Are your cabinets due for an upgrade? Refacing them serves as a budget-friendly alternative to cabinet replacement and allows you to get more use out of your cupboards.
Exactly how long does cabinet refacing last? The answer depends on a few factors that experienced kitchen remodel contractors in Los Angeles County are here to break down. Find out how you can determine the lifespan of your refaced cabinets in this helpful guide from Payless Kitchen Cabinets.
How Long Will Cabinet Refacing Last?
Refaced cabinets can last for decades — up to 20 years, in fact. That said, the ultimate length of time will depend on several factors, including the following.
The Cabinet’s Original Condition
One of the biggest advantages of cabinet refacing is that it brings tremendous home improvement value for a fraction of the cost of cabinet replacement. Keep in mind that contractors only recommend refacing cabinets if the boxes and frames hold steady and remain in good condition. Trying to reface your cabinets when the materials deteriorate and lose strength will decrease the cabinetry’s lifespan.
Let a professional assess your cabinets before moving forward with refacing. As long as the boxes are well maintained, you can expect them to have a fairly long lifespan. If they aren’t in mint condition, experts will likely recommend tearing them down and putting up new ones.
The Quality of the Work
Do you like to tackle different remodeling projects around the house? While you might prefer DIY cabinet refacing, you risk ending up with subpar results. Performing this project without the proper tools or expertise can affect the final results.
How long does cabinet refacing last when an amateur takes charge versus a licensed contractor? You’ll likely notice a huge difference in the overall quality and workmanship which contributes to the cabinet’s lifespan moving forward. If you want your cabinets to last a long time, hire a specialist rather than attempting DIY refacing.
The Materials Used During Cabinet Refacing
You must invest in quality materials when refacing your cabinets. Trying to cut costs by using cheaper options will ultimately lead to cabinet deterioration, including:
- Paint peeling
- Fading
- Chipped or cracked wood
Choose durable veneers, paints, and stain finishes to make your cabinets last longer. Paying more upfront for high-quality materials will give you a greater return on investment since you won’t have to pay for additional cabinet repairs shortly after refacing them.
Environmental Factors
Say you decide to reface your kitchen and bathroom cabinets at the same time. You use the exact same materials and follow the same design in both rooms. However, you notice that the bathroom cabinets start to lose their appearance over time while the kitchen cabinets look the same.
The environment surrounding your cabinets can have a huge impact on how long the materials last. High levels of heat and humidity can cause cabinet materials to warp or fade over time. This often affects bathroom cabinets exposed to steam from showers and kitchen cabinets near the stove or oven.
Frequency of Use
If you’re wondering, “How long does cabinet refacing last?” the answer largely depends on how much use each cabinet gets. The cabinet doors and drawers that you open on a daily basis face more wear and tear than those that you rarely open. You might notice that the drawer holding all of your kitchen utensils needs more maintenance than an overhead cabinet you only open before special occasions to grab a serving platter.
Overall Care and Maintenance
How long does cabinet refacing last? If you prioritize proper care and maintenance, you can receive several decades of use from your cabinets and save money on replacing them. The better care you take of your cabinets, the longer the materials will last.
Some of the best ways to maintain refaced cabinets include:
- Cleaning them regularly with a microfiber cloth
- Keeping the surfaces dry
- Opening and shutting cabinet doors gently to avoid damaging the hinges
- Wiping grime away from the hardware
- Avoiding placing hot items near the cabinets
Make sure you wipe your cabinet doors and boxes with a soft towel and non-chemical cleaners. Using abrasive cleaning supplies can scratch the materials and cause the cabinets to wear easily.
Transform Your Kitchen With Cabinet Refacing
How long does cabinet refacing last? Is it better to perform DIY cabinet refacing or hire a professional? What are the care instructions you should follow after refacing your cabinets?
The experts at Payless Kitchen Cabinets can answer these questions and more. Reach out to us if you want to upgrade your cabinets without replacing them. Call (866) 482-0919 to schedule a free design consultation.
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