There are many reasons to consider new kitchen cabinets. It’s easy to grow tired of the color or style of the current cabinets. Maybe you just want more storage space, or a whole new kitchen design. Perhaps your cabinets are falling apart, with drawers and doors in need of repair. You can change the look of the kitchen with some paint and new hardware, or gut the whole thing and start from scratch. But how do you know if you should replace or reface your kitchen cabinets?

Of course, if your home is a new construction, you have no other option but new cabinets. But if you’re dealing with an existing space you could go either way. So what’s best for your home?

Refacing reality

Cabinet refacing includes the installation of new drawer faces and doors, new fixtures, and veneering of the cabinet boxes. Repairs of any broken or bad drawers are included as well. Work typically lasts anywhere from two to four days, and this is an eco-friendly option as there’s little waste.

Many homeowners think that refacing the cabinets is the most cost-effective option. Typically refacing costs about 40 to 50 percent less than the cost of replacing the cabinets.

If you like the layout of your kitchen, the cabinet boxes are in good shape, and you’re interested in saving some money, then this may be the best option is for you.

Replace the space

With new cabinets all of the existing cabinets are removed. New cabinets are brought in, and professional installers set and level the bases. They’ll hang wall cabinets and install doors and hardware. This usually takes less time than refacing.

Replacing the cabinets may be less eco-friendly then refacing. However, it is possible to donate cabinets that are in good shape to charities such as Habitat for Humanity. Recycling is possible as well.

The cost to replace your cabinets is higher than refacing in almost all cases, and custom cabinets are usually priced higher than contractor-grade budget cabinets.

So What’s Best for You?

The first step is determining if your current cabinets are in good shape. If the bases are in need of extensive repair, then replacing the cabinets is the only option for your home.

If the cost to replace cabinets is out of your budget, you can still achieve a fresh, clean kitchen by refacing. However, if your budget allows for it, new cabinets offer your kitchen value for resale, and you have the ability to create a new design that works for you and your family.