Benefits of Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacing
Have you put off a kitchen update because of concerns about the mess, inconvenience, and cost that comes with a traditional remodel? Have remodeling stories from friends and family overwhelmed you? Are the planning and budget required for a new kitchen more than you can manage? Or maybe you feel your cabinets are in good shape and don’t want to throw them away even though you no longer (or never) liked them? If any of these ring true, it’s time to explore the benefits of cabinet refacing with Kitchen Tune-Up.
All types and sizes of cabinets are made of boxes. The boxes may have doors with fixed shelves, pull-out trays or accessories, or drawers behind them. They may also have drawers with decorative drawer fronts attached to form the decorative covering for the drawer. The cabinet doors and drawer fronts typically see more wear and tear than the cabinet boxes. Whether you have fading, peeling, cracking, or breaking, it’s usually most apparent on the doors and drawer fronts first. If the cabinets were installed within the last 30-35 years, they are likely sturdy (even if the stain or painted finish is worn). Because cabinet boxes are built to last, we can “re-dress” them by replacing the old cabinet doors and drawer fronts without replacing the cabinet boxes.
What is Resurfacing?
The process begins with your choice of a new door style for your cabinets. It can be the same or similar or wildly different from what you have now. It can be painted or stained wood or a laminate, and it can be traditional, transitional, contemporary, or any style you like. It can even be a mix of colors and styles. If you’ve dreamt of using a different color on the island or some of the cabinets, Kitchen Tune-Up can make it happen. Once the door style is selected then new doors and drawer fronts are custom-measured for each opening in your kitchen. There’s no need to worry about whether you have “standard” size doors or drawer fronts – the new ones are made specifically for your cabinets. Depending on what
you have now, you may see less of the front of the cabinet box with your new doors. The new doors and drawer fronts are typically larger than older-style doors can give the look of a full overlay. As a bonus, the new doors get hidden soft-close hinges.
To complete the transition to the new look, we cover the new doors and drawer fronts with a matching veneer. There’s wood veneer for painted or stained wood cabinets and laminate veneers for laminate doors. The veneer matches the new doors exactly as they are factory-finished together. Matching panels are also available when needed. Additionally, we cover the inner lips inside the cabinets with a new matching finish. The old look of the cabinets disappears completely and the whole process with Kitchen Tune-Up usually takes three to five days!
In addition to the quick installation, our clients choose refacing over replacing because it costs less than remodeling and leaves more money for updating the appliances, counters, backsplash, and lighting. We’ve found refacing projects can be half the cost of replacing cabinets. While refacing projects can include adding new cabinets, typically fewer layout and structural changes happen with refacing which also helps keep the cost down.
Why Choose Kitchen Tune-Up?
At Kitchen Tune-Up we want to help you make the most of your home. We would love the opportunity to see your kitchen, show you door and hardware samples, and create a plan to update and upgrade your space to meet your needs. Contact us today for a free design appointment and estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cabinet refacing?
Cabinet refacing is the process of updating your kitchen's appearance by replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts and applying a matching veneer to the existing cabinet boxes. This gives your kitchen a fresh, new look without the need for a complete remodel.
Is cabinet refacing customizable?
Yes! You can choose from various door styles, wood species, stains, colors, and hardware. Whether you want a traditional look or something more contemporary, cabinet refacing offers plenty of customization options to suit your style.
Can every cabinet be refaced?
Not all cabinets are suitable for refacing. If your cabinets are disintegrating or severely damaged, they might not be good candidates. However, most cabinets installed within the last 30-35 years are sturdy and can benefit significantly from refacing. A professional evaluation can help determine the best approach for your kitchen.