Here’s what you need to know about updating your kitchen cabinets:
- Repainting: Repainting your cabinets can brighten the look if you’re looking for a quick fix. It’s an excellent option for updating the look without changing anything else.
- Refacing: This involves updating the look of your cabinets by changing the doors, drawer fronts, and knobs. It’s faster than painting and gives your cabinets a brand-new appearance.
- Replacing: Replacing your cabinets is the best choice if you want a completely new layout, appliances, or countertops. It’s also the best option if your cabinets are water-damaged or stained.
- Cost: Repainting and refacing are usually cheaper than replacing cabinets because you keep the existing cabinet boxes.
Each option has benefits, so choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Can’t stand your kitchen anymore? You’re Not Alone
Is your kitchen looking outdated and worn? Do you wish your family would hold holiday dinners elsewhere because you’re embarrassed by your kitchen? Or the layout needs to be fixed for you, making you feel cramped.
You’re not alone. Many people remodel their kitchens because they’re fed up with their current space. A kitchen remodel makes your space more enjoyable and has one of the highest returns on investment for home renovations, especially if you plan to sell.
Upgrading cabinets, countertops, and appliances can boost your home’s value and help you get a better sale price. If you love cooking and spend a lot of time in the kitchen—whether preparing meals from scratch or gathering around the dining table—it’s essential that the space feel comfortable and inviting. Remember, “The kitchen should be where you love to hang out and feel at ease.”
When to Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets and Consider a Remodel
Thinking about a kitchen remodel? Here are five key questions to help you decide if it’s time for a complete cabinet replacement or a more extensive renovation:
- Do you like your countertops?
- Are you happy with your appliances?
- Is the layout working for you?
- Do you have enough space?
- What is your budget?
If you answered “no” to the first four questions, it might be time to replace your cabinets and countertops and rethink your layout, appliances, and lighting. This option is expensive but can give you the kitchen you’ve always wanted. Kitchen renovations usually start around $100,000 and can go higher.
The significant costs include labor (plumbers and electricians), new cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, and painting.
Pros of Replacing Cabinets:
- Match new appliances, countertops, and flooring
- There is a wide range of choices for wood stain, style, and color
- Upgrade to higher-quality materials
- More space and storage with new internal shelves
- High return on investment if you plan to sell soon
Cons of Replacing Cabinets:
- It can be costly and might require a small loan
- The process can be time-consuming, taking weeks or months, depending on supply chain issues
- It can be noisy and disruptive, especially if you’re working from home
If you’re ready to transform your kitchen, these considerations will help guide your decision.
When to Consider Cabinet Refacing to Preserve Your Existing Cabinets
If you’re happy with your countertops, appliances, layout, and space but want a fresh look for your kitchen, cabinet refacing might be an excellent option.
You can also opt for new drawer boxes while maintaining the original wood look on the outside. Refacing is usually much more affordable than a complete cabinet replacement. To get an estimate, measure the height and width of your upper and lower cabinets to determine the square footage. On average, cabinet refacing costs around $7,000, with laminate options ranging from $60-$80 per linear foot, plywood veneer from $100-$200, and solid wood from $250-$500 per linear foot.
You have many material choices, including plastic laminate, plywood, and solid wood. Refacing also offers various options for veneers, stains, and even painting. The result is a set of new cabinets that are still based on your existing framework.
Pros of Cabinet Refacing:
- It is more cost-effective than replacing cabinets entirely
- It can be completed without removing your current cabinets
- Offers a wide range of design choices, colors, and stains
- It can be combined with some new cabinetry if needed
- Existing cabinet doors might be donated to organizations like Habitat for Humanity or Baja Bound
- Preserves the current cabinet layout
Cons of Cabinet Refacing:
- Often requires professional installation for precise fitting
- Requires good ventilation during refinishing
- Does not increase storage space beyond what you currently have
When to Paint Your Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts
Is repainting your cabinet doors and drawer fronts the right choice for your kitchen? Start by asking yourself these two key questions:
- Are you interested in a painted look?
- Do you like how your cabinet doors look?
You probably have a clear answer to the first question, and the second might require more thought.
If you answered yes, painting your existing cabinets could be a great option. A new layer of paint can give your cabinets a sleek, durable finish that lasts years.
At Jandres Painting Services, LLC, we use a proven process to ensure a long-lasting finish that resists peeling, chipping, and flaking—try to keep the kids’ sword-fighting battles outside! We apply a strong primer that adheres well to your cabinet wood, followed by high-quality paint. With proper cleaning and application, your cabinets will look fantastic for decades.
Repainting is an excellent choice if your cabinets are structurally sound and free from water or other damage. It’s a cost-effective choice that can save you up to 70% compared to buying or refacing new cabinets. It’s a quicker process, often completed in as little as two days.
Pros of Cabinet Painting:
- The quickest way to update your kitchen’s look
- The most affordable option, costing around $4-$10 per square foot
- It can be a DIY project if you’re up for it
Cons of Cabinet Painting:
- DIY projects might be more complex than expected; experienced painters can make a big difference
- Requires good ventilation during the painting process
- You’ll need to match the paint to existing countertops, floors, and appliances unless you’re planning to update those.
Ready to update your kitchen cabinets?
At Jandres Painting Services, LLC, we’re here to help. Whether you want to repaint some or all of your kitchen cabinets, find skilled contractors and suppliers, or replace old cabinets with brand-new ones and improved storage solutions, we’ve got you covered.
Call us at 703-283-9694 or message us online for a free quote and advice without strings attached. Let’s make your kitchen look amazing!
