Should You Replace Or Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Are your kitchen cabinets looking a little aged and tired? If so, chances are you’re wondering if you should refinish them or replace them. Either way, if you have a feeling that something needs to be done to improve the looks and functionality of your kitchen cabinets, you’re probably right.

So, should you replace or refinish your kitchen cabinets? Well, it’s not a straight forward answer, the best option depends on a number of factors. To help you make up your mind, let’s do a quick comparison of the two based on the functionality, durability, style, and quality.

Replacing Vs. Refinishing

• Refinishing: this is probably the easiest and cheapest way to upgrade your kitchen cabinets compared to other options such as refacing and replacing. You don’t have to get rid of any parts of your current cabinets. Common ways to refinish your kitchen cabinets include applying new paint, stain, laminate or veneer to your cabinets.

• Replacing: this involves replacing your entire cabinet, including the box, door, face frame, and hardware. Replacing your kitchen cabinets has a number of benefits, but it’s the most expensive option. You might want to consider this option if you’re planning to change the design or improve the functionality of your cabinets.

Functionality
Cabinet refinishing doesn’t introduce any new functionality to your kitchen cabinets. Refinishing is essentially adding a new “skin” to your cabinets for aesthetic purposes. This is great if you want a color change or to add a new layer of protection to your cabinets.

However, if you’re looking to change your kitchen layout, you might want to consider replacing your cabinets. You have virtually limitless options when it comes to the design and size of the new cabinets that you will install.

Style
Refinishing provides a new outward look for your cabinets, but doesn’t do much to change the style. In its most basic form, refinishing will only change the paint or stain color, but the actual style and shape still remain the same. If you need some minor change in style, you can add molding and new fixtures such as the handles, knobs, and drawer pulls. When it comes to replacing your cabinets, you have plenty of designs and styles to choose from.

Quality
Cabinet refinishing generally only improves the appearance of your cabinets, but not really the quality of the woodwork. Refinishing can also provide additional protection against moisture damage. If you want to add extra value to your cabinets during refinishing, consider using anti-scratch paint or laminate.

Cabinet replacement, on the other hand, replaces the entire cabinetry with a new and more improved set. This means you have an option to choose the highest wood quality you can afford. If your current cabinets have issues with their structural integrity, this is the best option to solve the problem.

Durability
If you’re considering cabinet refinishing, it’s important to note that if your kitchen cabinets are structurally weak, refinishing them won’t restore their structural integrity. The durability of your cabinets will essentially remain the same since your cabinet boxes and doors are still the same. On the flip side, replacing will give you the option of having more durable cabinets all around, not just an improved look.

Bottom Line
Both refinishing and replacing your kitchen cabinets are viable options, but one may be better over the other depending on your situation. If your cabinets are still in good physical condition, adding a new coat of paint or stain can enhance their look and protect the surface from deterioration.

If you need professional assistance refinishing your kitchen cabinets, our team can help. We have years of experience servicing the areas of Louisville, Shelby County, Oldham County, Anchorage, Prospect, and Jefferson Town, Kentucky. Call us today for a free estimate and join our long list of happy clients.