Transforming your kitchen doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or involve a drawn-out renovation. Refacing your cabinets is an excellent way to give your kitchen storage a new look and save you money on installing new cabinetry. While some homeowners want to tackle this project themselves, the cabinet refacing process can be complex.
Learn why you should work with kitchen remodeling experts in Hollywood, FL, if you’re interested in refacing or refinishing kitchen cabinets. In this guide, we’ll review the step-by-step cabinet renewal process and the benefits you’ll get from hiring a professional remodeling contractor.
Benefits of Renovating Cabinets With Refacing
Cabinet refacing involves placing a new wooden veneer over the surface of cabinet boxes and installing new doors and drawer fronts. Homeowners can add a new stain or paint color to the doors and replace the hardware while the cabinet boxes remain untouched. This kitchen cabinet transformation process is popular among homeowners for the following reasons:
- It’s cost-effective: Compared to cabinet rebuilding and installation, cabinet refacing is timely and affordable. You’ll only have to cover the costs for cosmetic changes rather than constructing brand-new cabinetry.
- It promotes sustainability: Old, worn-out cabinets often end up in a landfill. By refacing them, you’ll support the environment and eliminate the need for new materials.
- It increases property value: All cabinet facelift procedures can make your kitchen seem more high-end and visually appealing. The kitchen is a key selling feature in any home so updating the cabinets can increase the house’s value.
- It won’t disrupt your life: A total kitchen renovation can make the space unusable for a period of time. The cabinet refacing process is much quicker and doesn’t impact any part of your kitchen besides the storage.
The only drawback of cabinet refacing is it doesn’t allow you to reconfigure your kitchen layout. The cabinet boxes must stay where they are, which can be challenging if your current layout isn’t the most functional.
How To Transform Your Kitchen: Cabinet Refacing Steps
How do experts perform cabinet refacing? Check out the step-by-step process below.
Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers
Removing all of the doors and drawer fronts from kitchen cabinets lets contractors reface each unit with precision. Prior to starting the project, empty out the contents of your cabinet drawers. You should also assess the function of your drawer slides and tracks and remove them if they need replacing.
Reface the Body and Sides
The bulk of the cabinet refacing process involves applying a new veneer to the boxes and sides of cabinetry. You can choose from options such as a natural wood veneer, laminate, and a material known as rigid thermofoil. This step in the process requires precision when applying the veneer so it’s best to have an experienced kitchen remodeler take control.
Install the Hardware
Once the cabinet boxes and sides have a new veneer, it’s time to install the hardware. If your cabinet hardware is in good condition, you can re-install your existing items. However, some homeowners prefer to use brand-new hardware across the board, including:
- Hinges
- Drawer tracks and slides
- Knobs or pulls
Keep in mind that replacing all of your hardware will affect the overall cost of the project. If you want to save money and your hardware is effective, experts recommend reusing any pieces you can.
Install New Doors and Drawer Fronts
Refinishing kitchen cabinets involves keeping your original doors and drawer fronts but giving them a new stain or paint color. Refacing requires you to buy new doors and drawer fronts, which gives the cabinets a revitalized look. The key is to select options that use the same type of veneer you have on your boxes and a design that suits your home’s design aesthetic.
Add Final Touches and Accessories
After you finish installing all of your new cabinet features, the final step in the cabinet refacing process is to incorporate certain accessories that will elevate your kitchen design. Consider sprucing up the cabinets further with crown molding, glass panels, or lighting features.
Professional vs. DIY Cabinet Refacing
As we mentioned above, cabinet refinishing centers around changing the stain or paint color of your storage features and keeping all original parts. This cosmetic transformation is fairly simple for determined homeowners to complete on their own.
Cabinet refacing, on the other hand, is a much more complex process. Handy homeowners can try to tackle cabinet refacing on their own but hiring a professional kitchen remodeler is the preferred choice.
Let’s break down the key aspects of this project that will differ if you opt to hire a professional or reface the cabinets yourself.
Time and Effort
Cabinet refacing is not a one-day job. No matter who handles the project, it will take a few days to complete. However, relying on a contractor often takes less time since they have mastered veneering and can devote their time to the project.
DIY attempts tend to take longer, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Leading a busy life means you might not have the time to complete the project quickly.
Cost
You might be thinking that performing a DIY cabinet refacing is the cheapest option. While contractors will charge for labor, the biggest costs associated with this project come down to the materials you select. Opting for a natural wood veneer versus a laminate can increase the overall costs, as well as replacing all hardware rather than reusing it.
You can have a professional reface your cabinets while staying within your budget. Be mindful of the material costs that will impact the total price you pay.
Expertise
Unless you frequently reface cabinets for fun, a licensed contractor will have much more experience and knowledge about the cabinet refacing process. Their level of expertise can impact the final result and make your cabinets a defining feature of your kitchen.
Did you know that not all cabinets are suitable for refacing? Veneers can’t adhere to damaged cabinet boxes and sides, nor will refacing make the cabinet structure sturdier. An expert can tell you if your cabinets are safe to reface or if you are better off replacing them.
Jumping into this project by yourself could end up doing more damage to your cabinets because you lack the expertise. Play it safe and rely on a professional to guide you.
Find a Cabinet Refacing Expert Near You
The cabinet refacing process has plenty of advantages, including an impact on property value and cost-effectiveness. However, for homeowners to reap the most benefits, it’s best to hire a professional kitchen remodeler. Trusting an expert ensures that the project is completed quickly and accurately.
Viteri Cucine specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, including cabinet refacing. Our team has years of experience transforming homes in Southern Florida and is eager to help you see the potential in your space. Call (945) 549-4912 to schedule a consultation with our experts and we’ll bring your vision to life. Discover more today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Cabinets Last After Refacing Them?
Cabinets usually last between 15 and 20 years after you reface them, though they must be in good condition at the time of the project.
What Is the Best Cabinet Refacing Material?
The best materials for cabinet refacing suit your budget and style. Options include solid wood, laminate, and rigid thermofoil.
How Long Does the Cabinet Refacing Process Take?
Cabinet refacing projects often take contractors two to five days to complete. Homeowners doing this project themselves may take longer to finish the work.
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