Refacing vs. New

One of the first questions asked of our design experts is whether it’s best to reface the existing kitchen cabinets or start from scratch and use brand new custom kitchen cabinets.

Is refacing less expensive?
Replacement of cabinetry is usually less expensive than refacing, plus you cannot add options or change the design of your kitchen which could add thousands to the value of your home and pay a large portion of the project in equity. Not to mention the refacer ususually has significant upcherges for changing all the moving parts like hinges and door glides. 

Because kitchen cabinets often set the tone of a kitchen, they get a lot of attention from kitchen remodeling retailers. This attention comes in the way of service categories that can be confusing to the untrained novice. There are two basic ways to change the look of your kitchen cabinets:

1. Install New Cabinets
2. Cabinet Refacing

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing -- Cheaper Than Replacement

Cabinet refacing is even cheaper than cabinet replacement. These two projects are often confused with one another, and the work done on either project often overlaps. Strictly speaking, kitchen cabinet refacing involves affixing a wooden or laminate veneer to the surface of an old cabinet door. This veneer can be made from very high quality wood, but because it is so thin, it costs much less than a new replacement cabinet door made from the same material. If you opt for a strict kitchen cabinet refacing job, you'll only receive new surface veneers for your cabinet doors, and you'll keep your old cabinet drawers. Both projects share overlapping services. In either project, contractors will still offer to stain the entire cabinet to match new wood colors to old, and they'll install new hardware such as handles and hinges.

As you can see, there are a number of options when it comes to changing the look of your kitchen cabinets, and these options often need a little clarification. At the end of the day, if you're looking for the cheapest way to spruce up your kitchen cabinets, you should opt for a cabinet refacing job.

Why Purchase New Cabinets?

Often, homeowners purchase new cabinets when they are unsatisfied with the functionality or the layout of their cabinets. Another reason to replace existing cabinets is if current cabinets are damaged.

Since replacing old cabinets can be costly and time consuming, homeowners should take their time choosing a design and layout that works best for their lifestyle.
Finding cabinets to fit a home does not mean having to purchase custom cabinets. Many manufacturers offer a variety of options when it comes to cabinet style and size. Cabinet manufacturers also continue to improve the functionality of cabinets by using different shelving strategies. Using manufactured cabinets is one way for homeowners to cut down on the costs of cabinet replacement.