice. Updating with refacing can bring a fresh look and incorporate current trends in your decor without the expense of replacing cabinets. Buyers pay attention to kitchens and bathrooms; the money you invest in updating your kitchen can help you achieve a quick and profitable sale.
- You're redecorating: If you're going with slick contemporary decor, your traditional dark wood cabinets can clash with your new look; if you're decorating with antique furniture, refacing your cabinets in a similar style helps tie your decor together and provide a visual "flow" from your living or dining area to your kitchen.
If you've decided on refacing kitchen cabinets, congratulations! Shop online and get several estimates before selecting a contractor. Kitchen cabinet refacing requires measuring, remeasuring, ordering materials, and a couple of days for refacing. When cabinet refacing is completed, you may think you've stepped into a brand new kitchen.
About The Author
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer whose interests include home renovation and decor. She holds an MA degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.
