Have you recently noticed scratches on your cabinets, or do they look old and outdated? Your first thought is probably to replace them. While it seems like a good idea, replacing your cabinets can end up being more of a hassle, and expense, than you anticipated. There are other alternatives for a lot less money and less stress. Here are a few options to consider before you remove them completely.
Adding a Coat of Paint - One of the most straightforward fixes, when it comes to cabinets, is simply adding a new coat of paint. It’s a great way to change the look of your kitchen, as long as the cabinets themselves are still in decent shape. You can get creative and turn the cabinets into a work of art. Choose colors that match the appliances or create a new decorating style. If your cabinets are a bit old and have faded or peeled with time, some sanding and a clear coat of sealer will give your cabinets a distressed look. Just be sure that you take the time to do this job correctly; don’t just apply new paint, or sealer, on top of a peeling finish, as this is asking for trouble. If you are not up to the task, many companies can do the work for you.
New Doors and Fixtures - If your cabinets need a little more than just a coat of paint, consider upgrading their hardware as well. Handles, hinges, and other fixtures are pretty easy to replace and can completely change the look of cabinets, with relatively little work. For any cabinets that won’t stay shut, replacing latches or cabinet locks will remedy this.
If your problems are a bit more severe and you have damaged, warped, or otherwise bad-looking cabinet doors, you can change those as well! New doors will completely revitalize your old cabinets and can be a great solution if the cabinet body and shelving are still in good shape. Best of all, if you still want to add a coat of paint, you can easily paint the new doors before mounting them. This is much easier than painting them after they’ve been hung.
Refacing Your Cabinets - Maybe your cabinets need a little more work than just new doors, but the shelves and interiors are still in good shape. This is where refacing comes in. When you reface your cabinets, you’ll not only replace the doors and fixtures, but you’ll add veneer or other coverings to the outside of the cabinet body as well. This will cover up any cracks or further damage as well as unsightly stains, giving you the look of a fresh install at a fraction of the work and price. You won’t have to remove the cabinets, but everyone who enters your kitchen will think that you did!
Do You Need New Cabinets? If the cabinet interiors and/or the shelves are warped, damaged, or otherwise in rough shape, you might have to go ahead and replace the full cabinets. The process is pretty straightforward as it just involves removing the old cabinets and putting new ones in. This option may cost more than you expect, and the process is often a little more involved than that basic description makes it sound. However, if the cabinets need to be completely replaced, don’t settle for substandard cabinetry just because you don’t want to do a total replacement.
Whichever option you select, will improve the overall appearance of your kitchen. It’s up to you to decide how much money, time and work you’re willing to put forth.
