If you’re looking to do an affordable and quick home renovation, cabinet refacing is an excellent choice. While this update can dramatically improve your space, it’s a task best left to experienced professionals.
Before you dive into finding the most cost-effective kitchen updates, consider cabinet refacing as part of your remodeling plan.
Read on to learn more about this quick update and how it can transform your cooking space in a significant way.
What is Cabinet Refacing?
Unlike getting all-new cabinets installed, cabinet refacing involves removing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts and applying a beautiful new wood or laminate veneer onto the surface. This process not only costs less than all-new cabinets, it’s much faster, too.
Cabinet refacing also involves replacing features like door hinges, drawer pulls, and handles. You can create a completely brand-new-looking kitchen with cabinet refacing while saving money and time.
You will be able to keep your current kitchen layout without having to make major changes. And, there are many beautiful styles for cabinet refacing to choose from, including different cabinet face styles, materials, and finishes. Changing hardware also gives your kitchen a gorgeous new look at a fraction of the price.
How it Works
The cabinet refacing process is fairly simple. However, we recommend you hire a professional when getting this done to your kitchen for the best results. Here’s a quick rundown of how the process works:
- Pulls, handles, and knobs are removed from cabinet doors and drawers
- Doors, drawers, and fronts are removed
- Cabinet box fronts receive new wood veneer coverings
- The sides of each cabinet are refaced with matching veneer
- New door hinges are added if needed
- Drawer slides or tracks are replaced
- New doors and drawer fronts are installed
- All new external hardware and fixtures are added
The veneering process is quite intricate and can be tricky for the average DIY-er. Hiring professional cabinet refacing contractors who have experience with veneer is recommended for beautiful results.
Cabinet Refacing Benefits
There are many benefits to choosing cabinet refacing over completely new cabinets. First, it’s much less expensive since you’re not replacing the entire cabinet, which would involve a complete demolition and re-installation of all new cabinets and drawers. You won’t have to pay for the extra labor and materials that removing and reinstalling cabinets requires.
Cabinet refacing is also quick and less time-consuming than a complete remodel. Depending on the size of your kitchen and how many drawers/cabinets you have, the process usually takes around a week or less to complete.
Having your kitchen cabinets refaced may also help to boost your home’s resale value. Most potential buyers will think it looks like you’ve just had brand-new cabinets installed when in reality, they just got a nice facelift. Using quality finishes and hardware will make your kitchen look fresh, regardless of the age of your home.
When you choose cabinet refacing, you get to select from a wide variety of designs and styles. Whether you want your kitchen to look traditional or modern, the options are endless, giving you total control over how your new kitchen will look.
Refacing your cabinets also gives you an opportunity to add some custom touches like a slide-out trashcan drawer or customized kitchen utensil storage. Talk to your contractor about which options are available to you before they begin the refacing process.
Kitchen Remodeling Tips
While cabinet refacing is a time and money-saving option, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Consider these tips to ensure that your kitchen transformation ideas are successful.
Do Your Research
Any home remodeling project should begin with some research. Take the time to look into which cabinet refacing options are available to you based on your location.
Write down your budget and go over which style and material you prefer for your new cabinets. This is also a good time to look at different contractors so you can compare their prices and read customer reviews. Have fun looking at a few ideas online or by flipping through some magazines to get inspiration before you begin.
Choose Quality Materials
Although cabinet refacing is generally cheaper than all-new cabinets, the quality of the material you choose is important. Cheap materials won’t last as long and could cause premature wear and tear.
Look at various options for hardware, too, and only choose products that are made by reputable companies if you can. The higher the quality of the material is, the longer your beautiful refaced cabinets will last.
Rely on the Pros
It’s possible to reface your kitchen cabinets DIY, but it’s not recommended. Professional cabinet refacing contractors have the skills and experience to make sure the job is done right the first time.
Applying veneer is tricky business, and it can become overwhelming and frustrating if you try to do it yourself. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have a warranty on the work if you hire a professional.
Prepare in Advance
Before you get your cabinets refaced, it’s important to make sure everything is prepped and ready. Make sure the existing cabinet boxes are sturdy and in good condition. It’s also important to ensure that they’re attached securely before the new door and drawer fronts are added.
Clean all of the surfaces of your cabinet doors and drawers thoroughly to help create a smooth base for the new veneer. These simple steps will ensure that your cabinet refacing is done correctly.
Get Ready for a New Space
Opting for cabinet refacing is a smart way to get a beautiful-looking kitchen if you’re on a budget. This home remodeling project not only saves you money but also saves you time without having to sacrifice the style and look you want.
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