You may want to change your kitchen cabinets simply because you do not like the style and how they do not tie in with your preferred theme. However, beyond aesthetics and style, there comes a time when you need to replace your kitchen cabinets. At this point, there is almost no choice but to make that change.
Though certain signs point to the fact that your kitchen cabinets need replacement, it all comes down to your personal preference and budget. In this article, I will discuss how durable kitchen cabinets are and when it is necessary to have them replaced.
How Often Do You Need To Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
Typically, how often you need to replace your kitchen cabinets is somewhat based on you as the owner of the space. There are however some factors that may push you to change your kitchen cabinets.
People still, however, can choose to ignore these signs if they do not care or simply do not have the money to fund that replacement.
Consequently, there is no stipulated time for replacing kitchen cabinets. You can only be on the lookout for certain signs that point to the fact that you may need to replace them.
Keep reading to know these signs that indicate that your kitchen cabinets need to be replaced.
How Long Do Kitchen Cabinets Last?
Kitchen cabinets last for different periods. The quality of materials used, how frequently the kitchen cabinets are used, and their maintenance and cleaning routine influence how long a kitchen cabinet will or can last.
Generally, most kitchen cabinets are good-looking and functional for an average duration of about 20 years. To give a range, kitchen cabinets last anywhere between 15 to 50 years. What shortens the lifespan of kitchen cabinets is exposure to extreme changes in humidity and temperature, poor maintenance, and frequent usage.
5 Signs Your Kitchen Cabinet Needs Replacement
Certain indications point to the fact that you may need to replace your kitchen cabinets. While some are easy to tell by sight, others need a little more scrutiny of the kitchen cabinets.
1. Damages Beyond Repairs
The first and obvious sign that your kitchen cabinet needs to be replaced is due to damage. These damages may include cracks, dents, broken hinges, swelling from the absorption of moisture, and discoloration caused by humidity in the cabinet. These damages may also have occurred due to usage and changes in temperature throughout use.
In some cases, these damages can be fixed. However, in some instances like damages caused by water or moisture, it renders your kitchen cabinets looking tacky and unattractive. If this is where you find yourself, then your kitchen cabinets need to be replaced.
2. Aging
Aside from being damaged, if your kitchen cabinets have aged, they need to be replaced. As mentioned earlier, kitchen cabinets have a different lifespan so I cannot put a specific age to which yours will be considered aged.
However, the number of years the kitchen has been in use should give you an idea of how old the cabinets are.
If since the kitchen was built, the cabinets have never been changed, after several years, wear and tear will set in and the once aesthetically pleasing fixture will begin to look hideous.
3. Functionality
The primary purpose of kitchen cabinets is to serve as storage units. If for any reason, this function cannot be attained, then there is no point in having cabinets. As such, if your kitchen cabinets lose their functionality, they need to be replaced.
Let’s say you moved into your house when you had just a few things to store in the cabinets. Now, you have discovered and are developing a passion for cooking and have purchased more kitchen aids.
Your current kitchen cabinets may not be able to provide enough storage for your new buys. Thus, you may need to replace your kitchen cabinets with bigger ones to accommodate the excess items.
4. When Safety Is Compromised
If your kitchen cabinets are no longer safe to use, the ideal situation will be to replace them. To avoid accidents, all kitchen cabinets that are falling, and cannot securely attach to the wall may need to be replaced. That is if fixing it is not an option.
5. Severe Mold Or Mildew
If you notice mold or mildew in your kitchen cabinets and the problem is severe to the point where it cannot be gotten rid of, then it is time to change them.
Mold or mildew issues arise due to poor aeration and moisture buildup in your kitchen cabinets. The presence of these mycobacteria is a health threat and must be eliminated when noticed, for the sake of your health and that of those who use your kitchen, or the food prepared there.
6. Changing Style Or Preference
The urge to co-ordinate rooms and fittings in rooms in our homes is becoming more popular. Most people will like to maintain a particular theme and style throughout their house or in a selected room.
So, for instance, if you move into a house that has traditional-looking kitchen cabinets and you are not feeling it, you can have those cabinets replaced with modern ones.
Thus, your kitchen cabinet may need replacement simply because of your style preference and desire to stick to a particular theme in the kitchen or the entire house.
Should You Always Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
The decision to replace your kitchen cabinets comes with spending some bucks. If you do not have the money to spare, do not despair because they are some cases where you can decide not to replace your kitchen cabinets.
Most cabinet issues can be fixed. Although sometimes fixing can be more expensive than replacing. Yes! You heard me right. Some fixes cost more than replacing the cabinet.
If the cabinet board is looking old, worn out, and a little damaged but not beyond repairs, you can consider refacing or painting the cabinet instead of replacing it.
If your cabinet suddenly feels small and cannot accommodate all your stuff, consider expanding the storage or making additional cabinets rather than discarding what you have and buying a whole new set. Remember, it all costs money.
If you want a new style with your cabinet, you can consider buying and replacing the cabinet handles, using contact papers to give the cabinet a new finish, or using new color patterns to suit your preference.
Final Words
The timeline of your kitchen cabinets is dependent on the quality of material used, how often you use the cabinets, and how well or not you maintain them. Thus, there is no set time for how long kitchen cabinets last though on average, you can be looking at 20 years. Moreover, certain signs indicate that your kitchen cabinets need to be replaced though a replacement is not always necessary especially if you are constrained by your budget.