When Should You Get New Kitchen Cabinets?

How old are your kitchen cabinets? If it's been long enough, you may need new kitchen cabinets. This is how you can tell it's time for replacements.

Your kitchen cabinets were there when you moved into your house. It's been several years now, and though they've seen better days, they're still doing what they're supposed to do.

Does that mean you need to replace them or not?

It all comes down to the condition of your cabinets.

We've put together this guide to show you how long you can expect your cabinets to last and to help you recognize when you need to buy new kitchen cabinets. Make sure you keep reading below for some helpful tips!

How Long Do Kitchen Cabinets Last?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the cabinet material. However, you can expect your kitchen cabinets to outlast every other appliance and feature in your kitchen. Most cabinets last at least 50 years.

But that's just an estimate.

You may find yourself replacing your kitchen cabinets much sooner than that, especially if your old cabinets were cheap, knock-off brands.

Signs You Need to Install Kitchen Cabinet Replacements

If you think you need a kitchen update for your cabinets, you're probably right. The warning signs of kitchen cabinet damage are often easy to spot, but that's not always true. Some repairs stay hidden inside the cabinets where you can't see them (unless you know where to look).

So go out to your kitchen and give your cabinets a quick inspection. If you find any of these things, you need to start shopping for new cabinets.

1. Water Damage

Wood absorbs moisture, and your kitchen is full of water and steam. Because of this, water damage is one of the most common types of kitchen cabinet repairs. Water damage will display itself in the following ways:

  • Dark stains
  • Warped wood
  • Bubbled wood
  • Peeling laminate or sealing
  • Mold growth

Start by finding the source of the water damage and fixing the leak. If you catch the problem soon enough, you may not have to replace the entire cabinet. Cleaning up the mold may be enough.

However, if the cabinet is swollen with moisture and too far gone, a simple cleaning won't be enough. You'll have to tear out the affected areas and replace them with new cabinetry.

2. The Wood Feels Soft and Squishy

Does your cabinet feel soft when you touch it? Does the wood seem to squish under your fingers?

This is a really bad sign.

Your cabinets are likely full of moisture, and at this point, it's too late to save them. Soft wood isn't structurally sound anymore. The cabinets could fall apart at any moment, which can damage a lot of your appliances, dishes, or other kitchen items.

3. Cracks, Dents, and Scratches

A few scratches or cracks aren't a big deal. You might not even notice them, and they won't get in the way of functionality. Cabinets that are covered in flaws and damages, though, may need some help.

In some cases, you may be able to resurface the cabinets. This will make the cabinets look as good as new, and it's a lot cheaper than buying replacements. However, if your cabinets are severely damaged, you may need to go ahead and buy new ones.

4. Doors That Don't Open or Close Properly

Do your cabinet doors always have an inch or two of space between them and the frame even when closed? Do the doors look crooked or out of alignment? Do they take a lot of muscle to move?

These problems are likely caused by warping and age. Replacing the doors won't be enough. You'll most likely have to pull out all the cabinets and start over again from scratch.

5. You're Planning to Remodel Your Kitchen

In the event of a kitchen remodel, you might be able to save your current cabinets and reuse them, but this doesn't always work.

For example, your new kitchen layout might be bigger than your current one, meaning you won't have enough cabinetry to fit the space. You may also end up damaging the cabinets while removing them from the wall. Or they may not fit the feel of your new design.

It's a good idea to plan new cabinets into your kitchen remodel budget. This is the perfect opportunity for an upgrade.

6. Poor Layout

The doors of your cabinets shouldn't smash into each other when you open them. The shelves and drawers should also be convenient sizes to store your dishes, utensils, and cookware. A disorganized layout can make even a simple cooking job frustrating and difficult.

If the functionality of your cabinets doesn't work for you, it might be time for a change.

7. Cabinet Style Doesn't Match the Rest of Your House

Rustic cabinetry in a modern home can be a real eyesore. It will stand out for all the wrong reasons, and it will detract from the overall aesthetic of the home.

Switching out your cabinets for a more fitting style is definitely worth the money. Not only will it look better, but it can also raise the value of your house.

8. Outdated Material or Color

Olive green and banana yellow might have been a good look in the 80s, but not anymore. While you might be able to paint over an outdated color, the finished layer can end up looking bumpy, discolored, or just as old.

Sometimes, the best course of action is to start afresh with new cabinets.

9. You Just Don't Like Them

Do you think your cabinets are just ugly?

There's no need to keep them around if you hate looking at them. You'll feel a lot more comfortable in your kitchen if you like how it looks. Cooking dinner for the family will be a much more enjoyable experience if you don't feel suffocated by old or hideous cabinets.

How to Find New Kitchen Cabinets That Match Your Home's Style

Now you know you need new kitchen cabinets, but how do you get them?

Buying new cabinets can be as simple as shopping for new clothes. All you have to do is look in the right place, so make sure you take a look at some of the products we offer! We're currently holding an up to 65% off site-wide sale.

Have questions about the delivery or installation process? Don't hesitate to ask! Our team at Nuform Cabinetry will walk you through the process and ensure you end up with cabinets you love.