Are your cabinets starting to show signs of wear?
That is probably a good sign to consider replacing your kitchen cabinets. We know replacing items, materials, and fixtures in your home can be a real pain. However, maintaining a functional, healthy home means that updates and renovations are occasionally needed.
Today, we’re going to be discussing replacing kitchen cabinets. Because kitchen cabinets are used regularly, they will, most likely, need to be replaced at some point. This is especially true if they are a little lower in quality.
But, when is the right time to switch out your old cabinets for new ones? It’s a good question, and while there isn’t exactly a definitive time frame, most experts agree that, on average, cabinets will last around 50 years.
So, if you recently installed cabinets or purchased a new home that was freshly built, you likely won’t have to worry about replacing kitchen cabinets for quite some time.
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When is it Time to Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets
If you’ve been living in an older home that still has the original cabinetry, then it might be time for a little renovation. But, how can you be sure? After all, if you still like the color and look of your cabinets, you don’t want to waste money replacing them unless it is necessary.
To help you make the right decision with your kitchen cabinets, here are signs to look for that suggest it’s time for a cabinetry replacement.
1. Unsightly Water Damage
If you notice that your cabinets have water damage, you’re in a bit of a pickle. This is because, in some instances, water damage can be repaired. However, it is a time-intensive task that costs a decent amount of money. You’ll also have to dry out the cabinets and replace any parts that aren’t functional anymore, as well as bleach out any stains.
Luckily, water damage in cabinetry isn’t common and is typically caused by a leak somewhere in the kitchen. If you can’t catch the leak early enough, you may start to notice some of these signs of water-damaged cabinetry:
- There are signs of mold
- Cabinets are not opening or closing properly
- Outsides of the cabinets are de-laminating
- Wood has begun to blacken and change color
- Wood has started to warp
- Cabinets are bubbling—either on the inside or outside
If you’re not sure whether you’re cabinets have water damage, calling in an expert to look at them is a great idea. Not only can they help identify where a leak is coming from (if you have one), but they’ll offer guidance on whether or not a repair is possible and worth the money, or if replacing is the better route.
2. Lackluster Functionality and Aesthetics
Perhaps you moved into an older home a few years back and, while the cabinetry wasn’t your favorite, you decided to invest in other areas of the house. However, now you’re finally ready to invest in some new kitchen cabinets.
Whether it’s because you can no longer handle the color or you’re family has grown, and you need more functionality, making the switch with your cabinetry is a good idea. Not only can it dramatically improve the aesthetics of your kitchen and significantly improve the functionality, but it will also help with your home’s resale value. Even if you don’t plan on moving anytime soon, kitchen cabinets are a smart investment when it comes to your home’s ability to lure potential buyers down the road.
If you’re stuck and can’t decide which colors to go with for your new cabinets, this helpful article from Angie’s List is here to help! If you’re not sure what the best material is for you, check out this article too.
3. Cabinet Boxes That Are in Bad Shape
If it looks like your cabinetry may need some repairs, it’s a good idea to inspect the cabinet boxes to ensure that they are sturdy enough to handle it. Otherwise—just like with water damage—you may be wasting your time on repairs that won’t last in the long run.
If a cabinet box is too worn out, then drilling new holes or mounting hinges will be a futile endeavor. Once again, contacting an expert may be the best course of action here. They will be able to tell you whether or not your current wood can be used, or if a replacement is needed.
So, prior to sanding down, repainting old doors, or even buying new doors, you have to ensure that the wood is stable and sturdy enough for repairs.
4. Cabinets Have Become Too “Soft”
Cabinets can indeed become soft over time. The way to test how hard your cabinets are is by pushing on the sides of the cabinet walls. If they feel soft or you sense some give in the material, it is likely a sign that your cabinets are too severely damaged and may fall apart soon.
If your cabinets have indeed become too soft, then replacing is the only solution as the material won’t hold up.
To avoid this in the future, we highly recommend homeowners to consider solid wood cabinets over the cheaper alternatives. While it will be a higher upfront cost, the solid wood cabinets will last exponentially longer, add value to your home, and provide an overall better experience.
How to Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets
If you have decided to replace your cabinetry, you can save some time and money by doing some of the demo and installation yourself. Of course, it requires some tools and expertise, but if you choose this route, here are some tips on adequately doing so.
1. Measure the current kitchen cabinets’ dimensions. Measure all sides and extensively draw out accurate measurements for each cabinet to avoid making any mistakes. Additionally, if the old cabinets are not the same height as your new ones, you will have to adjust the doors accordingly.
2. Estimate how many cabinets you need. This is very important to ensure that none are missing and everything has proper measurements for fitment with each other.
3. Ensure that all materials are ordered according to the dimensions of your kitchen. If they are not, you might end up with cabinets that don’t fit in the space.
4. Carefully check all cabinet boxes before installation to ensure that none of their measurements are off or missing anything. Sometimes the material may be mislabeled, so make sure everything matches up correctly to your specifications before installing.
5. Mark your installation areas clearly, and with the assistance of one or more people, install them according to their directions and proper mounting kits.
If DIY installation is not up your alley, then follow your gut and call the professionals. They can help with the design, ordering, and installation of your new cabinets, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace Cabinets?
The cost of cabinets can depend on the material, size, company, location (for shipment costs), and customized colors or styles. On average, cabinet installation costs around $5,000 in 2022.
According to Home Advisor, the cost of a kitchen cabinet installation looks like the following:
National Average: $5,359
Average Cost Range: $1,817 – $8,992
The Very Low End – the Highest End: $240 – $20,200
When it comes to materials, stock cabinets stand to cost between $50 and $200, while more custom cabinets can cost anywhere from $400 to $800+ per piece. The same goes for labor, with more stock/semi-custom options running under $600 but custom installations running upwards of $1,000+.
What Types of Cabinets Should You Install?
There are many options for kitchen cabinets, depending on the style and cost you’re looking for.
Budget-friendly cabinet options include:
- Semi-custom cabinets
- Stock cabinets (These are less customizable but can be easily installed, painted, or stained to match your existing furniture. You can expect to pay less for these types of cabinets.)
For more unique looking cabinets that require a bit more custom work, you can opt for:
- Custom cabinets
- Natural wood
- Metal (stainless steel and aluminum)
Why You Should Consider Puustelli When Replacing Kitchen Cabinets in Your Home
Here at Puustelli, we understand the importance of durability when it comes to your kitchen cabinets. But, a cabinet should be more than sturdy, it should also look good!
Because we offer authentic Scandinavian cabinets, this combination (durability and aesthetics) comes naturally. Scandinavian cabinets perfectly combine functionality with beauty to create stunning, modern, and minimalistic designs.
In addition to the durability and style of the Puustelli cabinets (which come with a 30 years warranty), these Scandinavian cabinets are also extremely sustainable. The Puustelli MIINUS line is one of the most popular choices of Puustelli’s clients, with a frame made of bio-composite material that contains zero formaldehyde and low carbon emissions to produce.
To get started working with Puustelli to bring the perfect cabinets to your kitchen, contact us today!
