As with any stationary piece of furniture around your home, cabinets serve the dual purpose of functionality and appearance. Choosing the right brand and style can be challenging but even more so when tasked with deciding to replace or reface your cabinets. While restoring your current cabinets may seem like a good idea at the time, this project is more than it seems and may just be easier to start fresh. To help you make the best decision for you, here are a few tips on when you should replace your kitchen cabinets.
How Long Do Kitchen Cabinets Last?
Depending on the quality of the wood cabinets you purchase, the amount of time they will last will vary. 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. If you are going to need to replace other parts of your kitchen soon, it’s important to keep this in mind when picking out new cabinets for both functional and aesthetic reasons. 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.
Signs Your Cabinets Need To Be Replaced
Here are three signs you should consider replacing your cabinets.
Water Damage
If your cabinets look swollen, are not properly closing, or showing dark color spots, you may have water damage. Since most kitchen cabinets are made from wood, water damage is a likely occurrence. Kitchen cabinets are exposed to more water, steam, and other damaging elements than cabinets in most other parts of your home. Wood can easily be damaged by water, especially if you have a leak somewhere. Because of this, kitchen cabinets often need to be replaced before other cabinets in your home, even if installed at the same time. Signs of water damaged cabinets include:
- Wood has begun to warp
- Bubbling up on the inside or outside of the cabinet
- External laminate is peeling
- The wood has started to blacken or change colors
- Mold is apparent
- The cabinet’s doors do not open or close properly
When dealing with a leak, finding the source of water getting into the wood is always the first step. Once located, adequately closing or redirecting the leak will ensure this does not happen again. Next, you’ll want to sufficiently dry the cabinet. Once dry, appropriate repairs can be made, if possible. This will include replacing certain parts and bleaching out stains, a process that can take time and money. Before embarking on this task, be sure that the repair is possible.
Poor Functionality
If the overall function of your cabinets does not live up to your expectations, this is another sign that you may want to fully replace rather than repair. Possible signs your cabinets need improvement include if your cabinets are hard to access and require removing items in order to reach other items tucked in the back, if the cabinets open up and slam into one another, or if the drawers do not open without getting stuck. No matter how aesthetically pleasing your cabinets look refinished, if they do not function efficiently then you may want to start from scratch.
“Soft” Structure
One good thing to check on before refacing your cabinets is the wall attachment being used. Before dishing out money on refinishing or replacing cabinet doors, open your cabinets and feel around the insides. Any sign or dampness, soft walls, or mold are a huge indicator the cabinets should be removed and the project restarted from scratch. Cabinets that suffer from excessive or persistent water damage can become unsturdy and will soon fall apart completely, which is why it’s important to inspect your cabinets regularly.
Kitchen Cabinet Replacement in NJ
Higher end cabinets can last up to 50 years, but this number is no guarantee. A cabinet’s life can vary due to wear and tear from years of use, water damage, and unaddressed neglect. If you value your home, protecting and ensuring the quality of the interior is just as important as having a beautiful exterior. Refacing cabinets can be an easy way to give your kitchen the facelift it needs but it is imperative to thoroughly inspect the pieces beforehand. If you or someone you know are looking to replace cabinets around the home, look no further than the trained professionals at Cabinets Direct USA. Let our experienced staff walk you through the process and asses the best option for you. Contact the location nearest you today!