Honestly, I think people underestimate how much you can get out of old cabinetry. I’ve worked on projects where the original cabinets—after a bit of elbow grease and swapping out the knobs—ended up being the highlight of the room. Not everything old is worth saving, sure, but the quality of older woodwork is tough to replicate on a tight budget. Sometimes it’s smarter to invest a little time in restoration rather than blowing cash on cheap new stuff that won’t last.
I totally get where you’re coming from about old cabinetry. When I started my bathroom remodel, I was convinced everything had to be gutted and replaced—new vanity, new shelves, the works. But once I started pricing out even the “budget” options, I realized how flimsy a lot of the new stuff is. Ended up sanding down the old vanity, painting it a deep green, and swapping out the hardware. It’s honestly my favorite part of the room now. The wood has this solid feel you just don’t get with particle board.
I spent maybe $200 on paint, knobs, and some sealant, compared to the $800+ I was quoted for a new vanity that felt like it would fall apart if you looked at it wrong. Not everything old is worth saving, but sometimes a little creativity goes way further than a big spend. Plus, there’s something satisfying about giving new life to what’s already there.
I get the appeal of keeping the old stuff, especially if it’s solid wood, but I’ve had the opposite experience in my last place. The vanity was original to the house—think 1970s laminate over particle board—and no amount of sanding or paint could hide the water damage and sagging shelves. Sometimes, starting fresh with a quality new piece is just less hassle in the long run, even if it costs more upfront. Guess it really depends on what you’re working with... not all “old” is created equal.
Not all “vintage” is worth saving, that’s for sure. I’ve run into those 70s vanities more times than I can count, and sometimes you really are just dealing with a lost cause. Particle board and water just don’t mix, and once it starts swelling or sagging, there’s no magic fix—just a lot of frustration and wasted time.
I get why people romanticize old fixtures, but honestly, if it’s not solid wood or something with real character, you’re often better off starting from scratch. I replaced one in my last flip with a mid-range all-wood model (think $400-ish), and the difference in both look and function was night and day. The upfront cost stings a bit, but when you factor in the time saved and the fact that you’re not fighting with drawers that barely open? Worth it.
There’s also something to be said for the peace of mind that comes with new materials—no hidden mold, no surprise rot, just a clean slate. I’m all for upcycling when it makes sense, but I’ve learned not to force it with stuff that’s past its prime. Sometimes you have to let go of the nostalgia and just do what’s practical.
Funny enough, I had a friend who tried to salvage an old vanity like that—spent weeks patching, sanding, sealing... and then it fell apart during install. He was so mad at himself for not just buying new in the first place. Lesson learned.
At the end of the day, your sanity and the final result are worth a little extra cash upfront. And yeah, not all “old” is created equal... sometimes it’s just old.
I totally get the frustration with particle board—once it’s gone, it’s gone. But I have to say, sometimes those old vanities can surprise you if you’re willing to put in a little creative elbow grease. I’ve salvaged a couple that looked hopeless at first glance, but after stripping off the laminate and reinforcing weak spots with hardwood trim, they ended up with way more personality than anything I could’ve bought new for under $500. Granted, it takes patience (and yeah, you have to pick your battles), but there’s something satisfying about giving new life to something everyone else wrote off.
That said, I do agree that not everything is worth saving—especially if mold or rot is involved. But if the bones are solid and you’re up for a project, sometimes those “lost causes” end up being the most unique part of the room. I guess it depends on whether you’re after convenience or character. For my last bathroom, I spent about $250 on an old dresser and another $100 in supplies turning it into a vanity... still going strong three years later.
