Update kitchen cabinets can be a decision made based on certain telltale signs noted during time spent in the space. Here are 5 important signs when it comes to updating kitchen cabinets.
Update Kitchen Cabinets #1: Obvious Signs Of Wear And Tear
Probably the most obvious indication that an upgrade may be in your near future is visible wear and tear that shows up in kitchen cabinets. Over time, these begin to show daily wear including scratches, dents, peeling paint, warped doors and many more forms of damage. This indeed gives the impression of a tacky, run-down kitchen and tends to make it look much older than it might really be.
Scratches in high-traffic areas are especially common like on cabinet doors and drawers that are used often. A worn-down finish on the cabinets, to raw wood or laminate, is what can make them unappealing and uninviting. Another much more obvious indicator would be peeling or chipped paint especially if the cabinets were originally painted or had a laminate finish that has over time begun to lift or crack.
Warped cabinet doors, usually due to moisture or humidity, also hint at the fact that the materials are not in their best state regarding both functional and aesthetic aspects of the cabinets. This kind of damage makes the kitchen unsightly but it may well affect the functionality of the cabinets. Frustration will likely occur with simple tasks when doors and drawers no longer close correctly and begin to misalign.
When your cabinets show signs of wear, it is probably a sign that it is about time for some renovation. It is painting, incorporating new hardware or entirely replacing the cabinets to give an all-new look that will make the kitchen shine while reinstating functionality. A higher quality of construction with an upgrade of materials in the cabinets will ensure that they wear and tear better in the future for more durability.
Update Kitchen Cabinets #2: Depreciating Quality
Probably the most telling sign that it’s time for an upgrade is if your kitchen cabinets are made from low-quality materials. After a period of time, some types of cabinets can start to wear out significantly. Such materials are more prone to damage that manifests itself in the various ways of warping, chipping or cracking especially in those areas where higher moisture, heat or humidity exists.
With time, such cabinets may also start to lose their structural integrity and make the operation of the doors and drawers increasingly difficult. If the surfaces get scratched or stained, they can give a whole worn look to your kitchen. Besides, cabinets made from low-quality materials are mostly not that durable and may need constant repairs or maintenance — further adding to frustration during daily use. In contrast, high-quality cabinets made of superior materials such as solid wood or engineered composites offer better performance over an extended period and more aesthetic perspectives as they provide a much more stable storage solution.
Low-quality cabinets might also affect functionality. For example, thin and flimsy shelves can easily get damaged due to the burden of items kept on them, hinges and handles may become loose or break down more easily. If your cabinets have reached this point in their deterioration, then that is a surefire sign that an upgrade is well in order.
Replacing low-quality cabinets with more resistant, high-end ones not only adds to the overall aesthetic and function of your kitchen but even raises the value of your house. An updated kitchen with a newly installed series of beautifully crafted cabinets can be more functional, stylish and long-lasting.
Update Kitchen Cabinets #3: Increasingly Difficult To Maintain
Another major telltale sign that it may be time to change your kitchen cabinets is when they become a headache to clean. Over time, grease accumulates, grime builds up and so does a coat of food residue especially near the stove or the sink where use is high. If your cabinets feature textured finishes, intricate carvings or a rough surface, cleaning is more difficult because dirt settles into crevices that are hard to reach. This can make it time-consuming and frustrating to keep the kitchen looking neat.
Also, older cabinet materials wear down with time such as those certain wood finishes or laminates, becoming porous and harder to wipe clean. On these worn older materials, even a good and thorough cleaning might not remove stains or odours — the cabinets would appear worn out even after being scrubbed.
Modern cabinet design with smoother surfaces or durable finishes can make maintenance a whole lot easier. Cabinets with a matte or high gloss finish often can clean off dirt and spills with less effort. Newer materials for the cabinetry such as high-quality laminates, acrylic or even metals in certain ways might be less prone to staining and even design for ease of cleaning. Moreover, cabinets with soft-close mechanisms and better seals will not allow trapping of food particles or moisture that may build up mould or mildew.
If you find yourself spending too much time cleaning or if your current cabinets no longer look great even after cleaning, that is most likely a sign that they need updating. Besides, such renovation will save your time, effort and frustration — you will get a more functional kitchen that is easier to take care of.
Update Kitchen Cabinets #4: Outdated In Terms Of Function And Appearance
The first thing that gives away an older kitchen can easily be the appearance of its cabinets. Cabinets that have not seen a face lift in years can easily sport an older style, colour or finish that just drains the energy of a tired and worn kitchen. If the cabinets boast such heavy, dark wood finishes, a great amount of detail or hardware that is considered outdated, they might conflict with today’s modern kitchen design trends.
Aesthetically, older cabinets can clash with new appliances, countertops or flooring and simply make your kitchen look mismatched or uncared for. As time goes by, the style of cabinetry changes and what was once popular is no longer in style, signalling that it is time for an update. A more modern design with cleaner lines, updated hardware and fresh finishes instantly breathes new life into a space, giving it that fresh, up-to-date look that calls out for spending time there.
Moreover, older cabinets may also lack the functionality needed to fit modern day cooking and storage requirements. As trends continue to shift, kitchen layouts and designs also change in order to accommodate more usability of space. Older cabinets might not have great storage, poor design in layout or lack specific nooks for modern appliances or tools. Updating the cabinets offers better utilisation of the space such as pull-out shelves, dividers inside or easier access to drawers for maintaining organisation and neatness.
Besides, if the cabinet has wear in the form of scratches, chips, peeling finishes or warped surfaces, it is not only an aesthetic point but may deprive the kitchen of its integrity. Replacement of worn-out and defective cabinets with more decent and strong materials will finally give a face-lift not only to your kitchen’s appearance but also to its functionality — making it more comfortable and practical to cook and entertain in.
Update Kitchen Cabinets #5: Face Trouble On Normal Daily Use
If you feel that the operation of your kitchen cabinets has actually become a chore, then it is an obvious clue that they should be updated. The use of your cabinets over time wears them out, so even the simplest tasks such as several opening or drawing of doors and drawers become an irritating procedure for you.
Among general cabinet grievances, sticking doors are among the most frequent complaints as these usually arise from misaligned hinges or swelling of wood because of moisture. This could make it very difficult when one wants to retrieve something in the cabinet which would probably delay cooking or cleaning. In a similar manner, any not-smooth-gliding drawers may indicate that either the tracks are damaged or the utilised materials have warped — this makes it more cumbersome to organise and retrieve items you need in the kitchen. If your cabinets are often creaky, that means hardware such as hinges and sliders has worn out enough to further inhibit the usability of the space.
The cabinet can also be too small or inefficient for your storage needs. If you happen to feel that you are constantly having to try and cram something into a very small area or cannot find what you need, this could very well be the solution to such problems. Modern kitchen cabinets are designed to be more functional from soft-close doors and pull-out shelves to deep drawers that make the arrangement and accessibility of items much easier.
Replacing the cabinets to reflect your present needs will greatly enhance not only functionality in the kitchen but also make cooking and cleaning easier. As a general rule, if you find access to the cabinets increasingly difficult, that should be a good pointer that replacement of the cabinets is necessary for the enhancement of efficiency and convenience in your kitchen.
