Archive for August, 2019

Is it Possible to Replace Countertops While Keeping Your Old Cabinets?

Posted on: August 22nd, 2019 by Anthony Ramirez

In our time as home renovators, we’ve encountered many of the same questions from homeowners. One of the most common questions we get is whether or not it’s possible to replace countertops while keeping your old cabinets too.

There are plenty of reasons why you would want to replace countertops while keeping old cabinets. If you already have high-quality cabinets, then you may not see any need to fix what isn’t broken, especially when skipping cabinet replacement can save money. And in some cases, a kitchen only needs new countertops and a few other updates to get a fresh look. 

It’s definitely possible to replace only your countertops, but there are some factors that should be considered before deciding if this option is right for you. 

 

You’ll be Stuck with the Layout of Your Old Cabinets

If your cabinet layout was designed well, then this may not be a problem. But many older kitchens have layouts that aren’t very efficient or aesthetically pleasing. 

Placing new counters on poorly-designed cabinetry could really undercut the benefits of your investment. Make sure that you are completely satisfied with your cabinet build before choosing to forego replacement. Think about where appliances are located, how much counter space is available, and whether or not your current layout obstructs walking paths. If there are significant inconveniences present, then it may be worth spending the extra money to install new and improved cabinetry. 

 

Old Cabinets May Not be Suitable for Your Chosen Countertops

Some countertop materials, like granite, require the cabinets they rest upon to be especially strong. The heavyweight of granite is not the only thing that requires cabinets to be 100% structurally sound – because there are natural veins throughout the stone, some parts are vulnerable to cracking. 

The only way to protect against this is to anchor the cabinets properly and make sure the build does not possess any weak points or problems with levelness. Getting old cabinets to meet this standard can be tough if they weren’t well constructed, or if they’ve shifted due to problems with the home’s flooring or foundation. 

 

Cabinets May Still Need Refacing

The bones of your cabinets may be solid, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a facelift. If your cabinets look a bit weathered, they can clash against your brand new countertops. You’ll need to get them refaced, resurfaced, or refinished to upgrade their appearance. 

When any of these processes become part of the equation, sequence matters. Installing the new countertops before your cabinets have been refinished will create more work and, most importantly, risk damage. Expert contractors will always advise you to have your refinishing work done before the new countertops are placed so that there’s no chance of harming their pristine condition. 

 

Revamp Your Kitchen with Expert Help

If you have plans to replace your countertops, cabinets, or even the full build of your kitchen, our crew is here to provide the skill and guidance needed. Get in touch with us today to receive professional advice and a personalized quote for your project. 

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