Kitchen Cabinet Refacing: A Cost-Effective Update

Cabinets in the kitchen serve a dual purpose as both storage and decoration. Over time, however, cabinets can fade in colour or develop broken handles and hinges, bringing the look of your most-used room down to earth.

Changing out the cabinets is a less expensive and quicker alternative to completely redoing the kitchen. Cabinet resurfacing is an inexpensive renovation that can have a significant visual impact. Kitchens are the hubs of many homes, so if you're looking to spruce things up, try resurfacing your cabinets with something new like surface wood, thermofoil, or laminate and switching out the handles.

What Is Cabinet Refacing?

Refacing the cabinet skin panels can give your kitchen a brand-new look. The cabinet and drawer fronts need to be taken off in order to veneer over the existing surface. Refaces often involve replacing hardware such as cabinet hinges, handles and pulls. 

It's a plus that you can recycle the old cabinet boxes instead of investing in costly and time-consuming new ones. Instead, they are patched to look brand new after new surfaces or doors are installed. Your kitchen or bathroom will look fresh and new with refaced cabinetry.

To reface a cabinet, first, remove its doors and drawer fronts. Then, apply a new veneer over the carcas. Cabinet hardware such as hinges, handles, and pulls are also replaced.

The two-day refacing process consists of the following:

• Getting rid of the old cabinet fronts and drawers but keeping the drawer boxes in place
• Using either wood veneer or rigid thermofoil to cover the fronts of the cabinet boxes.
• Applying wood veneer or laminate to the cabinet faces
• Putting in new door hinges or reusing the old ones if they're still in good shape
• Putting in new cabinet and drawer faces
• Putting in new hardware or reusing the old if it's in good shapes, such as handles, drawer pulls, and so on.
• Putting in optional extras like glass panels, crown moulding, and lighting

What Are Your Refacing Options?

The final appearance of your cabinets can be customised to your exact specifications. Mixing and matching veneers of different colours, patterns, textures, grains, and more can give your kitchen a whole new look for very little money.

• Rigid thermofoil doors, which are made from plastic-coated fibreboard, can be found at a lower price point than their wooden and laminate counterparts.
• Plastic laminates are affordable, come in a wide range of colours and styles, and are water-resistant. You can use the same or contrasting laminates for the door and drawer fronts.
• When working with real wood veneers, you have a wide range of standard species and stain colours to select from. Wood veneers, as an alternative, would be the most opulent option. If wood isn't treated properly, it can rot if exposed to water.

Is refacing the right choice for me?

The first step is to assess the viability of refacing your kitchen. A well-executed resurfacing project can add at least 10 years to the useful life of your cabinets, regardless of how you use them. It's possible that a water leak, warping, or extremely poor condition (damaged frames) would render the cabinet body unrestorable. It's best not to waste time on something that won't accomplish anything. Strongly constructed cabinet frames allow for simple resurfacing.

Why Reface

Because the price tag is substantially less than that of a total overhaul while cooking is being completed, you are welcome to use the kitchen. The entire procedure requires less than a week to finish. If your current kitchen layout is functional and just needs an update, refacing could be the best option.

The Costs

The budget is a major consideration when deciding whether or not to reface your kitchen cabinets. The cost to have a professional resurface a kitchen of standard size (10' x 12') can range from $3000 to $7500. However, the price of brand-new, custom-built cabinets is around $20,000 on average. It can't be beaten.

The Type of Refacing

The extent of the cabinet refacing project is up to you. Your options will be limited by the sum you are willing to spend. Simply painting something over can make a world of difference. The end result may be so striking that the kitchen's entire appearance is altered. However, the cost can quickly escalate when other components, such as doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, need to be replaced as well.

Options

There is an infinite number of possible coatings. Veneers come in an array of colours, textures, and patterns; you can even combine different types. To save money on your remodel, consider swapping out your wooden cabinet doors for RTF (Rigid Thermofoil) versions. Plastic laminates come in a variety of complementary and contrasting hues. In addition, if you've exhausted all other options, you can choose from oak, maple, or cherry wood veneer.

The Installation

The first step in any professionally performed resurfacing is taking precise measurements of the cabinetry to establish how many veneers will be needed. After the new doors and drawer fronts have been delivered (which could take up to two weeks), the old ones will be taken off, and the surface will be cleaned and prepped. At this point, you can fix any problems or damage to the cabinets. Next, the refaced cabinets will be mounted, and the new veneer and hardware will be installed.

