Refacing Cabinets in Older Green Bay Homes: What to Know About Age and Structure
Preserving Charm, Upgrading Function, and Avoiding Costly Surprises
Green Bay is home to some of the most character-rich properties in Wisconsin. From the historic homes of Astor Park to mid-century ranches in Allouez, older homes offer charm, craftsmanship, and timeless curb appeal. But when it comes to kitchens—particularly the cabinetry—that age can also bring structural quirks and functional limitations.
At Showcase Kitchens – Renew-A-Kitchen, we specialize in cabinet refacing projects that preserve the soul of your space while giving it a clean, modern refresh. If you're thinking about upgrading your kitchen in an older home, here’s what you need to know before choosing cabinet refacing.
Cabinet Refacing: A Smart Solution for Aging Cabinets
Refacing is not a full replacement. Instead, it’s a process where we:
- Remove and replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts
- Apply a high-quality veneer to the existing cabinet boxes
- Upgrade hardware, soft-close hinges, and drawer slides as needed
The beauty of refacing is that it preserves your existing cabinet layout—ideal for homes where walls are solid and space is limited—but gives you a completely updated look and feel. For older homes, that’s often the perfect balance between form, function, and budget.
Common Structural Challenges in Historic Homes
While cabinet refacing is typically faster and more cost-effective than full replacement, older homes can present specific challenges. Knowing these ahead of time helps us plan the project properly and avoid surprises.
1. Settled Walls and Uneven Surfaces
Homes built before the 1970s often have settled foundations, which can lead to slight shifts in wall alignment. This isn’t usually a problem for refacing, but it may affect how new doors hang or how hardware lines up.
2. Non-Standard Cabinet Dimensions
Historic homes were often built with site-finished cabinetry—meaning the cabinets were made directly into the structure, not factory-sized. This requires precision measuring and sometimes custom door and drawer front fabrication.
3. Solid Wood Cabinet Boxes (That's a Good Thing)
Many older homes feature solid wood cabinet boxes that are sturdier than what’s used in many new builds today. These are excellent candidates for refacing. As long as the structure is intact, we can give them a second life with fresh faces and finishes.
4. Old Hardware and Joinery
Outdated hinges, drawer slides, or unusual construction methods may require reinforcement or minor carpentry work. This is part of the value we bring—modernizing without stripping away character.
Why Refacing Works So Well in Green Bay’s Older Homes
Preservation is key when remodeling in areas like Astor Park or Allouez. Homeowners often want to maintain the era-specific architecture while updating the space for today’s needs. Cabinet refacing delivers exactly that:
- Respect for original craftsmanship
- Faster turnaround (most projects done in 3–5 days)
- Less mess and disruption
- Lower cost than full kitchen remodels
Whether your goal is to prepare your home for resale or enjoy a more functional, beautiful space yourself, refacing offers an ideal middle ground.
Thinking About Painting Instead?
Painting cabinets is sometimes seen as a quick fix, but in older homes it often highlights imperfections—warping, cracks, or uneven surfaces. Refacing offers a more complete transformation without the risk of paint peeling, chipping, or failing due to age-related wear.
Let’s Give Your Cabinets—and Your Home—a Second Life
At Showcase Kitchens – Renew-A-Kitchen, we understand the value of preserving history while enhancing livability. Our cabinet refacing services are designed specifically with Green Bay’s older homes in mind, bringing decades of experience, precise craftsmanship, and locally informed design solutions to every project.
If you live in Allouez, Astor Park, or any of Green Bay’s historic neighborhoods, contact us for a free in-home consultation. We’ll evaluate your cabinets, discuss your style goals, and show you just how transformative refacing can be.
Your dream kitchen might already be in your home—it just needs a new face.
