In general, high-quality cabinets can last up to 50 years. This sounds like an incredibly long period of time, but cabinets are in fact one of the longest lasting components of your entire kitchen.
After a period of substantial use, cabinets and countertops are subject to the same wear and tear as the rest of your kitchen's features. They are not meant to last forever and depending on the material, they may require a full revamp every 10 to 15 years.
Kitchen cabinets are expected to last up to 50 years, medicine cabinets for 20+ years, and garage/laundry cabinets for 100+ years. Closet shelves are expected to last for a lifetime.
REFINISHING IS MUCH CHEAPER THAN REPLACING OR RESURFACING
But, you'd be surprised how little you'll save when you choose to reface your cabinets instead. You might only save around 30%-50% of the cost of complete replacement by choosing to reface them.
Price out replacing your kitchen cabinets and painting will look better and better. The cost to paint a kitchen is typically 1/3 to ½ the cost of replacing. The paints applied to cabinets are also very durable and will last just as long as new cabinets in most cases.
Cabinet refacing is the process of replacing cabinet skin panels to give your kitchen a dramatic new look. Your cabinets may be scratched or cracked, or you may simply desire a change — much like replacing a perfectly good smartphone with the latest model.
Update or Renovate Your Kitchen Every 10-15 Years
On average, kitchens need to be renovated every 10-15 years. This is the amount of time it takes for color trends to change and for finishes to face significant wear and tear.
It is vital to ensure you keep your MDF cabinets dry. If exposed to a pronounced amount of liquid or moisture, they could become soggy and begin to disintegrate. At Deslaurier, our MDF comes with a 20 year warranty. But, if cabinets are properly maintained there is no reason they shouldn't last over 25 years.
With lots of tenants moving in and out, kitchens in rental properties generally last around 10 years before they need to be refurbished. That being said, there is no legal requirement for landlords to replace their kitchens within any specific time period.
Because your cabinets are going to last so long, it is important to pick out cabinets that match your current appliances, as well as appliances you plan to get in the future. In order to prepare for possible future renovations, classic style cabinets make the safest long-term investments.
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, both solid wood and MDF are equally important. While solid wood makes the cabinets strong, sturdy and long-lasting, MDF offers a smooth finish. MDF withstands changes in heat and humidity better than solid wood.
With proper care, refaced cabinets can last decades, but a few factors will affect the lifespan and overall durability of your refaced cabinets, including: The original condition of your cabinets. Who performs the refacing and the quality of their work.
One way to make your kitchen remodel more cost-effective is to reface your kitchen cabinets rather than replace them. Refacing kitchen cabinets is the process of replacing just the cabinet doors while preserving the cabinet boxes. This is a great way to cut costs during your remodeling project.
Are MDF cabinets good quality? Medium-density fiberboard cabinets are cheaper than solid wood but can be just as strong. If you're looking for painted cabinets, using MDF will give you a smoother finish and color that lasts for a long time.
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) performs much better than real wood in at least some areas. It is a composite material of high quality. MDF is made from resin and recycled wood fibers. It is pressed to produce dense sheets that remain stable in all weather conditions.
MDF is denser than hardwood and offers a much smoother finish with no grain. This makes MDF an ideal material for making painted cabinet doors. Due to its density and consistent structure, MDF can be machined using high speed CNC cutting tools to create a variety of different 3-D profiles perfect for cabinet doors.
If your home is still in good condition, renovation should be done every 15 to 20 years. Before you embark on a remodeling project, take time to evaluate your home.
“The rule of thumb is to update your home every five to ten years. This does not necessarily mean you have to undertake costly renovations that involve ripping out tiles and knocking down walls. Often just changing small features such as door handles and taps can have the desired effect,” Goslett explains.
As mentioned earlier, cabinetry usually tends to be the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. It can cost up to $15,000 even in a relatively minor remodel with a budget of about $30,000. In an upscale remodel, choosing kitchen cabinets can take up nearly 20 to 40 percent of the entire budget.
Refinishing these hardy cabinets, instead of replacing them, can both conserve wood and money. Opting to refinish, rather than replace, kitchen cabinets is more cost-effective, too; Ballard says it can save you up to $5,000. Of course, if your cabinets aren't wood, refinishing may not be an option.
The result is a strong, reliable cabinet that has the look and feel of wood. Says Ethan, “Wood veneer cabinets are an excellent way to combine modern door styles with more traditional wood types and grains.” Why we love wood veneer cabinets: Potentially more cost-effective than solid wood.
On average, this trend alone can boost a home's value by $1,547. By painting your kitchen cabinets and then pairing them with some new hardware that dollar amount can increase significantly.
Many people don't know that you can replace just the cabinet doors on your kitchen cabinets, which is a great way to get a fresh, remodeled look without a major price tag. Replacing just your cabinet doors, also known as cabinet refacing, can be a quick DIY project for most homeowners.
You don't have to remove the cabinet doors to repaint them, so leave them on their hinges if you're not going to replace them. However, it is easier to paint the cabinet's façade with the doors off. You can paint the hinges to match the cabinets or mask them with painter's tape to keep them as they are.