Refaced Kitchen Cabinets: An Ideal Solution or Stopgap Measure?
If you’re looking at an older, tired kitchen that needs refreshment, it can be tempting to take what looks like an easy, seemingly inexpensive, and less time-consuming route and merely have your kitchen cabinets refaced rather than replaced. It certainly seems like it should be cheaper, but in reality it seldom ever is.
In reality, refaced cabinets aren’t for every kitchen, and they’re not for every homeowner. In fact, there are equally compelling reasons to AVOID the “simple” solution and hold out for some real renovation instead. Diamond Kitchen & Bath is the ideal solution for homeowners that need more than just a cabinet reface. We offer bathroom and kitchen cabinets and countertops at unbeatable prices. Our selection and quality of service, even installation, make us an excellent choice for cabinets in need.
Here are a few reasons to choose Diamond Kitchen & Bath:
1. REFACING WON’T HELP A LOUSY LAYOUT
If you stumble around a kitchen that has an inadequate workspace, inefficient traffic flow, or appliances, doors, or windows in odd spots, obviously you have little to gain by merely making your cabinets look better! Yes, the new finish will brighten the space— and your outlook. But that elegant new cherry stain won’t help your toe when you keep stubbing it on an island that’s in the way! If your kitchen really needs reconfiguration, holding out and saving up for the “real thing” is the better solution. Diamond Kitchen & Bath will assist you in your layout redesign. Plan your project today!
2. REFACING WON’T WORK IN EVERY CABINET
Contrary to what the advertising asserts, refacing cabinets may not even be possible in your kitchen. If you’ve had any damage to the cabinets themselves over the years— warping, water damage, smoke, or cracks —refacing isn’t an option. The veneers won’t go on correctly, won’t hold up, and can even exacerbate a minor flaw into a major one.
So before you sign on the dotted line, make sure your installer gives you a detailed evaluation of the condition of your cabinets and if they’re even eligible for refacing in the first place.
3. REFACING IS MORE THAN JUST RESURFACING A FEW DOORS.
Every change you make has a cost: that’s a truism of any remodeling job. But when you’re pricing a reface job for your cabinets, it’s easy to forget that those new veneers may require new hardware, hinges, pulls, or other additions to the cabinets in order to work well and/or be covered by any applicable warranties. By the time you add up all the potential extras, a surface change may not truly give you enough bang for your buck. In this case, once again, holding out for redoing the kitchen from the “roots” may actually be a far better investment.
4. REFACING IS COSMETIC. PERIOD.
Refacing can feel like a second lease on life—but don’t be fooled. The “guts” of your cabinets are still original; the old cabinet is still its original age. It’s comparable to repainting an old car: the outside will look great, but the engine and body still have 100,000 miles on them, and they can “give out” at any time.
If your old cabinets are structurally sound, with hardware and shelving that look good for another “hundred thousand miles,” then a cosmetic update may be all you need. If they’re a little “tired” all the way through, however, you’ll want to go beyond the surface and renew the cabinet itself. Otherwise, you could find yourself with cabinets that look terrific on the outside…except where they’re starting to fall apart! If you’re looking to upgrade to sturdy and quality cabinets, contact Diamond Kitchen & Bath for our professional service, durable cabinets, and low prices.
LOOK TWICE, RENOVATE ONCE
Assess the condition of your cabinets carefully, without rose-colored glasses, before you think about which option to choose, refacing or remodeling. Refacing cabinets works for many kitchens, but weigh the pros and cons carefully before you decide if yours will be one of them.