Kitchen Cabinets: Will Refacing Work for You?

When it comes time to remodel your kitchen, take a good look around and decide what you like and don’t like about your current kitchen. Maybe you want to completely gut the kitchen and start from scratch to build the kitchen of your dreams. On the other hand, if the layout of your current kitchen works well and you are really only looking to update the look, a good solution is to change the appearance of your existing cabinets by refacing them. And, because your existing kitchen remains intact, cabinet refacing entails far less mess and expense than remodeling the entire kitchen.

Cabinet Refacing Overview

Cabinet refacing, also known as cabinet resurfacing, lets you retain and reuse the existing kitchen cabinet framework and drawer boxes, but change their covering as well as change cabinet doors and drawer fronts. The new covering that is applied over the existing surface is usually a natural wood veneer or laminate. Homeowners today can choose from a wide variety of wood grain and stain combinations – seemingly endless design options – to create a truly custom look that reflects their style. To further customize the look, you can select new door and drawer styles, then add molding, if desired, and the hardware of your choice, including knobs, pull, and hinges.

Homeowners who are concerned about the environment will appreciate the green aspect of cabinet refacing; fewer old cabinets go to the landfill and fewer trees need to be cut down to build new cabinets.

Some homeowners possess the woodworking skills and tools to take on a cabinet refacing project themselves. Others rely on a company that specializes in this type of renovation project and has trained professionals to do the work. Either way, a basic cabinet refacing project is simple and should be completed in a matter of days.

Cabinet Refacing Process

1. Cabinet doors are removed. Drawers are pulled out and their fronts removed.

2. The wood or laminate veneer is applied over the fronts and sides of the exposed cabinet framework. Some companies may apply a layer of plywood first for added strength.

3. New or existing drawers are reinserted, and new drawer fronts and doors installed with all new hardware.

Refacing existing kitchen cabinets is a popular alternative to replacing old or outdated cabinets altogether, but cabinet refacing does not have to be a standalone process. If space and budget allow, you can also add an island in a look and style that coordinates with the new cabinets. Another upgrade is to remove an existing soffit and, if space allows, install the new cabinet door and exterior up to the ceiling for additional storage space.

Before making a commitment to refacing your cabinets, an important step is to make sure refacing can, or should, be done on your existing cabinets or if it is better to simply get new cabinets. For example, older cabinets with a solid, sturdy construction of plywood or MDF are good candidates for refacing, and existing cabinets should have smooth surfaces and be in good condition – in essence, ready to accept the veneers that will be placed on top.

Equally important is to understand the cost to reface your cabinets. Refacing costs less than installing new, custom cabinets. On average, you might expect to pay approximately 50% of the cost to put in custom cabinets. Homeowners should also take into account the cost for all the new hardware, which varies greatly depending on your choices.

The list of pros and cons to cabinet refacing goes on. Homeowners should carefully consider all options and understand what is available to them. If, after conducting careful research, homeowners are still undecided about refacing versus installing all new cabinets, they should talk to kitchen renovation professionals to fully understand all their options.

If you would like to better understand if cabinet refacing or new cabinet installation is the best choice for you, contact Steve Rush, owner of Sovereign Construction Services. Sovereign Construction is a full service home construction and remodeling company, and Steve has years of experience in home building and renovating. He is available for consultation on any type of home renovating project you have in mind. Call Steve today at 610-639-2986.