PART 1: CABINET REFACING - WHAT IT IS
Even with the most domesticated set of people using it, a kitchen will show wear and tear over time. It, after all, sees the most traffic in a home, even doubling as an entertainment area when guests are invited over. Sometimes, even with the best care, a kitchen may start feeling outdated because of its age. One of the easiest ways to refresh a kitchen is to change cabinets but what do you do when your cabinets are still in great shape and you need to work with a budget? Opt for cabinet refacing instead.
WHAT IS CABINET REFACING? As its name suggests, cabinet refacing involves giving your kitchen cabinets a new “face� by overhauling all visible portions, like doors and drawer fronts, of a cabinet. As it replaces all exposed areas of a cabinet, refacing makes it look like you got new ones without actually doing so.
PART 1: CABINET REFACING - WHAT IT IS
IS IT FOR YOU? The best thing about cabinet refacing is that it lets you enjoy the aesthetic boost of getting new kitchen cabinets without going through all the trouble and cost of a remodel. If your cabinets are still in excellent condition but you’re yearning for a change in your kitchen and are fine with retaining your original layout, cabinet refacing is definitely for you. There are different kinds of refacing materials too so there should be no trouble finding a new face for your kitchen cabinets that will suit your tastes.
THE REFACING PROCESS A refacing project starts out by removing the existing cabinet’s doors and drawerfronts. If there are any existing veneers, these are removed either by hand or with a chisel, then the surface is prepared by sanding and cleaning it. Once the old surfaces are removed, new veneers are attached using strong adhesives. Hinges and cabinet hardware may also be changed to match new cabinet faces and drawer fronts before these are reattached to finish a refacing project.
PART 2: WHY OPT FOR CABINET REFACING?
Who ever thought changing the face of your cabinets can do so much?! Although cabinet refacing doesn’t completely overhaul your kitchen, it can still impart a dramatic improvement comparable to the effect that more conventional options such as replacements and remodels have. But aside from the sheer beauty of new cabinet faces, refacing is also great because: It costs less Whether you’re looking to work with a budget or not, saving on costs is always a good thing. Refacing lets you enjoy that because you’re only changing exposed portions of your kitchen cabinets and not the cabinet themselves. That means less work so you only pay for a fraction of the price of a replacement. It is fast to complete Installing a new set of cabinets requires a professional remodeler to tear down existing cabinets and clear out the spot to make room for new ones. This can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks, especially for moderatelysized kitchens. On the other hand, refacing kitchen cabinets usually takes just between 3 to 5 days to complete. This is a big deal since every second your kitchen is being remodeled is a second you’re not putting it to good use. It offers a wide range of surface options Veneers come in a number of colors, patterns, and finishes, ensuring that there’s a choice particularly suited for your kitchen. Want the charm of maple, cherry or oak wood? Real wood veneers are also available.
PART 2: WHY OPT FOR CABINET REFACING?
It is environmentally sound Cabinet refacing produces less trash compared to a complete cabinet replacement where old cabinets have to be stripped away from your kitchen before new ones are installed. Even if you opt for real wood veneers, you will still be using less new wood overall when you resurface, lessening the need to harvest wood. It lasts long it’s easy to see refacing as a temporary kitchen remodeling solution given its simplicity and cost, but veneers and drawer fronts installed properly can actually last for up to 20 years. Of course, material and installation quality have a hand in how long a refaced cabinet lasts so it’s best to enlist a remodeling expert to install them for you. It simplifies repairs Got a damaged kitchen cabinet door? No sweat! Refacing can take care of the problem immediately because you don’t have to involve the entire cabinet.
PART 3: DIFFERENT CABINET REFACING OPTIONS AND TIPS
Cabinet refacing is an affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh look, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise style to enjoy savings. Traditional wood veneers are there but refacing materials in various patterns, colors and textures are also available for you to take advantage of. POPULAR OPTIONS Rigid thermofoil One of the most popular refacing materials around is rigid thermofoil or RTF. It has two main components: fiberboard and plastic covering. Despite being lightweight compared to most materials used in home improvement, it is durable, making it a popular choice for refacing cabinet doors. Plastic laminate This material has a number of applications around the home and for good reason: it is available in almost every color or pattern around, much more affordable than other refacing materials, and very easy to install. Wood Compared to other refacing materials, wood is heavier but this heft allows it to offer better durability on the overall. Some of the common types of wood used for refacing include maple, cherry and oak. A FEW TIPS Regardless of the material you choose, keep in mind the following to ensure you make the most out of your cabinet refacing project: • Work only with a licensed contractor to ensure the quality of your refaced cabinets.
PART 3: DIFFERENT CABINET REFACING OPTIONS AND TIPS
• Be mindful of your warranty coverage. Hiring a licensed contractor reduces the likelihood of mishaps but it is better to be ready for anything. • Take note of all instructions your contractor will give you, like giving veneers enough time to adhere properly before using your kitchen cabinet. • Don’t be sucked in by the cheapest deals. It’s always nice to save on costs but the most affordable will not always be the best for you. Talk to your contractor about any budget concerns you might have so they can help you figure out what will work for you best. Remember that you get what you pay for. • Choose new cabinet faces that will complement the overall theme of your kitchen.
This wraps up e-book on cabinet refacing. Hopefully it provided you with the information you need to make the right choices. Good luck on your kitchen improvement project!
Dreamstyle Remodeling 7401 Indian School Road Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 881-3200 (505) 881-3200 DreamStyleRemodeling.com