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How to Determine Whether or Not You Need New Cabinets

When the time comes where you find yourself asking whether or not it’s time to get new kitchen cabinets, there are several factors to consider – the age of your current cabinets, their overall condition, style, and more. Many cabinets can last around 50 years, which is a significant amount of time, but it’s not the only variable to consider. When you start researching your options, it’s quickly apparent there are a few avenues available to you – repairing, refacing, and replacing. Keeping the following factors in mind, along with your different options, here’s how you can determine whether or not you need new cabinets.

Functionality
When it comes to the functionality of your cabinets, you really only have one path if your current cabinets are compromised – replacement. If you find yourself being very frustrated with how your cabinets function within your lifestyle, then a full replacement will be the way to go. For example, if your cabinets are too deep and you have a hard time reaching all the way back, or the cabinet doors swing open the wrong way and bump into each other, you could reface them to make them look nicer, but that won’t solve the root of your frustrations.

Wear and tear
The damage on your current cabinets is very important to consider when deciding whether or not you need new ones. From water damage with the possibility of turning into mold, to scratches and dings from everyday use, your cabinets can go through a lot. If you’re concerned about the possibility of water damage, see if you can find swelling or dark spots. If yes, prioritize finding the source of the leak, and then let your cabinets dry. You may be able to clean it up and do repairs if you caught it early enough, which is also true of molding. However, if it’s too far gone, replacing your cabinets will be the way to go to ensure a beautiful, and also safe environment.

Style
Although it’s true many cabinets should last around 50 years, that doesn’t mean the style will stand the test of time. Whether they look outdated, or they just don’t match your desired aesthetic anymore, you can go one or two directions – refacing or replacing. Each has pros and cons, so you’ll want to make sure you go with the choice that will fit your short- and long-term needs. Style, color, and finish are all important factors to consider when deciding whether you want to give your kitchen a facelift or start from scratch.

The decision to replace your cabinets is an important one, plus it’s a financial investment. It’s always good to identify the core problem first, whether that’s damage, functionality, or style, and then look at your options from there so you won’t find yourself in the same place you are now. Whether you end up with cabinets that are all-new, or just newly refaced to you, it’s important to love the way they work with your kitchen so you can love the way you feel about your home.