Kitchen renovations can be very costly, especially when it comes to replacing your kitchen cabinets. Tearing down and removing the existing cabinetry adds to the cost of buying all new cabinets. In addition, your kitchen becomes an unusable construction zone for weeks. Kitchen cabinet refacing allows you to update the look of your existing cabinets at about 1/3 to ½ of the cost of replacement. This budget friendly alternative can also be done in a fraction of the time, usually about 3 to 5 days.
Decide what type of refacing you should go with.
Once you’ve decided to reface your existing cabinets, you will still need to consider what type of refacing option you should go with. Naturally, your budget will be the most important factor, followed by how much you want to change. Kitchen cabinet refacing options include:
Professional Cleaning and Renewal- Home Depot offers a service called N-Hance, where professionals come in and remove all the dirt, grime and old coatings that have accumulated on the surface of your wood cabinets over time. After a thorough cleaning and repair of the damaged areas, a new finish is applied. Resurface and Refinish- This option involves removing the cabinet doors, sanding them down to expose the original, unfinished wood and then applying a new coat of paint or stain and varnish. Replacing Knobs and Handles- Adding or replacing the knobs and handles on your existing cabinet doors is an inexpensive way to update the look of your kitchen cabinets. Decorative Trim- You can upgrade your existing cabinet doors by adding decorative trim, which can easily be applied with a quality wood glue. Covering Doors and Face Frames- Some cabinets and frames can be completely resurfaced with a wood veneer, Rigid Thermafoil or other laminate. This option will give you a completely different look in your kitchen and is usually done by a professional contractor. However, some advanced do-it-yourself homeowners will take a project like this on themselves to save money. Door Replacement- A complete set of new doors is another option, however, the doors must work with and match the existing cabinet framework.
Choose the right style for your kitchen.
Figuring out what style of kitchen cabinets to go with can be a complicated process because there are so many options available. Try to keep a unified look in your kitchen by choosing a cabinet style that goes with your countertops, flooring and appliances. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consult with a design professional who can help you with custom features, pricing and possible finance options.