Homeowners who want to modernize their kitchen without incurring the expense of a total makeover might consider cabinet refacing. Replacing your cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and veneer can make a dramatic difference in the look of your kitchen. It addresses cosmetic issues rather than structural ones and is eco-conscious since old cabinets don’t end up in landfills. It also allows for more options in design, materials and hardware.
Installation
The cabinet refacing process includes covering the face frames and end panels of the cabinets with veneer. Additionally, a craftsperson could sand the cabinet boxes and paint or stain them. The final step is installing the new doors, drawer fronts, hinges, and hardware. Many refacing companies offer various styles and finishes for cabinet doors. They also offer laminate and rigid thermofoil in unlimited colors and patterns. Before you begin, empty the cabinets to avoid damage and dust, remove all the hinges and carefully mark each drawer and cabinet box with a number. Labeling each hinge location on the back of the door during the installation is important. It helps you reattach the hinges later. It’s a good idea to use a screwdriver instead of a power drill when removing the hinges. It prevents overtightening, which can cause warping and cracking. The kitchen cabinet handles St Charles are also replaced during refacing. When the refacing is done, the installer will apply a finish coating to all surfaces.
Cost
Cabinet refacing is more cost effective than a full remodel, as it preserves the existing cabinet box and only requires new doors, drawer fronts, and veneer. You can even reuse hardware, which will save you money on installation. The national average cost for cabinet refacing is around $10,000, including materials and labor. Your needs and design preferences will, however, affect the price. A professional kitchen cabinet refacing company will be able to help you determine the cost of your project based on the amount of work required and the materials used. The company will also be able to make recommendations for refacing options that will fit within your budget. It is possible to reface your cabinets yourself, but hiring a professional is important to ensure the process goes smoothly and you don’t end up with crooked lines, creases, or bubbles.
Time
If you are looking for a fast kitchen remodel that will give your home a new look, cabinet refacing is the way to go. But it’s important to choose the right contractor for the job. The caliber of the job will greatly influence your cabinets’ durability and appearance. A qualified kitchen contractor will use a durable and attractive material such as wood veneer. It is a less expensive option than solid wood. It’s also easy to install. It can be finished with various techniques, such as staining or glazing. Before the work begins, your chosen contractor will remove the existing doors and drawer fronts. Then, they will apply a thin veneer layer to the face frames and inner storage components. It will provide a strong foundation for the new cabinet doors and drawer fronts. The refacing process usually takes a week or less. However, the time it takes to complete the project depends on several factors, including the size of the kitchen and the condition of the cabinet boxes.
Materials
Refacing involves covering the body (“carcass”) of existing cabinet boxes with a new material, typically wood veneer or Rigid Thermofoil (RTF), then installing new door and drawer fronts. The original hinges and other hardware can be reused, assuming they are in good condition. The process can be completed in a few days, and most projects keep the kitchen functional during the work. Wood veneer is a beautiful option and can give your cabinets a more authentic appearance. However, it’s a pricier material and can be prone to warping over time. A more affordable option is plastic laminate, which comes in practically any color or pattern you can think of. However, it doesn’t have an authentic look and won’t last as long as other refacing materials.
