What is the life expectancy of kitchen cabinets?

Author: Selmer Bashirian  |  Last update: Thursday, July 10, 2025

Your average cabinet, no matter where it is in the house, should last 20 years or so. Kitchen cabinets last about 20 years too. This is because their construction and materials have gotten better. Painted cabinets, even outside of kitchens, last about a year before the paint starts peeling.

How often should you replace kitchen cabinets?

Most cabinet experts recommend replacing your kitchen cabinets when: The cabinet boxes are damaged. Your cabinets smell bad. Your cabinets are more than 15 years old.

How do I know if my cabinets need replacing?

Contents hide
  1. 1.1 1. Lack of Storage Space in the Kitchen.
  2. 1.2 2. Excessive Wear and Tear.
  3. 1.3 3. Kitchen Cabinet Doors Don't Function Correctly.
  4. 1.4 4. Your Kitchen Smells Funny.
  5. 1.5 5. The Cabinets Are Old Fashioned.
  6. 1.6 6. Cluttered Countertops.
  7. 1.7 7. Water Damage.
  8. 1.8 8. Outdated Kitchen Design.

How long are kitchen cabinets supposed to last?

Kitchen cabinets can last in excess of 20 years, but statistics show that on average they get replaced every 7–9 years due to changes in interior design trends.

What is the average cost to replace kitchen cabinets?

Depending on your kitchen's size and the type of materials and design you've chosen, the average cost to install your kitchen cabinets can cost the following: Basic to mid-grad cabinets: $3,200-$8,500. High-end custom cabinets: $12,500-$18,100.

11 Old Kitchen Features That Have Vanished Over Time

What is a good budget for kitchen cabinets?

Due to the wide-ranging differences in materials and quality, new kitchen cabinets typically cost anywhere from $2,500 to $24,000. However, most new cabinet prices average between $5,500 and $13,000. This wide price range can be divided into three cabinet categories: stock, semi-custom, and custom.

Is it cheaper to reface cabinets or replace them?

Yes, cabinet refacing is worth it if you want to improve the look of your kitchen without spending too much money. Refacing can save you up to 25% – 50% of the cost of replacing cabinets and can be done in a much shorter time frame than fully replacing all cabinets.

What type of cabinets last the longest?

Solid wood cabinets, particularly oak, are the most durable kitchen cabinet material due to their strength, resistance to wear and tear, and ability to withstand moisture without warping. Plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are also durable, economical options.

What time of year do kitchen cabinets go on sale?

Holiday sales are the perfect time to shop for home upgrades. Christmas Sales: In the weeks before Christmas, there will be a high chance of finding some kitchen cabinets prices will be discounted. The reason for the discounted prices is that most people do not remodel over the holiday season.

How often should countertops be replaced?

Your Countertops Look Outdated

While you'll incur an additional expense you may not have budgeted for, it will save you time and can even make you money in the long run. In general, kitchen countertops should be replaced every 10-15 years, which is roughly the lifecycle of interior trends.

Can cabinets last 50 years?

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.

Do you have to replace countertops when replacing cabinets?

Yes, it is possible to replace cabinets without removing the countertops by carefully detaching the cabinets and keeping the countertops intact. However, this process requires precision to avoid damaging the countertops and the surrounding areas.

How can you tell if cabinets are high quality?

Top 10 Characteristics of High Quality Kitchen Cabinets
  1. All-plywood construction. ...
  2. Full-height back panels. ...
  3. Soft-close hinges. ...
  4. Undermount, soft-close drawer glides. ...
  5. Hardwood dovetail drawer boxes. ...
  6. Fully assembled in the factory. ...
  7. Face frames. ...
  8. Customizability and modifications.

What time of year is best to buy kitchen cabinets?

During the holiday season, kitchens seem to be what everyone needs. It's also the best time of the year to purchase kitchen cabinets. There are many stores that offer kitchen cabinets during this time of the year for considerably lower prices.

What is the lifespan of wood cabinets?

While the longevity of kitchen cabinets largely depends on the quality of materials used in their production, solid hardwood cabinets have the potential to last up to 50 years or more with proper care. This extended lifespan is a testament to their durability and stability.

Are more expensive cabinets worth it?

In the world of kitchen cabinets, you truly get what you pay for, especially when it comes to durability and longevity. High-end materials and construction methods might come with a steeper initial cost, but they pay off in the long run.

What color cabinets have the best resale value?

Moreover, a recent study by HomeLight found that over 60% of real estate agents recommend white, pale gray, or greige (a mixture of gray and beige) for kitchen cabinets to optimize a property's resale value.

What is the next trend for kitchen cabinets?

Lower cabinets in dark tones are a bold and dramatic kitchen cabinet trends for 2025, bringing depth and richness to kitchen designs. Dark hues like navy blue, charcoal gray, and deep green are popular choices, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to the space.

How often does Home Depot have sales on kitchen cabinets?

The cabinet sales are usually almost every other month to get the sales then allow the company time to make them all.

What is the best kitchen cabinet brand?

Table of Contents
  • Oppein.
  • MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc.
  • Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.
  • KraftMaid.
  • Merillat.
  • American Woodmark.
  • Crystal Cabinet Works.
  • Schrock Cabinetry.

What color of cabinets is most timeless?

Below, we discuss the best cabinet color options for a kitchen remodeling project for a beautiful aesthetic that's always on point. Arguably, the most timeless kitchen cabinet color is white. Bright white cabinets suit a variety of beautiful kitchens, including modern, contemporary, and farmhouse styles.

How long do builder grade cabinets last?

However, if you're looking for customization or high durability, the custom kitchen cabinets cost is usually higher. Another aspect of builder grade cabinets is their average durability. Most builder grade cabinets can last up to five years but are easily damaged by things like regular use and water/sun damage.

What is the downside of cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refacing is considered to be less durable than a full replacement, as it does not replace the entire structure of the cabinets. Over time, cabinet frames can become worn or damaged; if that happens, you may need to replace them anyway.

What is the least expensive way to replace kitchen cabinets?

Cabinet Style and Design

Ready-made "stock" cabinets are the most budget-friendly choice, while semi-custom cabinets offer a nice balance between cost and customization. Custom-designed cabinets, on the other hand, give your kitchen a luxurious feel but come at a higher price.

Does Lowes do cabinet refacing?

Kitchen Remodeling Made Easy and Affordable.

Lowe's cabinet refacing with National Refacing Systems uses your existing cabinets while transforming your kitchen with premium-quality cabinet doors, drawers, hardware, and accessories.

Previous article
What is the popular color for 2024?
Next article
Is manganese in your water bad for you?