Replacing or Refacing - Which Is Right for My Cabinets?

So you want to give your kitchen a facelift, and like any good Portlander you don’t want to spend too much money. Sounds like you’re in quite the pickle. Well, one good option for homeowners in Portland is to replace or reface your kitchen’s cabinets. Redesigning your cabinets can give your kitchen a whole new look without breaking the bank. But what’s the best route to take – refacing or replacing? Let’s look at the pros and cons of both techniques.



Refacing

Pros
Simplicity – It’s easier to just replace doors and drawer fronts than to install brand new cabinets.
Cost – It’s much cheaper to reface cabinets than it is to replace them, even when you have a professional do it.

Cons
Lack of Options – Because the bulk of the cabinets are already in place, your design options are limited.
Structural Issues – If you have very old cabinets, refacing them won’t help solve structural problems.

Replacing

Pros
Versatility – When starting from scratch, you have all the options in the world. Want a food cabinet right above the stove? Go for it! How about one long cabinet next to a dozen tiny ones? Not a problem!
Space Saver – Because you’re designing the cabinets for your own use, there is zero chance of there being any inaccessible or non-functional cabinets. This means more space for lighting, vents, and other essential kitchen fixtures.

Cons
Cost – Even in the DIY wonderland that is Portland, cabinet replacement can cost a pretty penny. If you have non-functional or structurally unsafe cabinets, you should consider replacement. If you’re simply looking for a kitchen make-over, then refacing them is probably a better way to go.
Time – Replacing cabinets can cost more than just your money. It is also a big time commitment. Make sure you understand the timeline before embarking on such a venture.

As you can see, there are pros and cons to both replacing and refacing cabinets. Portland home-owners would do well to consider all the options before making a decision.