Pros Of Kitchen Cabinet Resurfacing

Less Expensive, Time-Consuming, And Disruptive. 

Cabinet reconstruction is time-consuming and expensive, so refacing is a practical alternative. The same is true for a complete kitchen remodel or renovation. With refacing, on the other hand, you can keep using the space even as it is being renovated. It takes patience, skill, and time to reface cabinets, but homeowners can save thousands by learning how to do it themselves.

A Wide Variety Of Styles. 

Natural woods and laminates are both viable veneer options when it comes to cabinet refacing.

No Major Construction And Added Home Value. 

It's perfect if you want to make some small changes to your kitchen that won't affect the layout but will make it look and work better. In addition, the return on investment for a refaced home is typically quite high.

Eco-Friendly Alternative. 

Finally, MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is commonly used to construct cabinets, but it is a material that contains harmful chemicals. Being non-recyclable increases the likelihood that they will be dumped in a landfill, where the chemicals will eventually seep into the ground and drinking water. Since the original cabinets are not thrown away, and new wood is not needed to replace them, refacing is a greener option.

Cons Of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Maintains Existing Layout. 

When cabinets are refaced, kitchen space and design are not altered. If your kitchen hasn't been updated in over 20 years, you may find that a complete remodel is preferable to simply refacing the cabinets. Those who are bored with their current kitchen layout should consider a full remodel. Adding new, ADA-compliant base cabinets and island cabinets can increase storage space and improve workflow. Refacing is meant to be a superficial change rather than a major renovation.

Might Require Professional Installation. 

Specialised veneering equipment and an eye for detail may be needed for this job, depending on the scope of the cabinet refacing. DIY setup has its appeal, but it's not always practical or even possible. Expert help is highly recommended. Kitchen refacing is often more difficult than expected due to the amount of careful craftsmanship and matching hardware that is required.

Refacing Doesn't Always Save Money. 

Depending on your personal preference, cabinet refacing may not be the most cost-effective way to update your kitchen. It may be more expensive in the long run to replace cabinet doors with high-end hardwood than it would be to simply repaint the cabinets or install new hardware.

How Refacing Works 

There are a plethora of companies that offer cabinet refacing services. A veneer kit, including wood veneers and application materials, can be purchased by the do-it-yourselfer, and then doors and drawer fronts can be ordered separately for the project. In either case, the steps are performed in this order: 

• Drawer fronts and cabinet doors are taken off, but the drawer boxes themselves are left in place.
• The front faces of cabinet boxes are typically clad in veneer made from real wood or melamine-based RTF (Rigid Thermofoil).
• The faces of cabinets are typically covered in laminate or wood veneer.
• Any broken door hinges are replaced with new ones. Good-condition hinges can be recycled as well. 
• We just put in the brand-new cabinet and closet door fronts. 
• Typically, new hardware such as door knobs, cabinet pulls, and cabinet handles is installed. Good-condition used hardware is another option.
• Crown moulding, glass panels, lights, and optional storage accessories are put in.

Factors To Consider In Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

It Only Makes Sense When Cabinet Boxes Are Intact

The "front" of your cabinets is the only part of the project we'll be working on. Therefore, if the structural integrity of your units is compromised, merely refacing them with veneers will not remedy the problem.

It Doesn't Fix Bad Kitchen Design

Cabinet refacing will not alter the layout of your kitchen if you are unhappy with its current appearance. It is more cost-effective to invest in a custom kitchen remodel when you want to completely transform your kitchen.

It's Less Effective When Backsplashes And Countertops Are Unsightly

Beautiful cabinetry isn't always enough to make a kitchen more presentable. If your kitchen's countertops and backsplashes are in rough shape, you might want to consider updating them as well. It would be less of a hassle to tackle them all in one project.

It Is Not Always A Feasible Diy Job

To save money, many homeowners choose to tackle cabinet refacing themselves. The complexity of this undertaking, however, is greater than first meets the eye. A technical background, veering equipment, and an eye for detail are all necessities. You run the risk of shoddy work if you don't have the skills, experience, and tools necessary to complete the task successfully. It's possible that you'll need to bring in experts to complete the job.

