Cabinetry Articles & Guides
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When it comes to updating your kitchen or bathroom, one of the biggest decisions homeowners face is whether to repaint, reface, or replace cabinets entirely. The right choice depends on your budget, the condition of your existing cabinets, and the overall look you want to achieve. In the Nashville area, it's also critical to consider the resale value of the home and whether upgrading the cabinetry positively impacts the equity of your home. In this article, we'll compare cabinet refacing vs. replacing, and help you decide when painting cabinets makes sense - and when it's time to make an investment in a cabinetry upgrade.
What is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing involves updating the external appearance of your cabinets while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. The process typically includes:
- Replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts
- Updating hardware (knobs, pulls, hinges, drawer slides)
- Retro-fitting accessories such as roll-out trays
- Installing undercabinet or in-cabinet lighting
Refacing is an ideal solution if your cabinet boxes are in good condition but the doors look dated or worn.
Pros of Cabinet Refacing:
- Lower cost than full replacement
- Less disruption to your home during remodeling
- Eco-friendly - reduces landfill waste
- Can be quicker turnaround time with less installation work and minimal demo
Cons of Cabinet Refacing:
- Limited to your existing cabinet layout
- Doesn't address interior storage solutions fully (i.e. base cabinets have doors and no drawers)
- Not suitable for damaged or poorly constructed cabinetry
What About Painting Cabinets?
Painting cabinets is another cost-effective way to refresh your kitchen. The process involves prepping and painting the existing doors and cabinet boxes using specialized paint for cabinetry.
Pros of Painting Cabinets:
- Affordable Options
- Customizable color options
- Great for well-maintained wood cabinets
Cons of Painting Cabinets:
- Time-consuming and labor-intensive
- Requires proper prep for a durable finish
- May show wear and tear sooner than new cabinetry
Painting is best if your cabinets are structurally sound and you're happy with their style but want a color update.
When to Replace Cabinets Completely
If your cabinets are outdated, poorly built, or don't meet your functional needs, installing new cabinetry may be the better investment. Full cabinet replacement gives you the freedom to redesign your kitchen layout, increase storage, and upgrade materials.
Signs It's Time for New Cabinets:
- Warped, cracked, or damaged cabinet boxes
- Inefficient kitchen layout or limited storage
- Desire for modern features like soft-close drawers, pull-out shelves, or custom organization
- Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom completely
Benefits of New Cabinet Installation:
- Long-lasting results with modern functionality
- Freedom to customize layout, finishes, and features
- Increases home value and appeal
Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacing: What's the Cost Difference?
- Painting Cabinets: $200-$600 for DIY, $1,000-$3,000 for professional
- Cabinet Refacing: $4,000-$10,000 depending on materials and size
- New Cabinetry: $8,000-$25,000+ depending on custom features and installation
Conclusion: Make the Right Choice for Your Remodel
Whether you choose cabinet painting, refacing or replacing cabinets, your decision will impact your home's value and your daily experience. If your cabinets are still functional and you're happy with the layout, painting or refacing can deliver a stunning transformation without the cost of a full remodel. But if you're dreaming of a brand-new kitchen with improved storage and flow, installing new cabinetry is a worth investment.
Still unsure? Talk to a cabinetry expert who can evaluate your current kitchen and help you decide whether to reface or replace your cabinets for the best return on your renovation budget.
We Can Help You Determine & Explore:
- Cabinet replacing vs. replacing
- Painting cabinets vs. new cabinets
- Kitchen remodeling ideas
- Cabinet remodeling ideas
- Kitchen cabinet updates
- Refacing kitchen cabinets cost
- New kitchen cabinets installation process
- Pros and cons of painting cabinets
- Custom cabinetry vs. refacing
- Budget-friendly kitchen remodel ideas
- Recommendations of professional cabinet painters local to Mt. Juliet or the Nashville area
