Cabinet replacement is one of the most expensive aspects of a kitchen remodel.

According to Home Advisor, kitchen cabinet replacement can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000+. The price varies depending on your type, style, layout, and customization preferences. If you’re moving cabinets around, you also have to consider the cost of painting, redoing drywall, plumbing, and moving electrical outlets.

Refacing your cabinets is often a more cost-effective solution, but sometimes it’s not enough.

We will discuss the pros and cons of replacing your cabinets vs. the pros and cons of refacing them. We’ll also talk about three situations where merely refacing your cabinets just won’t do.

Cabinet Replacement: Pros and Cons

The most obvious pro is the freedom it gives you. Replacing your cabinets allows you to alter the layout of your kitchen or bathroom. You can choose entirely new cabinets based on your preferences, including:

●     Color scheme

●     Style

●     The type(s) of materials you want to use

●     The type of cabinet doors  you’d like

●     How many shelves or drawers you’d like and where to place them

●     And more

The only limitations you have are the size and shape of your space.

Unfortunately, the cons for cabinet replacement can outweigh the pros, depending on your circumstances. In addition to the cost factor, you’ll have to pay for installation. This cost an average of $5,359. According to How Much, the total installation cost for cabinets alone usually ranges from $2,900-$6,950. This doesn’t account for additional related costs, like:

●     Cabinet remove and disposal

●     Molding

●     Special cabinet projects (i.e. installing a lazy Susan)

Cabinet replacement requires demo work, which can render your kitchen or bathroom unusable until the project is complete. You’ll also have to find homes for everything your cabinets contained during the process.

Cabinet replacements commonly lead to other projects. For example, if you’re making drastic style changes to your cabinets, you may also choose to replace your countertops or appliances. One project can easily create additional projects, requiring more time and money to get them done.

Cabinet Refacing: Pros and Cons

The biggest pro for refacing is its a less expensive option. You don’t have to demo your cabinets and make your kitchen uninhabitable. It doesn’t require too much measuring or a degree in carpentry.  Often, you can give your kitchen a whole new look by changing out your cabinet doors or end panels, or by sanding, priming, and painting.

Refacing is great for a DIY remodel or if you feel like your kitchen needs a modest update. If you change out your cabinet door, you can still select different colors or materials.

While the exterior is changeable, one con for refacing is you just won’t replicate any material changes for the rest of your cabinet. You can paint the interiors or add a shelf liner, but that’s the extent of it, unless you replace your cabinets entirely. Also, you don’t have the freedom to alter your kitchen layout. You have to appreciate what you’ve got.

When Replacing Cabinets is Necessary

Sometimes replacing your cabinets is the only option. When you're doing a transformational kitchen remodel, you’re likely replacing your cabinet. Here are three other occasions when it’s necessary:

They Smell

No one likes a smelly cabinet. Maybe something died in there, got spoiled, or your cabinet experienced years of uncleanliness. There are plenty of reasons why a cabinet can begin to smell. When they do, they gotta go.

They’re Cheap

Previous homeowners might’ve tried cutting costs by installing cabinets with low-grade materials, like particle board. These don’t look great, nor do they last. You can try refacing them, but all you’d be doing is putting lipstick on the proverbial pig.

They’re In Disrepair

Cabinets have life-cycles. Some last for upwards of 50 years, while others are only durable for 10-20. This often depends on maintenance and the quality of the materials used. If your cabinets are decaying, getting moldy, or suffered prolonged water damage, it’s time for new ones.

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