Replace or Reface: Dealing with Worn Cabinets

Cabinets are subjected to plenty of stress throughout their lifespans. In the kitchen, they're exposed to grease. Over in the bathroom, they endure high humidity. In both places, their hinges get plenty of use. It's no wonder that, over time, they begin to look bad and their doors start to hang open. Once this happens, there are a few choices for restoring the beauty of the room:

Replacing the Cabinets

This is always a possibility, and in some cases, it's the right answer. If the actual structure of the cabinets has broken down, for instance due to leaky pipes under the sink, it's a good idea to go ahead and get new ones. Of course, the water leaks will have to be fixed first.

Another time that it's a good idea to replace old cabinets is when the current ones are fundamentally insufficient. For example, some homes come with multiple small cupboards. These aren't very useful for holding big things like pots and serving platters. Tearing out the little boxes and replacing them with a few large ones will provide the right kind of storage space.

Refacing the Cabinets

Refacing kitchen cabinets San Diego is a good way to freshen them up without the need for major carpentry. This is a great option if the structure of the original cabinets is in good condition. Putting on new doors, replacing the old door hardware, and refinishing the rest of the visible areas will make old cabinets look brand new.

Many people first look to this option because it's more affordable than having entirely new cabinets made. The lowered expense is due to the smaller carpentry job and the fact that fewer new materials need to be used. It also takes less time to reface cabinets than it does to make new ones.

An often-overlooked benefit of this option is that it's more environmentally friendly. Fewer trees need to be cut down since less lumber is required. Refacing also needs less energy since new "boxes" don't have to be milled out or transported.

Whether someone decides to replace cabinets or have them refaced, the first step is to find an expert at the arts in question. By hiring a company with plenty of experience, customers eliminate the risk of subpar work. Finish options also tend to be more varied, which is important for attaining the perfect look.