If you are planning to spruce up your kitchen or overhaul it to get a completely different look, you might have to consider replacing or refacing your cabinets. Cabinets do last for a long period of time but eventually their performance starts to diminish. 

If you notice the paint coming off your cabinets, the signs of mold, or damaged wood, it might be the time to either replace or reface them. There are pros and cons of replacing and refacing. Make your decision according to your budget and the extent of damage that you are dealing with.  

It is best to schedule an appointment with experts at All flooring USA, or whoever your flooring expert is, to determine whether you need refacing or replacement of cabinets.

 In the meantime, here is the criterion that you should use to make a decision about replacement.

1. Your Cabinets are Damaged due to Water

If your cabinets are swollen and showing dark spots, they might be damaged due to water. Most of the cabinets in the kitchen are made up of wood and in the event of a leak, they are likely to be damaged. The minor damage can be fixed easily but if there’s major damage, you might need to replace your cabinets. Some of the signs of serious water damage are delamination, warping of wood, and mold. The first thing you should do is to stop the water from getting to the wood. Next thing is to dry out the cabinet and repair the damages.

2. Your Kitchen Cabinets are not Opening or Closing Properly

No matter how aesthetically your cabinets are constructed, if they do not function properly, they need to be replaced. For example, if you open two of your cabinets together and the doors slam into each other, you need to redesign your kitchen layout and replace the cabinets. Similarly, if the drawers do not open without making a screeching sound, it is a sign that they need replacement.

3. Your Cabinet Structure is Beyond Repair

If you notice that the sides of your cabinet are soft to touch or mold is growing on your cabinet, it is a sign that it needs replacement. Such a cabinet can fall apart completely. Even when it is intact it can be very unhygienic and must not be used. 

4. Your Cabinets are Smelling Bad

Some cabinets smell funky, musty or downright bad. You may need to replace these cabinets and use fresh materials. 

5. You are changing the Kitchen Layout

If you are completely changing the kitchen layout or shifting the kitchen to a new room, the cabinets need replacement. Similarly, if you are considering replacing your floor, it is a good idea to replace or reface your kitchen cabinets as well, so that they go with the floor. That way your kitchen will look aesthetically pleasing. 

 Refacing or Replacing?

Cabinets make up around 80% of the visual space in your kitchen. You don’t want to make a decision hastily about them. Replacing a cabinet requires a lot of budget but it is a good option if your cabinet is beyond repair. On the other hand, if there are some minor damages, refacing is a good option. You can also opt for refacing if you wish to change the finish or the color of your cabinets or want a better organization by altering the style of your cabinets.  

Key Takeaway

Before you choose to spend money, time, and effort to repair your cabinets, it is a good idea to book a consultation with an expert to determine your choices. If your cabinets are beyond repair, refacing won’t do any good. It would be better to remove them altogether and install new cabinets.