There’s no question that your kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in your house. This also means it is going to be one of the first rooms to show the signs of aging. Since your cabinets are exposed to more steam, water, and other potentially damaging elements, don’t be shocked when they show signs of wear and tear faster. Homeowners often wonder – how often do they need to replace the cabinets in their kitchen?

While there is a generally accepted rule that you should replace your cabinets every 10 years, there are some other signs that indicate this replacement may be needed more often.

Water Damage

Because many kitchen cabinets are made out of wood, water damage that occurs due to a leaking pipe or because of excessive steam, may result in issues. Be sure to take a close look at the cabinets in your kitchen. If they look swollen, or if they will not close properly, or have dark spots on them, it may be due to water damage.

If there is a leak, the first step is to find the source of the water and stop it immediately. If continuous water damage occurs, then mold may occur, which can be hazardous to your health.

Inability to Function Properly

Does the function of your kitchen cabinets annoy you? If so, it’s a good idea to replace them because an aesthetic fix isn’t going to improve functionality. Maybe your cabinets are difficult to access, or they may open the wrong way, or the drawers aren’t going to open without being hung up on something. These may all be an indication of framework damage under the surface or the realization that new cabinets would make your kitchen much more accessible.

Compromised Structure of the Cabinets

While it may sound strange, one of the main indicators that it is time to replace your kitchen cabinets is if the sides feel soft. If you are able to push the sides of your cabinet walls and they feel soft, then they are not structurally sound. At this point, cabinet replacement will be the best option.

Mold

If your cabinets are moldy, they may compromise the structural integrity of your cabinets and that there is likely a leak somewhere nearby. It’s important to find the source of the leak and to stop it right away. There are some homeowners who are rather surprised to learn that mold can begin to grow on their kitchen cabinets. However, if you can catch the mold early, you can clean it up and put a stop to it. However, if the problem isn’t repaired, it will keep growing and get worse.

If you have noticed any of the issues mentioned here, it is a good idea to consider cabinet repairs or replacement. This is going to help ensure you get the results desired for your home and kitchen. Contact Custom Cabinets by Lawrence today!