Remodeling Old Kitchen Cabinets

Spring has officially arrived! If you’re like most people, you’ve probably spent a few weekend afternoons sorting through the old, worn out things in your home to make space for something new. Maybe you’ve sorted through old clothes or books, or maybe you have been perusing the internet looking for new ways to give your house the perfect spring makeover.

Every year, we work with clients who want to give their kitchen a “spring cleaning”. One of the best ways to freshen up a kitchen is by replacing or remodeling old kitchen cabinets. Giving your cabinets an overhaul can give your kitchen that perfect new look. The decision homeowners must make is whether they want to replace or remodel their old kitchen cabinets.

Remodeling old kitchen cabinets can be a quick way to freshen up a kitchen and improve its appeal. However, it may not be the best way to achieve lasting quality and an updated, modern look.

In years past, homeowners often decided to go down the path of remodeling old kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them because of cost. However, this trend is reversing-because the cost of cabinets has decreased and quality has increased, and remodeling old kitchen cabinets sometimes proves to be more expensive down the road–as it is not uncommon for homeowners to have to completely replace their cabinets a short time after remodeling.

So, how can you decide which approach is right for you? Here are 4 ways to know if your spring cleaning should include remodeling old kitchen cabinets or replacing them entirely:

1. Quality: Cabinets only last about 50 years at best, so if you have an older home, remodeling old kitchen cabinets won’t help you achieve a new level of quality. Additionally, cabinets in older homes have a higher likelihood of containing lead paint, which cannot be remedied by a simple resurfacing. Remodeling old kitchen cabinets may seem like a quick solution–but quick doesn’t always equal quality. Even in newer homes, kitchen cabinet quality may be lacking- and replacement, high quality cabinets are needed to achieve safety and long lasting quality (and to get your money’s worth out of the job!). If your cabinets are not well built or are falling apart, replacing the dilapidated cabinets is the way to go.
2. Design: While remodeling old kitchen cabinets can seem to be a quick and easy solution, refacing cabinets cannot correct design that is frustrating, non functional, or unflattering. To keep your kitchen cabinets looking fresh and modern, consider some of the top kitchen cabinet design trends of 2018: color customization, clean aesthetics, multiple finishes working together in the same space, and open shelving. Read more about current design trends . Homeowners will find a wider array of modern options when choosing to replacing cabinets instead of simply remodeling old kitchen cabinets. At Kitchens Made Simple, we specialize in helping you find the perfect cabinet for your kitchen. Check out some of our industry-leading cabinet options here.
3. Budget: Taking on a home remodel of any kind can be an overwhelming process. Often, budgetary constraints are the primary concern for homeowners who are looking to update their kitchen. There is a common misconception that remodeling old kitchen cabinets is the least expensive route–in some cases, that may be true, but before you decide to remodel, talk to us about your situation–we promise to help you find the option that best suits your needs. Here at Kitchens Made Simple, we understand that determining your budget is an important factor when approaching a remodel. We have a variety of budget friendly options for replacing kitchen cabinets, as well as some fail-proof ideas for budgeting for a kitchen remodel.
4. Damage: if your kitchen cabinets are damaged, it’s time to replace them. If your kitchen cabinets show signs of water damage, are moldy or soft, or are hanging or sitting crookedly, your best option is to replace your cabinets entirely. While there is potential that water damage or mold may cause your remodel to be a more significant investment, replacement is essential for the structural health of your home.

We’ve made it easy for you to find a look that will give your kitchen cabinets a fresh, modern feel. Check out some of our finished products. At Kitchens Made simple, we are here to serve you and make your house the best home that it can be. Connect with us today and be on your way to a fresh, new, spring-clean kitchen (now if we could just do something about all that snow outside)! We look forward to working with you.