Homeowners planning a kitchen remodel often face the same questions. Should cabinets be resurfaced or replaced? Are IKEA cabinets worth installing yourself? What actually makes a cabinet high quality?
To clear up the confusion, we sat down with Brenda Crane, Senior Sales & Design Representative at J&K Cabinetry, and asked her to answer some of the most common cabinet questions people ask online.
Is resurfacing kitchen cabinets worth it, or is full replacement better?
According to Brenda, resurfacing rarely delivers the value homeowners expect.
While it may seem like a cost-saving option, the difference in price between resurfacing and installing new cabinets is often smaller than people think. And when the project is finished, you are still left with older cabinet boxes behind the new surfaces.
For that reason, she typically recommends replacing cabinets entirely if you are already planning a major kitchen update.
Should homeowners install IKEA cabinets themselves?
Installing kitchen cabinets is not a beginner-friendly project.
Brenda strongly recommends professional installation, regardless of the cabinet brand. Cabinets must be perfectly level and aligned for countertops, appliances, and doors to function correctly.
Because the entire kitchen depends on that precision, cabinet installation is usually best left to experienced professionals.
Why do many kitchens leave space between the cabinets and the ceiling?
Many homeowners notice the gap above upper cabinets and wonder why it exists.
Brenda agrees that in most cases, closing cabinets all the way to the ceiling is the better design choice. It eliminates a dust-collecting space and creates a cleaner, more finished appearance.
Historically, the gap was often used to reduce cabinet costs or accommodate unusually tall ceilings. But in kitchens with standard 8-10 foot ceilings, she generally recommends extending cabinets to the ceiling.
How can you tell if a cabinet is high quality?
Several construction details reveal whether cabinets are built to last.
High-quality cabinets typically feature:
- All-wood construction
- Plywood cabinet boxes instead of particle board or MDF
- Solid wood doors
- Traditional joinery such as mortise-and-tenon joints
These techniques have been used for generations in custom cabinetry and are strong indicators of durable construction.
What is the difference between semi-custom and fully custom cabinets?
Semi-custom cabinets begin with standard cabinet sizes but allow certain modifications. Depth adjustments, configuration changes, and other alterations can often be made within the manufacturer’s system.
Fully custom cabinets, on the other hand, are built entirely to specification. Every dimension, layout, and feature can be tailored to the homeowner’s exact design.
Is it better to build cabinets or buy them pre-made?
The answer largely depends on the builder.
If the cabinets are crafted by an experienced cabinetmaker, fully custom work can produce beautiful results. But when cabinets are built by someone without that level of expertise, purchasing professionally manufactured cabinets is usually the safer option.
Painted vs stained cabinets – which lasts longer?
For modern factory-finished cabinets, durability is typically the same.
Painted cabinets often use a color lacquer finish, while stained cabinets use a clear protective topcoat. Because both finishes receive the same protective layer, the difference usually comes down to aesthetics rather than longevity.
Is repainting cabinets cheaper than replacing them?
Repainting cabinets can sometimes work, but the results are inconsistent.
In many cases, Brenda recommends getting quotes for both repainting and replacing cabinets. The price difference is sometimes smaller than expected, and new cabinets often provide a more reliable long-term result.
Should cabinets be installed before or after flooring?
This depends on the flooring material.
Tile and hardwood flooring typically run underneath cabinets. Laminate flooring, however, usually stops at the cabinet edge.
Because of this variation, flooring and cabinetry should always be coordinated with the contractor during the planning stage.
Conclusion
Kitchen cabinets play a major role in both the appearance and functionality of a kitchen. From choosing high-quality materials to deciding between refinishing and replacement, small decisions can have a lasting impact on the finished space.
If you are planning a kitchen remodel and want guidance on cabinet options, Brenda and the team at J&K Cabinetry are always happy to help homeowners explore the best solutions for their kitchen.
