Giving your kitchen a makeover doesn’t have to be expensive. Kitchen cabinet refacing gives you a chance to remodel your kitchen by giving your kitchen cabinets a brand-new look.
Yes, that’s right. You can dramatically change the style of your kitchen by simply upgrading the looks of your cabinets.
So, if you’ve been wanting to remodel your kitchen for a long time now, this is the best time to learn about refacing kitchen cabinets.
But for starters, what is refacing kitchen cabinets?
What is kitchen cabinet refacing?
It’s not rocket science, promise.
Kitchen cabinet refacing is like a mini kitchen upgrade.
Refacing involves swapping out the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while keeping the sturdy cabinet boxes intact.
With refacing, you don’t have to tear down the whole kitchen. The real makeover only happens on the doors, drawers, and handles.
It’s a quick makeover without the drama and expensive costs.
When you opt for refacing kitchen cabinets, you’re not just saving your cabinets; you’re saving cash, time, and peace of mind.
Refacing is a budget-friendly option that allows you to upgrade your kitchen without a full overhaul.
This means you won’t be turning your home into a full-blown construction site.
The best part? You have full independence over how you want your new kitchen cabinets to be.
You get to pick new colors and styles for a kitchen vibe that suits you best.
1. Refacing kitchen cabinets is your wisest choice – the numbers don’t lie
Truth is, we can go on and on about how amazing kitchen cabinet refacing is. But how do we actually prove it?
Lucky for you – we have numbers to back up our claims.
According to a recent report by eSoFi learning, refacing your old kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a more trendy look for 30% to 50% less than a full cabinet replacement.
On average, a refacing project can set you back around $4,000 to $9,000, compared to the whopping $10,000 to $20,000 for a complete replacement.
Yes, the sweet sound of savings.
In addition, while a full kitchen replacement can take weeks, a refacing project typically wraps up in just 3-5 days.
That’s less time stressing about meals and more time enjoying them.
Now let’s talk about the environment.
According to the 2024 Top Kitchen & Bath Trends by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), sustainability in the kitchen will continue to be top-of-mind.
This includes reusing old cabinets.
Refacing promotes sustainability, reducing waste by up to 75% compared to tossing out those old cabinets.
It’s like recycling for your kitchen. Impressive, right?
2. Refacing is your budget-friendly facelift
I know what you’re thinking.
You want a Pinterest-worthy kitchen without the Hollywood price tag.
So, let’s cut to the chase—refacing is your wallet’s best friend.
Think of it as a wise investment that won’t leave your pockets feeling empty – all while making you feel good.
When refacing kitchen cabinets, consider factors like the number of cabinets, the materials you choose, and any extras like new handles.
There are a few tips on saving more bucks while getting your dream makeover.
For one, choose budget-friendly materials that still offer durability and style. Sometimes, a cost-effective choice can look just as stunning as its pricier counterpart.
If you’re feeling handy, consider taking on some tasks yourself.
Removing cabinet doors or handles can be a DIY adventure that puts a few extra dollars back in your pocket.
Instead of splurging on brand-new hardware, consider giving your existing handles and knobs a makeover.
A fresh coat of paint or a new finish can breathe new life into the old, saving you some serious bucks.
Explore local suppliers and craftsmen.
Sometimes, neighborhood businesses offer more competitive prices than big-name stores. Plus, supporting local feels good.
Consider a minimalist approach.
Not every inch of your kitchen needs an overhaul. Strategic refacing in key areas can also bring a fresh look without draining your wallet.
3. It comes with everything nice – but what’s the catch?
Before you start refacing your kitchen cabinets, it’s important to understand both the benefits and the downside of it.
Refacing is the budget-friendly cousin of a complete overhaul.
You get that fresh, upgraded look without draining your savings. Here, you get a fine dining experience for the price of fast food.
Choosing refacing is like giving Mother Earth a high-five.
By reusing your existing cabinet structure, you’re cutting down on waste. It’s a small yet stylish nod to sustainability.
You’re the architect. You’re not limited by ready-made cabinet options available in stores.
What’s great about refacing is that you get a say on how it will look – from the colors, handles, polishing, texture, and pattern.
But like with any other construction project – it also comes with bad sides.
While refacing works wonders for the surface, it won’t fix deeper issues.
If your cabinets are falling apart on the inside, refacing might be like putting a band-aid on a broken bone – not the best solution for long-term.
Your color and style choices are somewhat constrained compared to a full kitchen renovation.
