Sometimes home improvement projects can start sooner than you would like them to. With aspects so vital to your house and daily routines, it may never feel like the right time. Replacing old and dysfunctional kitchen cabinets can make your house feel like home again. So the question is: “When is it time?” The goal of this article is to help you gauge the longevity of your cabinetry and whether you need to replace or reface your cabinets.
The Average Lifespan of Kitchen Cabinets
The quality of the wood you choose or have chosen for your kitchen cabinetry can predict how long they will hold up and the longevity of their functionality. Cabinets should be one of the longest lasting elements in your kitchen. With a high-quality wood, cabinets can remain very functional and may even last up to 50 years. It is important to keep in mind that even though high-quality wood for cabinetry is important, many different factors can also influence the lifespan of your cabinets and may decrease it immensely.
High Quality Wood for Cabinetry:
- Cherry, Maple, Ash, Hickory & Oak
- Birch, Beech, White Oak, & Red Oak
- Walnut & Mahogany
- Spruce, Pine, & Fir Softwoods
Top Indications Your Cabinets Need to be Replaced
1. Unfixable Interior and Structure Damage: Water Damage, Molding, and Old Cabinets
Even though some kitchen cabinets may look beautiful on the outside, there could be some serious issues when dealing with damage in the interior. The interior and structure are the most important aspects of cabinetry. Interior damage can come from an array of different factors, including rotting, water damage, mold, and pests. When the interior and structure of the cabinets are seriously damaged, refacing is often no longer an option.
Water Damage in Your Cabinets
There are many ways to indicate whether water damage is the issue with your cabinets. Since wood cabinets are often placed in kitchens and bathrooms, it is not uncommon for water damage to take place. Minor damage can sometimes be fixed but seriously damaged cabinets need to be removed and replaced. Indications of serious water damage:
- Cabinets are losing functionality (for example, cabinet doors are harder to open or close).
- The wood in your cabinets is darkening.
- Black spots are appearing in your cabinets.
- Your cabinets are swollen, or the wood has warped.
- Delamination on the outside of your cabinets.
- Mold.
Mold in Your Cabinets
Not only will mold tamper with your cabinets, mold can affect the health of your family. When caught early, the spreading can be stopped and does not mean that you must replace your cabinets. When the mold continues to grow, it can cause some serious issues with your cabinetry. Usually, a water leak is the cause of mold in your cabinets.
Some Problems with Old Cabinets
New problems can arise while working with old cabinets. If the wood is too worn, meaning you cannot drill new holes or attach hinges, it cannot support new cabinet doors. Working with wood this worn can lead to unsuccessful repairs. Mushy or “soft” cabinets are also a sign that your cabinets are in bad condition and are unable to hold up for much longer.
2. Remodeling and Changing Kitchen Layout
If you are planning on changing your entire kitchen layout, refacing may not be an option for you, and you may need to replace your cabinets. Cabinet refacing is usually only good for kitchens that will keep the configuration. If the cabinet box is staying in place, those can be refaced. If you are moving cabinets for your home improvement project, you will most likely need new cabinetry.
Whether you are replacing or refacing your cabinets, MüvzU can help with your home improvement project. Search “Cabinetry” near you to get in touch with someone fitting for the job. The goal of MüvzU is to connect people to local and trusted home service professionals in the most convenient way. Without giving out your personal information, MüvzU makes searching for professionals in cabinetry painless. Happy shopping!