--- title: "Chicago Kitchen Remodel: When Is Refacing Kitchen Cabinets NOT Wise?" description: There are situations when refacing your cabinets makes sense but there are also situations when it doesn't. If you are considering a kitchen remodel... image: https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-2407790674-jpg/Gallery/Album/10878/DSC_6787_web.jpg --- [![KBU-brighter-blue](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/logos/KBU-brighter-blue.png "KBU-brighter-blue")](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com) [![CONTACT US](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/265052/7bd3552a-d2ef-4ec1-bf75-cd56b7181b8f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/265052/7bd3552a-d2ef-4ec1-bf75-cd56b7181b8f) ![Portfolio](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Portfolio.png?width=1920&name=Portfolio.png "Portfolio") Blog # Chicago Kitchen Remodel: When Is Refacing Kitchen Cabinets NOT Wise? [Ron Nanberg](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/author/ron-nanberg) | Wed, Mar 2, 2016 | [Kitchen Remodeling](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-remodeling) ![Chicago Kitchen Remodel](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-2407790674-jpg/Gallery/Album/10878/DSC_6787_web.jpg?width=447&name=DSC_6787_web.jpg "Chicago Kitchen Remodel")Kitchen refacing can be a budget-conscious way to revamp a kitchen without the investment of fully-custom cabinetry. However, cabinet refacing has its limitations, and many top Chicago kitchen remodeling companies don't offer this option at all. # Refacing Cabinets Won't Work For Chicago Kitchen Remodeling When... The following are examples of when kitchen cabinet refacing is not an option for a kitchen remodel. **You want to change the kitchen layout.** Cabinet refacing is designed for existing cabinets. However, our remodels often require a complete or [significant change in layout](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/bid/380996/Kitchen-Renovation-Chicago-6-Most-Popular-Kitchen-Layouts). Or, they may include the addition of an island or peninsula. Refacing is not an option in these cases because we have to tear out existing cabinetry and build new ones to fit the updated kitchen layout. Custom or semi-custom cabinetry is the best option in these cases. **Existing cabinets are cheap.** If you moved into a home where cabinets were built with sub-par materials, cabinet refacing may not be possible. Again, the idea is that the existing cabinet bones are in great shape but it's the face you want to change. If existing cabinets were made from sub-par materials to begin with, [a reputable kitchen remodeler](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/7-invaluable-reasons-for-hiring-a-full-service-kitchen-design-build-firm) won't want to reface them because the underlying quality is still be poor. **The cabinets are damaged**. Damaged cabinet boxes are another problem. Often, clients don't realize *how *damaged their cabinet boxes are. They may look fine from the front, but the inner-parts may show signs of water damage, like warping, cracks or splits. Additionally, cracked cabinet boxes or boxes with holes are also ineligible for refacing. **There is significant water damage.** Water damage is worth noting separately. If the water damage has caused visible warping, splitting or disintegration of low-quality cabinet materials, it's an obvious no-go. Additionally, unchecked water damage often leads to the growth of mold and mildew. This is a serious problem because those spores take up residence in the interiors of wood cabinet box materials and they're nearly impossible to eradicate. Mold and mildew are an issue. Not only do they continue to break down organic materials (i.e. your wood cabinet boxes), they also release spores that seriously compromise [your home's indoor air quality](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-bathroom-remodeling-is-it-necessary-to-have-an-exhaust-fan). If there is even a hint of mold or mildew growth, we highly recommend removing the cabinet boxes, inspecting interior wall spaces behind the boxes to ensure they're mold-free and building new cabinets so to eliminate any risk of mold. **Cabinets were built prior to 1978**. Most kitchen cabinets built prior to 1978 were painted or finished using lead-based products. The cabinet refacing process will stir all of that up, potentially contaminating the kitchen space and interior air with lead particles. Tearing cabinets out is the safest way to go. Refacing can be an affordable alternative to brand new cabinetry in certain circumstances. However, nothing beats brand new cabinets, [made with high-quality materials](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-custom-cabinets-introducting-grabill-custom-cabinetry), designed and installed with a bona-fide warranty. Visit [Kitchens & Baths Unlimited](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/) to learn more about cabinet options for your Chicago kitchen remodeling project. 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