Should You Reface, Refinish, Or Replace Your Cabinets?

Should you refinish your cabinets, reface them, or just replace them? Is there a difference between refacing and refinishing your cabinets? How do you know when to refinish, when to reface, and when you should replace your cabinets? 

Cabinets are a vital element in any room, but most especially the kitchen. And, being such a dominant part, they MUST match their surroundings. After all, vintage cabinets in a modern home just wouldn’t look right.

So, how do you change your cabinets to make them fit your style? Three ways: you refinish them, reface them, or replace them. Keep reading to find out which is the best choice for you. 

What’s The Difference Between Refacing, Refinishing, And Replacing Cabinets?

Everyone knows what replacing is, but refinishing versus replacing is where people get confused. These are two very different projects with different processes, budgets, and, of course, outcomes. 

Refacing Your Cabinets

Refacing, also called resurfacing, means replacing your cabinet’s doors and drawer fronts but leaving the rest of the cabinet structure. It’s a great middle ground between replacing and refinishing your kitchen cabinets. 

And it’s a cost-effective way to get a new cabinet style without spending or changing as much. For example, replacing shaker-style doors with flat-panel doors for a more modern look. 

Refinishing Your Cabinets

Refinishing your cabinets is simply stripping and changing the finish of the existing cabinets. That involves sanding or using a chemical stripping agent and giving the cabinets a new finish. Refinishing is the most cost-effective option for changing your cabinets since you’re not replacing anything. 

Refinishing may not allow you to change the style of your cabinets, but you’d be surprised at how different they’ll look with this simple change. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve vintage or raw-wood cabinets.

Replacing Your Cabinets

Replacing your cabinets involves removing the whole cabinet structure and getting something brand-new. Obviously, this is the most expensive option because you’re buying brand-new cabinetry. 

While replacing your cabinets costs more, it allows you to customize what you want, from the type of wood you want your cabinets made from to the style of the doors and the color. 

When Should You Reface, Refinish, And Replace Your Cabinets?

Different instances and factors will determine whether you should reface, refinish, or replace your cabinets. Here’s how to tell which is right for you:

When To Reface Your Cabinets 

It’s best to reface when there is damage to the doors, but the rest of the cabinet structure is in good condition. Or, if you want to change the door style but don’t want to purchase all-new cabinetry. 

When To Refinish Your Cabinets

When you don’t necessarily want to change the cabinets, just the color, and your cabinets are in good condition, refinishing is the best option. Or, if you’re looking to preserve your vintage cabinets, refinishing provides the maintenance they need. 

When To Replace Your Cabinets 

When your cabinets are damaged beyond repair (for example, water damage), you need to replace them. No amount of refinishing can get rid of serious damage.

Make A Small Change That Packs A Punch With The Local Cabinet Refinishing Experts 

If you’re going to do something, make sure you do it right! Call on Quality Cabinet Coatings to make the most out of your cabinets Refinishing to give your cabinets a small change that makes a BIG difference! 

Get brand-new cabinets for much less. Contact us for more information.