When is the Right Time to Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Replacing your kitchen cabinets is a big step. It’s not only a major investment, it’s also a huge project that temporarily impacts your living situation. That’s why it’s wise to go into such a decision knowing that your cabinets really do need replacing and you shouldn’t wait any longer.
But how do you know if that’s the case? How long do kitchen cabinets usually last? Can you get away with refacing them instead of doing a full replacement? And what are some signs that it’s time to replace kitchen cabinets?
Let’s dive into the answers to these questions so you can determine if it’s the right time to replace your kitchen cabinets and give them a full blown makeover.
How Long Do Kitchen Cabinets Last?
The answer to this question is not clear cut. The lifespan of your kitchen cabinets depends on a number of factors, including the quality of materials they’re made from, and how well they’re maintained and cared for over the years.
The general consensus seems to be that high quality kitchen cabinets can last for about 50 years. If your kitchen cabinets are older than 50 years (for example if your home is older than 50 years and the cabinets are original to the home), it’s time for an upgrade.
4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets
Other than age, here are some clear-cut signs that your kitchen cabinets could use some love with a remodel:
Poor quality
If your existing kitchen cabinets were built with cheap, low-grade materials, it might be time for an upgrade. For example, is the entire cabinet structure made of particle board? Low-grade cabinets not only look outdated sooner, but they won’t hold up as well. They’ll have knicks, dings, and other flaws, and they won’t function properly. If this sounds like your kitchen cabinets, it might be time to replace them with something higher quality.
Inefficient layout
The way a kitchen’s cabinets are laid out has a major impact on the functionality of your kitchen as a whole. If the existing cabinets have a poor design, replacing them with a fresh, more efficient layout is a smart investment. This will not only improve the look of your kitchen, but the flow, as well. And especially if you spend a lot of time in your kitchen cooking and entertaining, you’ll be glad you have a more functional space.
Outdated style
Some traditional kitchen cabinet styles maintain their appeal long after installation. Others do not. For example, are your kitchen cabinets painted a once trendy color, like deep red or forest green? Those styles are necessarily popular anymore, so refreshing the look with all new cabinets is an option. The style is also a factor. For example, there was once a time when metal cabinets were popular. But today, shaker-style cabinets are more trendy.
Dirty and smelly
When kitchen cabinets are old and not taken care of properly, there comes a time when you can’t save them from dirt, grime, and musty smells. This is the point when you should consider replacing them with something new, fresh, and clean. It’s amazing the transformation updated kitchen cabinets can make in a home, especially for resale purposes. Research shows that 80% of homebuyers placed the kitchen in their list of top three most important spaces.
At the end of the day, it’s your call whether it’s the right time to replace your kitchen cabinets. Maybe your cabinets meet none of the above criteria, but you still want to replace them. That’s completely fine. If you have the budget and the willingness to pull the trigger on a kitchen makeover, we’re here to help.
Kitchen Remodels & Refacing Solutions
Every home deserves a kitchen that’s beautiful, welcoming, and functional — designed for the way you live. Established by two long-time central Ohio homebuilders and craftsmen, The Creative Kitchen Co. offers customized kitchen remodeling and refacing solutions. Contact us for more information.