CustomCabinets

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Refacing kitchen cabinets is an increasingly popular and highly effective means of updating the look of kitchen cabinets without having to replace them. The whole idea of refacing cupboards is to enjoy all of the great visual benefits of remodeling cabinetry without going through the great expense required to finance a replacement project. Working with a local specialist on a job like this can help consumers get it done for a great low price. There are many different ways to approach the question of renovating kitchens, and multiple ways to handle refacing projects. But without a doubt refacing kitchen cabinets is the one method that gives us the best chance to create the look of a brand new install for a fraction of the cost.

Process of Cabinet Refacing

The process of refacing kitchen cabinets or those in the bathroom or garage is all the same. Before work begins, the doors and the drawer faces are removed from the finished or unfinished kitchen cabinets along with any additional hardware and accessories, leaving only the cabinet frames exposed. A cabinet maker then inspects the boxes and makes sure they are ready for renovation. This project is only an appropriate choice for cabinets that are in good condition; but boxes that need some minor repair work are not disqualified. Any small touch ups that should be done are completed right at the start so that structurally the units are all prepared for the job.

Next, after everything has been prepared, the surfaces of the frames are readied for the wood veneer material that is going to be applied in order to maximize adhesion and make sure that it stays on over time. They must be perfectly clean and free from any dirt, grime, and debris of any kind. The veneer is applied in such a way as to cover all visible exterior surfaces, including edges and end panels. Refacing kitchen cabinets can also include cosmetic work on the inside of the boxes such as painting the shelves, but this is strictly optional. Some folks choose to paint or apply contact paper especially if the new veneer chosen is substantially different from the old color and finish.

Once the interior and exterior of the boxes are finished and ready to go, new doors and drawer faces are installed in place of the old ones, including new hardware and accessories to round out the brand new look. Since refacing kitchen cabinets is so much cheap than replacing them, buyers often actually find that they have enough money in their budget to upgrade to semi custom or custom doors made of premium solid hardwoods and etched or recessed in some specialized way. This gives the kitchen cabinets a more unique look when the job is through.

Stylistic Importance of Cabinet Doors

The selection of doors in the process of refacing kitchen cabinets is very important because these are going to be by far the most visible element in the newly refinished cabinets. Refacing kitchen cabinetry is a low cost high impact project, and consumers should recognize that the veneer material essentially ends up serving as a backdrop or a frame for the door and drawer face selection. For this reason it is sometimes advised that homeowners choose veneer material based on the door they select, and not the other way around. In some cases folks go for a contrast rather than making the two elements match, playing on the tendency for the eye to gravitate toward the door.

Refacing kitchen cabinets is a project that is primarily concerned with style as opposed to function, since the same cabinet boxes are being reused in these undertakings. This is not to suggest that function and practicality are ignored altogether, however. In some cases when refacing, a homeowner will also choose to add or modify shelving inside or purchase some cabinet and pantry organizers to help make better use of available interior space. Getting a kitchen organized and making it easier to keep it that way are just as important as these other style factors when it comes to creating a look in the kitchen that is pleasing to the eye. Having enough space in the cabinets to put everything ensures that the kitchen countertops are not overloaded and reduces clutter.

Free Quotes on Refacing

Refacing kitchen cabinets is a popular project in interior home improvement because it creates a big impact for a small cost. Even folks who compare these prices to what it would take to do the cheapest replacement cabinets are amazed at the savings involved. There is no doubt that this is a project well worth doing and one that almost all homeowners can fit into the budget. Use our free form to locate prices on refacing kitchen cabinets from top local remodelers and start planning your project today.