How often should you replace kitchen cabinets?

Author: Hollie Christiansen  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 7, 2022

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.

How often do people change kitchen cabinets?

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.

How often do kitchens need replacing?

Kitchens are often one of the most heavily used rooms in the home with the average person entering the kitchen 2 to 3 times a day. Because of this, some experts recommend that you should renovate your kitchen every 10 to 15 years. There are certain circumstances where you may want to renovate sooner rather than later.

Should I replace old kitchen cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets should be replaced whenever they are in poor condition or whenever you feel that it's necessary to freshen up your kitchen's style as interior design trends change. High quality kitchen cabinets can last for up to 50 years. That is assuming the cabinets have been keep in good condition.

Is it cheaper to reface or replace cabinets?

Refacing is about 30 to 50-percent less than replacement. Expect to pay about $12,000 to $20,000 for contractor-grade cabinets. Best when the cabinet boxes are in solid shape and cost is an issue. Best when doing a whole-kitchen remodel or when cabinet boxes are in poor shape.

How to Figure Out the Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets

Is replacing kitchen cabinet doors worth it?

Whether it's because your cabinets have deteriorated or you've simply outgrown them and want a fresh new style, replacing kitchen cabinet doors can make a dramatic difference in your space, giving it a lift and making everything seem new.

Is it better to paint or replace kitchen cabinets?

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.

What is the life expectancy of kitchen cabinets?

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.

What is the life of kitchen cabinets?

You can expect kitchen cabinets to last from 30 to 60 years, with an average of 45 years. Cabinets begin to show signs of age after about 20 years, such as doors that don't fully close, drawer fronts coming loose, and surface dings—especially at heavily used areas like below the sink.

Are solid wood kitchen cabinets better?

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.

How long do MDF cabinets last?

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.

What is cabinet refacing?

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.

How often should kitchen cabinets be painted?

With proper care of professionally painted kitchen cabinets, you can expect your newly painted cabinets to last 8-10 years. However, there are a few things that can drastically shorten this timeframe, leaving you needing them repainted 3-4 years later.

What kind of kitchen cabinets last the longest?

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.

Why are my kitchen cabinets peeling?

Your kitchen cabinets might peel for many reasons, including water damage, a poor paint job or high humidity. Areas near the sink and above the stovetop are especially prone to peeling, and it's an eyesore that can drive you batty.

Does painting cabinets devalue home?

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.

Why you shouldn't paint your cabinets?

Detailed Patterns, Warped or Damaged Cabinets

If your cabinets have detailed patterns or they are warped, chipped, cracked or have other damage to them, then painting your kitchen cabinets is not the way to go – it most definitely won't solve your cabinet problem.

Is it bad to paint wood cabinets?

The decision to paint or replace your cabinets depends on the current shape that they are in, so painting isn't a wise choice for all cabinets. If your cabinets are warped, chipped, or have other damages then painting them won't solve your problem.

How can I update my cabinets without replacing them?

How to Update Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them
  1. Wrapping cupboard doors. Another popular method to change the look of your cabinets is to wrap them, the most common material used to do this is vinyl. ...
  2. Adding under cabinet lighting. ...
  3. Adding cabinet molding.

Can I put new doors on old cabinets?

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.

How do I make new cabinets look old?

Related To:
  1. Install Crown Molding. ...
  2. Remove Some Cabinet Doors. ...
  3. Add Glass Door Inserts. ...
  4. Beautify With Beadboard. ...
  5. Make Room for Wine. ...
  6. Create Lid Storage. ...
  7. Light It Up Under the Cabinets. ...
  8. Handy Spice Storage.

Are white kitchen cabinets going out of style?

Even though there are some drawbacks to white kitchen cabinets, they will never “go out of style.” The shapes of the doors or the layout of the kitchen may go out of style, but white in a kitchen will always look good.

What is average cost to paint kitchen cabinets?

Average cost of painting kitchen cabinets professionally. The average cost of painting kitchen cabinets is $100 per drawer face and $175 per cabinet door. This usually averages out to a cost of $5,000 for a medium-sized kitchen. However, the cost commonly ranges from $3000 to $10,000.

Do you paint both sides of kitchen cabinet doors?

Doors typically require a good amount of time, because you need to paint both sides and let them fully dry in between coats. You can begin with the back side of your cabinet doors. Apply one coat, wait 24 hours and then move on to your second coat of paint.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

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.

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