When it’s time to give your cabinets a fresh look, you might wonder whether to tear out and replace your cabinets or simply replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Both options have advantages and can go a long way in cultivating a beautiful, functional culinary haven. However, before you make a move, it’s important to understand both approaches, so you can make an informed choice that’s right for you. Here’s what to know ahead of time.
When Replacing Cabinet Doors Makes Sense
When it comes to a kitchen remodel, sometimes the simpler option makes the most sense, especially when you want a big transformation on a budget. Cabinet door replacement can be a smart move if you just want a new and improved look for cabinets that are in good condition otherwise.
If that’s the case, you can take advantage of a range of key benefits when you opt to replace your cabinet doors. These include:
An Affordable Upgrade and an Upscale, Custom Look
One of the primary reasons homeowners opt to replace their cabinet doors instead of a full cabinet remodel involves cost. Cabinet door replacement involves keeping existing cabinet boxes in place and changing out the doors and drawer fronts, and costs dramatically less than a full remodel. The cabinet boxes are simply painted or stained to match. The result? A high-end, custom look at a fraction of the cost of a full remodel.
Maximizing the Lifespan of Hardwood Cabinet Boxes
If your cabinets are made from quality hardwood, replacement cabinet doors can be an excellent solution for an overhaul. You can keep your durable hardwood cabinet boxes in place, while only replacing the drawer fronts and doors with a new style. This allows you to preserve the quality and integrity of the original, solid hardwood while still enjoying a major upgrade. It’s the best of both worlds.
An Array of Choices for Doors and Drawer Fronts
Choosing cabinet door replacement doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on variety. This approach offers a wide range of cabinet door styles, wood types, colors, and finishes to explore. Whether you want a sleek, modern aesthetic, a warm, rustic kitchen, or cabinets that exude elegance, replacing your cabinet doors allows you to bring your dream kitchen to life – minus all the cost and disruption of a full cabinet remodel.
Options to Further Enhance Your Cabinets
In addition to replacing the doors and drawer fronts, you can further personalize your cabinets with options for:
- Hardware, including knobs, pulls, and soft-close drawer slides
- Glass paneled doors
- Crown molding on the upper or base cabinets
- Open shelving
- Techniques like glazing and antiquing
- Cabinet storage solutions
A Quick, Convenient Transformation
Unlike a full remodel, which can turn your kitchen into a construction zone for weeks, choosing to replace cabinet doors is a project that can often be completed in just a few days. This means less downtime and disruption – a key advantage for busy households.
A More Sustainable Cabinet Remodeling Choice
Replacing only the doors is also an eco-friendly choice. It reduces waste since the cabinet boxes remain in place and uses fewer natural resources and fossil fuels. If you’re an environmentally conscious homeowner, replacing your cabinet doors allows you to enjoy a major transformation in a more sustainable way.
When Fully Remodeling Kitchen Cabinets Makes Sense
While replacing cabinet doors can be an efficient solution for a cosmetic remodel, there are times when a full remodel is the better option. This includes:
Structural Issues with Cabinet Boxes
If your existing cabinets are showing signs of structural problems, like warping, rotting, or other significant damage, replacing only the doors won’t address the underlying issues. If kept in place, additional problems, like sagging, unsafe kitchen conditions, and even more costly damage, can occur over time.
Problems with the Cabinet or Kitchen Layout
If the current layout of your cabinets or your kitchen doesn’t meet your needs, consider a full cabinet remodel. Replacing only the cabinet doors won’t improve workflow or increase storage space. A full remodel, however, allows you to reimagine the layout to enhance functionality.
Out-of-Code Plumbing and Electrical Systems
Sometimes, updating a kitchen’s plumbing and electrical systems is necessary, especially in older homes. A full remodel creates the opportunity to reconfigure these systems to meet today’s safety and efficiency standards. It’s also a good time to think about whether you want more lighting, outlets, or other related upgrades.
Is Cabinet Door Replacement Right for You?
Ultimately, replacing cabinet doors makes sense for many homeowners. It’s a cost-effective, time-efficient, and environmentally conscious choice that delivers a high-end look without the complexities of a full remodel. If you want a refreshed kitchen without breaking the bank or enduring the headaches that come with more extensive renovations, replacing cabinet doors could be right for you.
Ready to find out more about the cost to replace cabinet doors? Call the cabinet makeover specialists at N-Hance® at (855) 642-6230 for a free consultation.