Are you considering a kitchen remodel but concerned about the costs? One way to make your project more cost-effective is to reface your kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them. Refacing cabinets involves replacing just the cabinet doors while preserving the existing cabinet boxes. This can be a great way to save money while still achieving a fresh new look for your kitchen. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cabinet refacing, compare it to cabinet replacement, and help you determine which option is best for you.
What is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is a method of renovating your kitchen by replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet boxes intact. This is usually a more affordable option as compared to a complete cabinet replacement.
Pros of Cabinet Refacing
Economical
The primary advantage of cabinet refacing is that it is significantly more affordable than replacing your cabinets entirely. This is because you are simply replacing the exterior parts of the cabinets (doors, drawer fronts, end panels, toe-kicks at the bottom of the cabinet) and not the entire cabinet structure. It’s an ideal choice for those who are looking for a more economical kitchen renovation option.
Environmentally Friendly
Cabinet refacing is also an environmentally friendly option. By reusing the existing cabinet boxes, you are reducing the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
Quick Turnaround
Another advantage of cabinet refacing is that it is a quicker process compared to replacing the cabinets. The installation process can take as little as 1-3 days.
Customizable
A key difference with choosing to work with 180 Kitchens, is that we can customize any area you are looking to change – we call this the “hybrid kitchen”. We can add cabinets, move cabinets or remove them all together and add floating shelves to open up your space!
Cons of Cabinet Refacing
Old Cabinets Remain
Another downside is that the interior of your cabinets will remain the same. If your cabinets are old and worn out, refacing them will not improve their condition, however you can replace these cabinet boxes only if the condition of them is poor.
What is Cabinet Replacement?
Cabinet replacement involves removing your existing cabinets and installing new ones. This is a more expensive option as compared to cabinet refacing.
Pros of Cabinet Replacement
Full Customization
One of the major advantages of cabinet replacement is that it allows for complete customization. You can change the layout and functionality of your kitchen according to your preferences.
New Cabinets
With cabinet replacement, you get brand new cabinets. This means you can choose high-end finishes and upgrade to the latest appliance technology.
Cons of Cabinet Replacement
Expensive
The major disadvantage of cabinet replacement is that it is significantly more expensive than cabinet refacing. It involves additional costs such as demolition and cleanup, as well as labor for installation.
Time-consuming
Another downside of cabinet replacement is that it is a time-consuming process. It could take weeks to complete, as opposed to the quick turnaround time of cabinet refacing.
Cost Comparison: Refacing vs. Replacement
To provide a clearer picture on the cost difference between refacing and replacing cabinets, let’s consider the hypothetical situation where you’re standing at a crossroads, pondering the future of your kitchen. On one path, you have the option to embark on a grand kitchen renovation journey, tearing down everything and starting anew, with the average cost of a brand-new kitchen ranging from $20,000 to $40,000. On the other path lies the more budget-friendly route of cabinet refacing, a choice that allows you to rejuvenate your kitchen’s look and feel at a fraction of the cost, with estimates falling between $8,000 and $15,000 for an average-sized kitchen. In this scenario, you find that the cost savings of cabinet refacing, which can be 30-50% less than a full kitchen overhaul, offers a practical and cost-effective solution, leaving you with both a beautiful kitchen and a fuller wallet.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Cabinet Replacement: Which is Right for You?
Now that we have explored the benefits of cabinet refacing and cabinet replacement, it’s time to determine which option is best for your kitchen remodel. Consider the following factors:
Condition of Cabinet Boxes
If your cabinet boxes are in good shape and structurally sound, cabinet refacing is a viable option. Refacing allows you to update the appearance of your cabinets without the need for extensive construction or demolition. However, if your cabinet boxes are damaged or not in good condition, cabinet replacing may be necessary, or the hybrid kitchen option – where you reuse a part of your kitchen and replace or add new where desired.
Budget
If cost is a significant factor in your decision-making process, cabinet refacing is the more affordable option. Refacing can save you 30-50% compared to the cost of replacing cabinets entirely. However, it’s important to note that the overall cost will depend on factors such as the size of your kitchen, the materials chosen, and any additional customization options.
Desired Changes to Layout and Design
If you are happy with the current layout and design of your kitchen and simply want to update the appearance of your cabinets, refacing is a suitable choice. However, if you are looking to make significant changes to the layout, functionality, or storage options in your kitchen, cabinet replacement may be the better option.
Timeline
If you have time constraints or want to minimize the disruption to your daily life during the remodeling process, cabinet refacing is the quicker option. Refacing can typically be completed in just a few days, while cabinet replacement may take several weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
When to Choose Cabinet Refacing?
At 180 Kitchens, we offer a Cabinet Refaced Kitchen service that is designed to enhance your space by changing your door style and color. This service is ideal if:
- Your cabinet boxes are in good condition
- You are on a tight budget
- You want to refresh the look of your kitchen without a significant overhaul
The main benefit of our Cabinet Refaced Kitchen service is that it is fast, efficient, and economical. It’s our most budget-friendly option, costing 30-50% less than a brand new kitchen.
When to Choose Cabinet Replacement?
If you want to completely overhaul your kitchen, we recommend our All-New Kitchen. This service is perfect if:
- Your cabinets are in poor condition
- You want to improve the flow and functionality of your kitchen
- You want brand new custom-built cabinets with high-end finishes
Our All New Kitchen service includes design creation, project management, and coordination of various trades. It’s an end-to-end service that ensures your kitchen renovation journey is effortless and rewarding.
Hybrid Kitchen: The Best of Both Worlds
If you can’t decide between cabinet refacing and replacement, our Hybrid Kitchen service offers the perfect solution. This service combines cabinet refacing with new additions to craft a unique kitchen that maximizes space and functionality. Here are some of the benefits:
- Upgrade appliances, replace only necessary cabinets.
- Enhance kitchen functionality with storage solutions like drawer conversions and spice racks.
- Add custom features like pantries and waste bins.
- Enjoy improved countertop and backsplash choices.
- Personalized design and layout enhancements for a tailored kitchen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether it’s more affordable to reface or replace cabinets depends on several factors, including the condition of your cabinets and your budget. While cabinet refacing is generally more affordable, replacement might be necessary if your cabinets are in poor condition or if you want to completely change the look and layout of your kitchen. At 180 Kitchens, we offer a range of services in Vancouver & Edmonton, to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you want to refresh the look of your kitchen with our Cabinet Refaced Kitchen service, create a unique space with our Hybrid Kitchen service, or transform your kitchen with our All New Kitchen service, we have the perfect solution for you.
FAQs
Q: What is kitchen cabinet refacing?
A: Kitchen cabinet refacing is the process of replacing the doors and drawer fronts of your cabinets while preserving the cabinet boxes. It’s a cheaper and quicker option than full cabinet replacement.
Q: What is kitchen cabinet replacement?
A: Kitchen cabinet replacement involves removing your existing cabinets and installing new ones. It’s a more expensive and time-consuming option than refacing, but it allows for more customization.
Q: Is it less expensive to reface kitchen cabinets or replace them?
A: In most cases, it is less expensive to reface kitchen cabinets than to replace them. However, the final cost will depend on the condition of your cabinets and the specific services you choose.
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