Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement: Which Is Right for You?

If you plan to upgrade your kitchen, cabinets are often the centerpiece. They are not just practical; they also set the tone for the entire room. If you are thinking about a cabinet makeover, you may ask yourself: cabinet refacing or replacement? At Arch Kitchen Cabinets, we will help you make a decision you will not regret. Here, we break down each option, looking at the pros and cons to help you decide what’s best for your Toronto home.

What Is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing replaces the exterior surfaces of your cabinets, keeping the cabinet framework intact. This process usually consists of:

  • Replacing cabinet doors and drawer faces.
  • Reapplying new veneers or laminates onto the cabinet boxes.
  • Installing new hardware, like handles and hinges.

What Is Cabinet Replacement?

Cabinet replacement, instead, involves an all-or-nothing approach: removing your current cabinets and installing entirely new ones. This process enables you to completely reconfigure your kitchen layout and incorporate new materials and features.

Advantages of Cabinet Refacing

Cost-Effective: Refacing is much less than a complete replacement, making it easy on the pocket.

Speedy Process: Refacing projects generally take a couple of days to complete, so there’s less disruption to your everyday routine.

Eco-Friendly: Refacing minimizes waste and environmental impact by reusing the existing cabinet structure.

Significant Change in Appearance: Refacing can update the look of your kitchen with new doors, finishes, and hardware.

Advantages of Cabinet Replacement

Complete Customization: Replacement provides total freedom to completely recreate your kitchen, adding, removing, or changing the layout, square footage, features, and more.

Better Functionality: New cabinets can be outfitted with modern features, such as soft-close hinges, pull-out shelves, custom storage options, and more.

Added Durability: If you choose to replace your roofing, you can choose a better material that will last you years.

Address any Structural Problems: If your current cabinets are beyond repair, replacing them gives your home a new basis.

Which Option Is Right for You?

When deciding between cabinet refacing versus replacement, consider the condition of your cabinets, your budget, the time you want it done, and your goals aesthetically. Refacing works best when your cabinet boxes are in good shape, and you want an inexpensive and relatively speedy visual update, with average costs running about 30 to 50 percent less than replacement. It also works when you’re happy with your existing setup but want it to look fresh. Replacement is the better option if your cabinets are damaged or warped, your budget allows for a total update, or you want the most customization. Replacement also works for those wishing to change the kitchen layout or add more storage space, even if they need to allow for a longer renovation timeline.

There are pros and cons to cabinet refacing and replacement. Refacing is perfect for an inexpensive, fast, and eco-friendly update, whereas replacement offers the possibility of a complete re-design with improved functionality. If you are looking for a custom kitchen cabinet in Toronto, we always recommend getting the size and design right first, and by checking with professionals like Arch Kitchen Cabinets, you can make an educated choice for your home.

Are you ready to give your kitchen a makeover? Please schedule a consultation with Arch Kitchen Cabinets today, and let’s get started on your dream kitchen!

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