Is Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Worth It?

So much relies on the situation. Refacing can be a good option if you like your kitchen's layout but would like to update and modernise the cabinets. If the cabinets are damaged, or the kitchen's layout is inefficient, however, it may be more cost-effective to replace them than to try to improve their appearance.

Think about the time and money you'll save as well as the effort required for refacing. It may make sense to reface the remaining cabinets instead of replacing the one that is broken. Depending on the circumstances and the amount of work required, hiring a professional may be the best option.

Conclusion

One of the most cost-effective and time-efficient ways to improve a room's aesthetic is by refacing the cabinets. Wood veneer or thermofoil is applied to the cabinet faces once the old ones are removed. New hardware and any extras desired are also installed. 

It's up to you to decide what kind of refacing you want, but keep in mind that replacing additional parts will significantly increase the bill. In comparison to tearing out and rebuilding cabinets, refacing can save you money, time, and hassle.

It is a green choice because of the many options it provides, the fact that it requires little in the way of building, and the high rate of return it provides. Refacing is a cosmetic upgrade, but it may be expensive and time-consuming to have an expert do the work. 

Cabinet and drawer fronts are removed, new hinges and hardware are put in place, and finishing touches like crown moulding, glass panels, lighting, and storage accessories are added. If you want to fully revamp your kitchen, it may be more cost-effective to engage in a bespoke kitchen makeover rather than reface the cabinets. It all relies on the specifics of the circumstance and the required level of effort.

Content Summary 

• Kitchen cabinets serve a dual purpose as storage and decoration, but they can become faded or damaged over time.
• Cabinet refacing is a less expensive and quicker alternative to completely redoing the kitchen.
• Refacing the cabinet skin panels can give your kitchen a brand-new look without investing in costly new ones.
• To reface a cabinet, first remove its doors and drawer fronts and then apply a new veneer over the carcass.
• Cabinet hardware such as hinges, handles, and pulls are also replaced.
• The final appearance of your cabinets can be customized to your exact specifications.
• Rigid thermofoil doors can be found at a lower price point than their wooden and laminate counterparts.
• Plastic laminates are affordable, come in a wide range of colors and styles, and are water-resistant.
• When working with real wood veneers, you have a wide range of standard species and stain colors to select from.
• The first step is to assess the viability of refacing your kitchen, which can add at least 10 years to the useful life of your cabinets.
• A well-executed resurfacing project can be completed in less than a week, and you can use the kitchen while the work is being done.
• Refacing is the best option if your current kitchen layout is functional and just needs an update.
• The cost to have a professional resurface a kitchen of standard size (10' x 12') can range from $3000 to $7500, while the cost of brand-new, custom-built cabinets is around $20,000 on average.
• The extent of the cabinet refacing project is up to you, and your options will be limited by the sum you are willing to spend.
• Veneers come in an array of colors, textures, and patterns, and you can even combine different types.
• Plastic laminates come in a variety of complementary and contrasting hues.
• Oak, maple, or cherry wood veneer can be used if you've exhausted all other options.
• The first step in any professionally performed resurfacing is taking precise measurements of the cabinetry to establish how many veneers will be needed.
• After the new doors and drawer fronts have been delivered, the old ones will be taken off, and the surface will be cleaned and prepped.
• Next, the refaced cabinets will be mounted, and the new veneer and hardware will be installed.
• Pros of kitchen cabinet resurfacing are that it's less expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive than cabinet reconstruction.
• Refacing can add value to your home, update your kitchen's appearance, and extend the life of your cabinets.
• Refacing can also be an environmentally friendly option since old cabinet boxes can be recycled instead of being thrown away.
• The quality of the cabinets' construction is important in determining if refacing is a good option.
• Resurfacing your cabinets with something new like surface wood, thermofoil, or laminate, and switching out the handles can have a significant visual impact.
• It's possible that a water leak, warping, or extremely poor condition would render the cabinet body unrestorable.
• The cost can quickly escalate when other components, such as doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, need to be replaced as well.
• Mixing and matching veneers of different colors, patterns, textures, and grains can give your kitchen a whole new look for very little money.
• Cabinet resurfacing is an inexpensive renovation that can make your kitchen or bathroom look fresh and new.