Your style choices for your kitchen cabinets must be in sync with your kitchen design. Otherwise, your cabinet design will be out of place.
Refacing is a tempting DIY project, but let’s be real, not everyone is born with handy skills.
Getting it wrong might cause more problems than solutions. So, if you’re not a handyman, better to get professional help.
4. The winning formula: Style + Durability + Budget
Let’s go into the practical side of refacing kitchen cabinets.
We’re talking about the nitty-gritty of materials – how to balance quality, style, and your wallet.
Shopping for materials is a meticulous process. You need to strike the right balance between style, quality, and budget, so you can make sure that your kitchen cabinets not only look stunning but also stand the test of time.
Your choice of materials sets the tone for your kitchen’s new look.
Laminates offer flexibility and a wide range of designs, wood veneers provide a timeless and natural aesthetic, and there are also other options that cater to different styles.
Balancing style and durability is important.
When shopping for materials, there should be a balance between a stylish appearance and the durability needed for your kitchen’s daily demands. It’s important to remember that your kitchen cabinets endure a fair share of spills, and stains, not to mention daily use.
Finding a middle ground between style preferences, quality, and budget is also a must.
Laminates are often more budget-friendly compared to solid wood options, offering an economical yet stylish solution.
Wood veneers, while slightly pricier, provide an elegant look that can elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
5. Why DIY is not always the best idea for refacing
DIY refacing brings a sense of accomplishment, a ‘look what I did!’ moment.
But before you get your toolbox, let’s first assess if you’re ready to take on a cabinet refacing project.
Sure, you’ve binge-watched a ton of DIY videos, but there’s a huge difference between watching and doing.
Cabinet refacing involves precision – measuring, cutting, and aligning with ninja-like accuracy. Lack the skills, and your dream kitchen might turn into a carpentry nightmare.
DIY projects have a notorious reputation for eating up time.
This only means that if you don’t have enough time to actually do the work, then it might be best to get professionals to finish the job in a few days. This is a lot better than having to eat surrounded by tools and sawdust.
One of the reasons people turn to DIY is to save some bucks.
However, hidden costs can quickly stack up. Tools, materials, and the occasional re-do can dent your budget. Sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to let the pros handle it from the get-go.
Let’s not underestimate the stress DIY projects come with.
From the pressure of perfection to unexpected hiccups, it’s a rollercoaster. Professionals bring calm to the chaos, handling challenges with a level-headed approach.
Ever heard the one about the DIYer who ended up with crooked cabinet doors? Horror stories are real, and they often star well-intentioned DIY enthusiasts.
So, whether you’re a seasoned handyman, or a father who has extra time to kill, these are just some of the things to consider.
Remember, DIY is not always the best idea.
Refacing can transform your “meh” to “wow” in 7 easy steps
If you’ve chosen the DIY path, this is for you.
Let’s pretend you haven’t watched all those tutorial videos on YouTube about refacing kitchen cabinets.
We’re here to simplify the process for you by giving you a step-by-step guide to mastering the art of kitchen cabinet refacing:
1. Deck clearing 101
First things first – clear the decks. Remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware.
2. Scrub-a-dub for better adhesion
Scrub away grease and grime to ensure the new veneers or laminates adhere like they were born to be there.
3. Shop smart, style smarter
Shop for materials. Select your refacing material wisely. Consider style, durability, and, of course, your budget. This decision sets the tone for your kitchen’s stylish comeback.
4. Precision is key
Measure your cabinets, making sure that you only get accurate measurements for a seamless fit. The tip is – measure twice, cut once.
5. Makeover magic
Reface the cabinet boxes. Give your cabinet boxes a makeover by applying a natural wood veneer or other alternatives.
6. Wrap it up right
Reface the Cabinet Sides. Revive your cabinet sides with wood veneer or laminate.
7. Final touches
Reassemble the hardware. Cabinet doors, drawers, hardware – time to bring the gang back together. Reassemble your cabinets, step back, and appreciate your work.
Just a few things to consider. Embrace imperfections – they add character. Don’t stress over minor flaws; consider them the quirks that make your kitchen unique.
Take it one step at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your dream kitchen. Patience is your ally.
Is Refacing right for you?
Absolutely. Now, armed with insider insights and a dash of confidence, go forth and conquer your cabinet-refacing adventure.
This is your ticket to a kitchen cabinet facelift that’ll have your guests amazed.
Your brand new-looking kitchen is waiting.
