If your kitchen or bathroom cabinets are starting to look worn, you might be wondering: Should I replace them entirely or just refinish them? The answer depends on several factors including the cabinet's structure, material, layout, and your renovation goals. Let’s break down how to make the best decision for your space—and your budget.
The first step is to inspect your cabinet boxes and hardware. If the frames are warped, water-damaged, or pulling away from the wall, it’s usually best to replace them. Structural damage can't be fixed with paint or stain. However, if the boxes are solid and the doors close properly, refinishing might be a smart and affordable option.
Solid wood cabinets are great candidates for refinishing because they can be sanded, painted, or stained multiple times. Veneered or laminate cabinets, on the other hand, are more difficult to refinish and may peel or chip over time. If your cabinets are made from particleboard or MDF, replacement is often the more durable long-term solution.
Do your current cabinets offer enough storage? Is the layout working for your lifestyle? If you’re dealing with a poor layout, awkward corners, or outdated features, replacement gives you the chance to upgrade with modern storage solutions and a better flow. In this case, consider switching to a custom solution from Merit Kitchens or Lectus Cabinets for a completely fresh start.
If your cabinet style is dated and doesn’t match your aesthetic, refinishing can help—but only to a point. Raised-panel oak cabinets, for example, might still feel outdated even with a coat of paint. If you’re going for a sleek, modern look, replacing the doors or full cabinet system may be the only way to achieve it.
Refinishing cabinets can cost significantly less than replacing them, especially if you DIY or use a professional painter. But keep in mind, it’s still time-consuming and labor-intensive. If your project includes other renovations like countertops or flooring, it may make more sense to do a full cabinet replacement at the same time for a unified result.
At Lighthouse Kitchens, we help homeowners in Victoria and across BC make smart, stylish choices for their kitchens and bathrooms. Whether you're leaning toward refinishing or thinking about a full replacement with custom cabinetry, our team can walk you through the pros and cons based on your space and goals.
Check out our cabinet partners Merit Kitchens and Lectus Cabinets to explore the design possibilities, or contact us today to book your consultation.
