How to Choose Cabinet Makeover or New Cabinets

When you want to give your cabinets a new look, it's worthwhile to consider whether a quick and simple cabinet makeover might do the trick. Often referred to as "cabinet refacing," a cabinet makeover is a time- and cost-efficient option for updating your cupboards. You have many options for updating your existing cabinets:

• Replace the hardware.
• Remove the doors and drawer fronts, and paint them.
• Remove the doors and drawer fronts, and replace them with new ones.
• Leave the doors off some shelves permanently for open storage.
• Choose new doors with glass panes.
• Paint the sides and fronts of the cabinet boxes, or cover them with veneer.
• Install new hinges.
• Install additional accessories, like in- or under-cabinet lighting or glass panels.

There are several benefits to making over your cabinets rather than installing brand new ones. In addition to costing less than new cupboards, a cabinet makeover is:

• Faster than replacing—a cabinet makeover typically takes three to five days.
• A high-impact way to change the look of your kitchen.
• Non-intrusive—you can still use your kitchen while you’re re-doing the cabinets.
• Packed with possibilities, since you can choose any paint or stain color, any hardware and even get creative with the design, such as painting a small mural on each cabinet door.

While a cabinet makeover has benefits, there are also some important points to consider before deciding on this option.

• If your existing cabinets have irreparable damage or structural issues, then it is a much better idea to replace them entirely.
• Refacing your cabinets requires you to keep the same kitchen layout and storage space.
• If you are also purchasing new hinges and hardware, consider how the cost compares to a full cabinet replacement—it may make sense to spend a bit more for a full replacement.
• A makeover is not recommended if you are looking to tear down walls and move plumbing and electrical components.

A new kitchen cabinet installation involves completely replacing your existing cabinetry. The cabinet boxes are removed, then new cabinet boxes, doors, drawers and hardware are installed in their place. Replacing cabinetry gives you the chance to completely customize the style and finish of your new cabinets to suit your decor and personal tastes. The upper and lower cabinets are typically replaced at the same time to ensure that the materials, colors, finishes and styles match.

Most new cabinet installations are carried out during an entire kitchen upgrade, since it provides the opportunity to change the overall layout of the kitchen, including the location of the sink and appliances.

Installing new cabinets has many benefits over a cabinet makeover, depending on your needs and wants. New cabinets:

• Give you the chance to fully customize your new kitchen.
• Allow you to improve the organization and functionality of your kitchen.
• Come in a wide range of colors, configurations, finishes, features and styles, including trending designs like black kitchen cabinets or a more classic, shaker-style look.

Before choosing a complete cabinet replacement, consider the following:

• Over the course of the replacement project, you’ll have limited access to your kitchen, which may disrupt your life for the duration of the install—usually two to four weeks, but possibly more.
• The installation may take longer to complete than you anticipated, based on the scope of the project and whether plumbing and electrical work will be involved.

Ultimately, the choice between a cabinet makeover and new cabinets comes down to your unique situation. Both are a fantastic option for refreshing the look of your kitchen, so rest assured, no matter which option you choose, chances are, you’ll love the results. Here is a quick summary of the most important considerations to help you pick between refacing or replacing:

• Timeline: If you don't have a lot of time to devote to a major renovation and you don't want to lose access to your kitchen for a long period of time, then cabinet resurfacing provides a quick kitchen upgrade.
• Budget: Cabinet resurfacing is typically less expensive than an entire replacement.
• Kitchen needs: If your kitchen could use more storage or a better layout, installing new kitchen cabinets provides the opportunity to optimize your space.
• Current cabinet condition: A makeover is an easy fix for cabinets with misaligned doors or minor dings and dents, while a full replacement is a must if your cabinets are structurally damaged.