Kitchen remodeling myths abound, though most have no foundation in truth. These myths can cause confusion for homeowners seeking to create their dream kitchen. Confusion aside, kitchen remodeling myths can also mean lost time and money during the project.  Let’s explore the world of kitchen remodeling myths, debunking them and saving you time and money along the way.

Tile Lore

Porcelain tiles are higher quality than ceramic tiles. This famous myth has been around for years and in truth, the two tiles are essentially the same. Porcelain is actually a type of ceramic tile. This myth got its foundation in the past, when porcelain tiles were made of lighter color clays while ceramics were made of deeper tones of red and brown.  In truth, tile quality is based in the length and heat at which the tile is fired. At longer lengths and higher temperatures, tiles become harder, more durable, and more resistant to damage by water. Your goal in selecting tile for your remodel is choosing a tile approved for how you will be using it and one that is the ideal size and color for your new kitchen.

Also, a prevalent tile tale, rooted firmly in the past, is that tile grout stains and essentially cannot be cleaned. This was true, to a degree, when grout was cement. Porous cement grout, when not sealed regularly, did stain and was difficult to clean. Today’s grouts are not cement, but instead urethane or epoxy. Once cured, urethane seals itself to a flexible, elastic-like, hard finish impervious to stains, mold, and mildew. Epoxy behaves similarly, though it is more costly and harder to apply.

Cabinetry Fables

Cabinet refacing can save you 75 percent over cabinet replacement. This longstanding myth is tinged with a shred of truth. If you like the layout of your kitchen and your cabinets are in good condition, refacing can save you some money, but not 75 percent. The actual savings are 25 percent or less compared to the cost of new cabinets. The reason – refacing means the installation of new doors and drawers, which are the most expensive part of any cabinetry. The cabinet boxes are inexpensive. So, the actual cost savings in refacing comes from installation costs because your cabinets are already in place. When considering refacing, you should also ask if you are willing to give up the attractive features new cabinets can offer.

Another prevalent myth in the cabinet world is the one that goes like this “factory-made cabinets are considerably less expensive that custom cabinet-shop cabinets.” A few decades ago, this was true, but not today as local cabinetmakers have become more efficient, meaning custom cabinets cost about the same price as factory manufactured cabinets. The savings mounts when you consider using a local shop which means no added shipping cost, no installation costs (local cabinetmakers include installation in the package deal), and custom designed cabinets designed to perfectly fit your space.  Plus, should an item be damaged or the wrong size, your local cabinetmaker can replace it in days rather than the weeks a factory manufactured cabinet replacement takes.

As usual, there is an exception, should you simply want basic cabinetry, standard finishes, no fancy trims or accessories, you can get really great deals on factory manufactured cabinets. Of course, if you choose to go this route, you might also want to hire a local carpenter to handle your installation. Why? A carpenter can double check the store’s design to insure you get the design you’ve hoped for. Plus, a local carpenter will likely mean better workmanship at a lower cost.