Cabinet refacing is an economical option that gives your kitchen a new look. However, it’s not ideal for changing your existing layout, and refacing won’t fix problems like loose or sticky drawers.
Choosing between refacing and replacing will depend on your budget, the condition of your cabinets, and your design goals. With Sacramento Cabinet Refacing custom parts, refacing projects typically take a week or less to complete.
Cost
Cabinet refacing is typically less expensive than cabinet replacement because it only replaces the exterior elements of cabinets (doors, drawer fronts, end panels, and toe-kicks) while leaving the existing cabinet boxes in place. This reduces labor costs and makes refacing a more affordable choice for homeowners looking to update their kitchen without breaking the bank.
However, the price of cabinet refacing can vary depending on the materials used and additional customizations. For example, homeowners looking to add features like glass inserts or more elaborate designs will likely pay a higher price than those who prefer a simpler look. Additionally, geographic location can have a significant impact on labor and material costs.
Another factor to consider when evaluating cost is how long the project will take. On average, cabinet refacing takes 2-4 weeks, with installation taking only 3-5 days, which is significantly shorter than the 12-16 weeks needed for a full kitchen remodel. This helps reduce overall project costs and limits the amount of time a home is out of commission, which benefits both contractors and their clients.
While the initial cost of refacing is cheaper than replacing cabinets, it should be noted that the longer-term costs can add up as well. For instance, refacing doesn’t address issues with water damage or broken hardware, so these problems will continue to occur and may need to be repaired sooner than would have been the case with a complete replacement.
Despite these potential long-term costs, the ROI of cabinet refacing is still a compelling option for many homeowners. On average, homeowners recoup about 70% to 80% of the investment in refacing their cabinets, which can help offset these long-term costs and result in a more modern and updated kitchen space.
Durability
Cabinet refacing is a great option for homeowners who like their current kitchen layout but want to update the look of their cabinets. It’s less expensive than a full replacement, and it also requires less demolition and construction. Plus, you can add more customization options to your refacing project than to a replacement.
However, it’s important to note that refacing is not as durable as replacing your cabinets. While the new veneer will provide a more modern look, the existing face frames and cabinet boxes will still experience wear and tear over time. The result is that you’ll likely need to make repairs or touch-ups more frequently than if you had simply replaced your cabinets with new ones.
Refacing is also more environmentally friendly than replacing your cabinets. By keeping the existing cabinet boxes and installing new fronts, you’re reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Also, the old cabinet boxes can be donated or sold to be reused in other projects. This is a lot more difficult to do with the old doors that are removed from the cabinets during refacing.
On the other hand, replacing your cabinets allows you to replace all of the components at once. This helps reduce the amount of material that ends up in landfills and also gives you a new, high-quality kitchen that can boost your home’s value. If your kitchen needs a major overhaul, however, or if your cabinets are in poor condition, then replacing them is the way to go.
A full cabinet replacement can take up to 12-16 weeks, including demolition, plumbing, electrical, and installation. On the other hand, refacing can be completed in just 2-4 weeks with Eagle’s precision-built parts. This faster turnaround, coupled with 45 years of trusted craftsmanship, helps contractors hit their timelines and keep clients happy.
Style
Cabinet refacing is a popular choice for homeowners who want to freshen up their kitchen or bathroom without paying the price of a full replacement. It can also be a more eco-friendly option, since refacing preserves the existing cabinet boxes and minimizes waste by using recycled materials. However, refacing doesn’t necessarily add value to your home, and it may not last as long as a complete replacement.
Essentially, refacing involves wrapping the existing cabinet box faces with laminate or veneer surface material and replacing the doors and drawer fronts. Related items like hinges and hardware are also typically replaced. In addition, refacing is less labor-intensive than a complete cabinet replacement and can be done more quickly.
It’s important to remember, though, that refacing is a band-aid solution for dated or worn cabinets. It’s like getting a new paint job on your old car. It’s not going to make the car any more reliable or look any better, but it will cover up a lot of damage for a while.
Similarly, refacing will not solve problems with the layout or functionality of your cabinets. If the cabinet boxes are damaged or if your layout isn’t ideal, it would be better to replace them entirely.
Another thing to consider is that refacing will only work for cabinets that are structurally sound and in good condition. If your cabinets are outdated or the cabinet boxes are in disrepair, refacing will do nothing to improve their appearance and may end up costing you more in the long run if it causes other problems.
One major drawback of refacing is that it does not include any upgrades to your countertops or backsplash tile, making the overall project more expensive than a full replacement. It’s also not a great choice for those with limited space, as you will need to leave room for the installers to work. Finally, refacing does not address any underlying issues with your cabinet interiors, such as poor ventilation or water damage. These issues can create the perfect conditions for mold growth or pest infestations, which can lead to a host of health problems.
Warranty
Cabinet refacing is generally less expensive than replacing cabinets. This is mostly because refacing only replaces the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while leaving the existing cabinets intact. This reduces labor costs. However, the cost of materials can add up quickly. In addition, if the existing cabinet boxes are structurally unsound or made of low-quality materials, refacing will just mask these issues. This can lead to more serious problems down the road, making a full replacement a better long-term investment.
Refacing is also more environmentally friendly than replacing cabinets, as it reuses the existing frames and hardware. This helps reduce landfill waste and reduces the amount of toxic chemicals that are released into the environment. Moreover, cabinet refacing can be completed in a shorter timeframe than a complete kitchen remodel, which can save both money and energy.
However, refacing isn’t the right choice for everyone. It’s not a good solution for homes with outdated or damaged kitchens, as refacing can only be used on solid and healthy cabinet boxes. It’s also not a good option for those looking to make major layout changes or upgrade their cabinetry to include more storage options.
If you’re considering a new cabinetry project, be sure to discuss the pros and cons of each option with your contractor. They can help you determine which option is best for your home and budget, and will provide the most return on your investment.
The refacing process is quick and easy. You’ll need to remove your old doors and hardware, which can be a bit tedious but isn’t difficult. Then, your installer will attach the premade cabinet door fronts to the frames and reinstall all of the hardware. They may also stain or paint the doors and drawer fronts if desired, but this is optional.