Should I Reface, Refinish or Replace Existing Cabinetry?
When it comes to kitchen renovations, one common question homeowners often ask is whether to reface or replace their kitchen cabinets. At Gipman, we believe that replacing and renovating cabinets from scratch offers the best overall value. However, we also recognize that there are advantages to both refacing/refinishing and replacing. In this article, we will explore the benefits of each method to help you make an informed decision for your kitchen upgrade.
Refinishing, Refacing, or Painting:
Refinishing your existing cabinetry can be a great way to update the look of your kitchen. By hiring a trained professional, you can breathe new life into your old cabinets and tailor them to your personal style, whether you prefer a stained or painted look. Refinishing offers several advantages, including time and cost savings. It allows you to keep your countertops, backsplash, and flooring intact, which can be a significant budget-friendly option. However, refinishing is not recommended if you plan on replacing the counters and backsplash, as it may not provide a seamless finish.
While painting cabinets can help minimize wood grain and provide a fresh appearance, it's important to note that painted cabinets won't have the same durability and quality finish as cabinets with a first-time manufactured finish. Painting cabinets can also be more expensive than refacing, as it often requires additional work to remove years of wear and build up. Moreover, if you paint over wood, the paint is more likely to crack over time due to shifts in the wood caused by humidity levels.
Painted Oak (or any wood species) will always show the natural grain patterns.
Painted MDF has a smooth finish
Replacing, Remodeling, Renovating
Refacing or refinishing may not be suitable for every kitchen. Sometimes, a complete kitchen remodel is necessary to rework the existing layout and achieve a more functional space. If your current cabinets are falling apart, poorly constructed, or lack the storage and drawer space you require, a full kitchen renovation might be the best option.
Opting for a renovation allows you to explore new appliances and plan for features like double ovens that you've always wanted. It also gives you the opportunity to update your flooring, countertops, sink, and faucet. Additionally, a kitchen remodel opens up a world of possibilities in terms of cabinet solutions. Today, you can choose from wood boxes with side-mounted slides to metal or melamine drawers with undermount slides and integrated soft-closing features. There are various options for corner cabinets, such as lazy susans, corner drawers, pull-out garbage and recycling centers, racks for baking sheets, and soft-close doors. Investing in these upgrades can add extra functionality to your kitchen space.
How can Gipman help me update my kitchen without fully replacing the cabinets?
We get it, there is a lot to consider when updating a kitchen (or any built-in cabinetry) and sometimes doing a full gut and reno is just not an option. The best place to start is by contacting our office to book an in-home consultation so that our experienced designers can discuss the logistics and realities of your unique space. As a cabinet manufacturer, we are set up to make new cabinets and doors so not all kitchens are a candidate for our refinishing services as we do not have a mobile finishing system.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between refacing and replacing kitchen cabinets depends on your specific needs, budget, and goals for your kitchen. Refinishing can be a cost-effective option that allows you to keep certain components intact. On the other hand, a full renovation offers a fresh start and the opportunity to create a kitchen tailored to your preferences with modern features and enhanced storage solutions.
