While we fully believe that cabinet refacing is an excellent option for many kitchens (and other parts of the home, too!), we also know that it’s not the best solution for every homeowner. Cabinet refacing provides incredible value, giving cabinets a like-new look, feel, and functionality – without the price tag of new cabinets. Still, some homeowners will find that other options are a better fit. For example, if you want to change the layout of you kitchen or don’t have structurally sound cabinets, refacing is probably not the best choice for your home. Wondering if cabinet refacing is a good option for you? Here are 5 reasons why it might not be.
Is Cabinet Refacing a Good Option for You?
The top 5 reasons why cabinet refacing might not be the best option include:
- You aren’t content with the layout of your kitchen.
- Your cabinets aren’t structurally sound.
- Your cabinets have been consistently cleaned with wax-based cleaning products.
- The cabinets have been unprofessionally painted.
- Other – construction and installation methods, etc.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these reasons below.
1. You aren’t content with the layout of your kitchen.
Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective, professional way to update your kitchen cabinets and make them look like new. However, unlike purchasing all new cabinets, cabinet refacing doesn’t allow you to change the layout of your kitchen. While we can add new cabinets and storage solutions, we can’t totally change the size and layout of your whole kitchen.
If you want to do a complete kitchen remodel and change the layout of your kitchen, the best option for you is to purchase new cabinets.
Read more about refacing vs. replacing your cabinets in this post.
2. Your cabinets aren’t structurally sound.
For cabinet refacing, you need to have structurally sound cabinets. This doesn’t mean that they have to be in perfect condition. Scratches, gouges, and even door damage doesn’t necessarily disqualify your kitchen for cabinet refacing.
However, if your cabinet boxes have major water damage, the boxes are falling apart, or they’re separating from the wall, you’ll probably need to consider purchasing all new cabinets instead.
3. Your cabinets have been consistently cleaned with wax-based cleaning products (such as Old English or Pledge).
Silicone oil or wax-based cleaners, such as Pledge or Old English, apply a film to your cabinets that can unfortunately disqualify them from refacing. This film build up on your cabinets will prevent new veneer and paint from properly adhering to your cabinets.
Want to learn more? Find out the best ways to care for your cabinets – whether newly refaced or not.
4. Your cabinets have been unprofessionally painted.
For cabinets that have been unprofessionally painted, it can be difficult – if not impossible – for the new veneer to properly adhere to the face frames. In this case, simply re-dooring and matching the existing paint color may be a better and more cost effective solution for your kitchen.
You can email us at veracitycabinets@gmail.com to find out the options for re-dooring your kitchen.
5. Other considerations
Some other possible disqualifications for refacing could include the original construction method or installation of existing cabinets. Bad materials, wrong construction method, or improper layout techniques could mean that refacing may not be the best option for your kitchen.
What if I’m not sure if cabinet refacing is right for my kitchen?
Need help determining whether refacing is a good option for your kitchen? We’re here to help – and the process isn’t time consuming.
Our process begins with a 30-minute phone call from the comfort of your home. During this phone call, we’ll ask you some questions to help determine whether refacing is the best option for you. We’ll also ask you to send a couple of pictures of your kitchen before the phone call so that we can better assess the condition of your cabinets and the options that are available to you.
It’s free to set up a phone call! If you want help determining whether cabinet refacing is the best choice for you, schedule a phone call today. We look forward to talking with you about the best solutions for your kitchen – whether it’s refacing or another option.