How Often Should You Have Your Cabinets Refaced?

July 30, 2023

Are you looking to improve the appearance of your cabinets? Over time, moisture, temperature change, and age can damage the cabinet exterior. While the cabinet may still be functional, it will look less appealing in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. Fortunately, there’s a solution: cabinet refacing.

Put simply, the cabinet refacing process involves swapping out the framework of your cabinets — such as the doors and drawers — but leaving the boxes in place. As a result, you enjoy cabinets that look new and refreshed without spending time and money on a complete replacement.

Now that you know what cabinet refacing is, you might wonder, “How often should I reface my cabinets?”

A refaced cabinet can last decades, provided it’s cared for properly. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cabinet refacing, including the following:

Factors impacting how long cabinet refacing lasts
Signs your cabinets need to be refaced
How to maintain refaced cabinets for longevity

Let’s get into it!

Interested in updating your old cabinets?

Contact us online or call (480) 641-9611. We’ll send our experts to evaluate your kitchen or bathroom cabinets and provide a same-day, no-obligation quote.

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Factors Impacting How Long Cabinet Refacing Lasts

As mentioned above, refaced cabinets can last for decades. Since cabinets usually last up to 50 years, the average homeowner will only need to reface them once or so.

It’s important to note that this is a general estimate — the actual life span of refaced cabinets depends on the original condition of the cabinets and the workmanship.

Original Condition of Cabinets

Before refacing cabinets, it’s essential to ensure they’re in good condition for the modification. Ideally, they should meet the following criteria:

Strong box construction: The cabinet boxes should be in working condition and made of strong material, such as plywood or MDF panels.
High-quality face frames: The face frames, or the front framework, should be made of high-quality, solid hardwood. This material is best for supporting new doors.
Working hardware: All internal hardware, such as drawer tracks, pull-out trays, and shelves, should be in working condition.

If a cabinet doesn’t meet these criteria, you’re better off with a replacement.

The Quality of Workmanship Performed

Are your cabinets good candidates for refacing? If so, it’s important to rely on experienced cabinet experts to perform the project. At Cabinet Coatings, we always guarantee the following:

High-quality materials: Low-quality materials, such as plastic or wood veneers, start cracking or chipping within a few years. That’s why we always use durable, high-quality solid wood for cabinet refacing projects.
Customization: No matter what you’re looking for in your cabinets, our team can help. After assessing your needs, we can provide expert advice and adjust your style, color, and budget requirements.
Satisfaction guarantee: Our team is committed to outstanding service. If you’re unsatisfied with the outcome, we’ll work hard to fix it.

By working with knowledgeable professionals, you can help ensure your cabinets last as long as possible.

Signs Your Cabinets Need to Be Refaced

We’ve reviewed the conditions you need to meet before refacing your cabinets. Now, the next question is, when should I reface my cabinets? Generally, you should reface your cabinets if the cabinet boxes remain intact, but the external appearance needs improvement. In other words, your cabinets are still functional — they’re just not meeting your aesthetic needs. Here are a few specific signs to look out for:

Worn-out appearance: Anything from cooking fumes to excessive moisture can wear out your cabinets. If the wood is faded or dull in color, it may be time for an upgrade.
Blemishes: Blemishes like cracks, chips, and scratches can be fixed through cabinet refacing.
Outdated style: If you’ve recently renovated your kitchen or bathroom style, your old cabinets may no longer match the new look.

Ultimately, cabinet refacing lets you enjoy an aesthetic upgrade for a fraction of the time — and money — it would take to replace them.

How to Maintain Refaced Cabinets for Longevity

Refacing your cabinets is a great way to spruce up your home’s style. Treat your cabinets carefully to ensure the results last as long as possible. Here are some top maintenance tips to help extend your cabinet’s life span:

Be gentle: A simple yet effective tip is to be gentle when using the cabinets. Slamming or harshly pulling the doors increases the risk of chips and cracks.
Avoid harsh cleaners: Many chemical products, such as strong solvent cleaners, contain materials that damage cabinet wood in the long term. Instead of chemical cleaners, opt for natural solutions. Or, make your cleaner using household products like dish soap or vinegar.
Minimize heat and moisture: Did you know heat and moisture can damage your cabinets? Heat dries out wood, while moisture expands it. While you may not be able to avoid heat and water entirely (especially in the kitchen), you can minimize cabinet exposure. For example, keep windows open while cooking to expel smoke, and avoid hanging wet towels on cabinets.

In addition to following these maintenance tips, be sure to work with a reputable team. At Cabinet Coatings, we combine high-quality, long-lasting materials with experienced, dedicated professionals. The result is durable, high-quality, refaced cabinets that you can enjoy for decades to come.

Looking for a cabinet upgrade? Contact Cabinet Coatings!

Since 1996, homeowners have turned to Cabinet Coatings for all their cabinet refacing projects. You can always expect quality workmanship, expert advice, and upfront quotes when you work with us. Contact us online or call (480) 641-9611 for service.

Schedule Consultation

Call (480) 641-9611

Cabinet Coatings
East Valley (480) 641-9611
West Valley (623) 939-3553