Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Kitchen cabinet refacing is a lower cost alternative to full remodeling projects. It is a technique that can bring new life to the old cabinetry without all the expense and the labor of ripping them all out and replacing them all along with countertops and accessories. It takes the existing cabinet frames and fits them with new front faces, doors and drawer fronts to create a brand new look at a fraction of the cost of full replacement. Kitchen cabinet refacing is a tremendous option for homeowners who have structurally sound but stylistically dated cabinetry who want to update their kitchens but lack the money for complete remodels.

One of the first and most lasting impressions people get of homes is in their kitchens. And the focal point of many of these rooms is in the cabinets. Stylish and sturdy cabinets can add tremendous visual appeal to the room. But a dated and worn out pantry does nothing but peg a house as old and out of style. A cabinet should be fully functional and should also fit with the décor of the home's interior. Before homeowners go through with the expense of a huge renovation project in their kitchens, they should at least consider the option of kitchen cabinet refacing. This low cost option can achieve much the same results as a full tear out without the excessive cost and with less interruption to the family's daily activities.

Replacing vs. Replacing Cabinets

Usually when it comes time to do something about that ugly, out of date kitchen, it's pretty obvious. But what might not be quite so obvious is exactly what to do about it. Some homeowners get the idea in their heads that their only option is to tear out everything and start fresh. And there is nothing wrong with this. A complete gutting of a kitchen can do a world of good. You can get all new plumbing and durable, stylish countertops to go with the new cabinetry you choose.

But it is not the only option. Cabinet refacing is a less expensive choice by far, and can help you achieve some of the same desired results without all the extra expense or work involved in full blown remodeling projects. Kitchen cabinet refacing is an underrated form of remodeling because not a whole lot of people really know too much about it. But in the right circumstances, it can give your kitchen just the style update it needs for a lot less money.

Cost of Cabinet Refacing

No homeowner should make the knee jerk reaction to yank out their cabinetry without inspecting the existing cabinetry and checking its durability and general physical condition. Kitchen cabinet refacing is a great option if the cabinetry is structurally fine but could use a little help aesthetically. Perfectly good but dreadfully unattractive cabinets can be transformed by adding new kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts and by switching out hardware and accessories. Any exposed faces are covered up as well to match the new doors. The cost of the job is generally substantially less than a complete tear out and replacement.

But the exact cost will depend on the size of the job and the materials used. The most expensive refacing jobs are the ones in which real wood veneer is used to reface the cabinets. Other materials available for kitchen cabinet refacing can save the homeowner some money. Plastic laminates and thermofoils are inexpensive materials that can be used to match with the wood door panels. Laminates come in a host of colors, although thermofoil options are more limited. With this being the case, a strong selling point for using thermofoils in kitchen cabinet refacing is the fact that they are easily molded into different shapes including strikingly realistic wood grains.

Cabinet Refacing Companies

Companies that specialize in refacing kitchen cabinets are numerous. Many companies of all sizes specialize in kitchen cabinet jobs such as this or also offer this option in addition to new installations. A typical refacing job can be done in just a few days and life in your kitchen can go back to normal. Extra add on work like moldings or adding new cabinetry or countertops will make the job take longer. But in general, kitchen cabinet refacing is much faster and much less intrusive on your lifestyle than a complete remodel (not to mention easier on the budget).

Buying new cabinetry is a great investment for anyone who has the financial resources to do it. But for those of us who do not have that kind of cash, it is good to know that there are alternatives. Instead from tackling the job yourself and painting the cabinetry or something like that, you can hire a company to do kitchen cabinet refacing and save big.