5 Ways to Restyle Your Kitchen Cabinets If your kitchen cabinets are outdated and unattractive,…
What Is Cabinet Refacing? Why It’s Valuable and What To Know
Cabinet refacing is a popular and cost-effective way to transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom without the expense and disruption of a full remodel.
Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, contemporary look or a more traditional style, cabinet refacing offers a valuable solution that can save you time, money, and stress.
Join our Raleigh cabinet refacing experts from Cabinet Cures of the Triangle as we explore what cabinet refacing is, why it’s an excellent option for homeowners, and the key things you should know before starting your project to transform your existing cabinet surfaces.
What is Cabinet Refacing?
Refacing kitchen cabinets involves updating the exterior appearance of your cabinets’ existing surfaces without replacing the entire structure of the interior box.
Rather than removing the old cabinetry, the cabinet boxes remain in place, and only the outer elements are replaced.
This includes installing new cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and sometimes even updating the cabinet frames or adding new drawer pull hardware.
Replacing Cabinet Doors for a Kitchen Remodel
Whether you are planning a full kitchen makeover or updating your current kitchen’s visible surfaces, cabinet refacing is a reliable path to achieving your dream kitchen. Cabinet refacing offers a variety of styles, materials, and finishes, allowing homeowners to achieve a customized look without the expense or hassle of cabinet refinishing or a full cabinet replacement.
Replacing your current cabinet’s existing doors through the refacing process provides a practical solution that can breathe new life into an outdated kitchen, all while maintaining the functionality of the existing cabinetry frame.
How Much Is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing costs can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size of the space, the materials chosen, and the complexity of the project. However, cabinet refacing is generally a more affordable, long-term alternative to painting or replacing your existing cabinets, which can be much more costly and time-consuming.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $4,000 and $9,000 for cabinet refacing, with the final price depending on the following factors:
Larger kitchen layouts with more cabinetry will naturally cost more to reface, whereas
small kitchens with less cabinetry will cost less.
The choice of materials plays a significant role in the cost. For example, natural wood doors and drawers tend to be more expensive than laminate veneer options.
Adding custom elements such as a new layout, kitchen island, pull-out drawers, extra shelves, or specialized hardware can increase the overall project cost.
Professional installation costs are a significant portion of the cabinet refacing cost. Hiring experienced and skilled specialists ensures high-quality results that may come at a higher price.
The price of cabinet refacing can vary by region due to local labor rates and material availability.
Is Cabinet Refacing Expensive?
While cabinet refacing can be more affordable than full cabinet replacement, it still represents a significant investment. However, many homeowners find that the long-term value—both in terms of aesthetics and durability—justifies the cost.
Additionally, because refacing doesn’t involve the expense of completely new cabinet boxes, it can be a cost-effective way to achieve a fresh, modern look without the extensive cost of a full kitchen remodel.
How Does Cabinet Refacing Work?
Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective and efficient way to update your kitchen or bathroom without the hassle and expense of a full remodel. Here’s a step-by-step guide of how the cabinet refacing process works.
Initial Consultation and Design
The first step in the cabinet refacing process involves a consultation with our professional team. During this meeting, you’ll discuss your vision, including cabinet drawer and door style preferences, material options, and finishes.
Our expert contractor will assess your existing cabinets for structural damage or other factors to ensure the cabinetry is suitable for refacing, ensuring the project will be a success.
Removal of Old Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts
Once you’ve settled on a cabinet door design, the next step involves removing the existing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.
This leaves the underlying cabinet boxes intact, which will serve as the foundation for the new look. The structure of your cabinets is preserved, reducing the cost and time compared to a full cabinet replacement.
Surface Preparation
After the old doors and drawer faces are removed, the cabinet boxes are prepped for the new materials. This may involve cleaning, sanding, or smoothing the surface to create an even, clean base for applying the new laminate or wood materials.
Proper surface preparation ensures that the new finishes will adhere securely and last longer.
Applying a New Veneer or Laminate
Next, a thin veneer or laminate is applied to the exposed surfaces of the cabinet boxes. This process allows the existing cabinet framework to be covered with fresh, new materials that match the style and color of the new cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
You can choose from a variety of finishes, such as wood grain or solid colors, to match your design preferences.
Installation of New Doors, Drawer Fronts, and Hardware
After the cabinet boxes are prepped, custom-made doors and drawer fronts are installed. These can be crafted from wood, laminate, or other materials depending on the look you desire. New hardware, such as handles, knobs, and pulls, is also added to complete the transformation and provide a fresh, modern feel to your cabinets.
We can also customize your cabinet interiors to include pull-out drawers, soft-close hinges, and other features to add storage space or elevate your design.
Final Touches and Inspection
Once the new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware are installed, a final inspection is done to ensure that everything is properly aligned and securely in place.
The cabinets are checked for any issues, and adjustments are made as necessary. This step ensures that your cabinets not only look great but function flawlessly.
How Long Does Cabinet Refacing Usually Last?
Cabinet refacing is designed to be a long-lasting solution for updating your kitchen. On average, refaced cabinets can last between 10 to 20 years, depending on several factors. Here are the factors that influence the longevity of cabinet refacing.
Quality of Materials Used
The durability of your refaced cabinets largely depends on the materials chosen for the job. Higher-quality materials, such as solid wood veneer or high-end laminates, tend to last longer and maintain their appearance over time. Investing in premium materials can extend the lifespan of your cabinets by several years.
Level of Professional Installation
The expertise of the professionals performing the refacing also plays a crucial role in how long your cabinets will last. Proper installation ensures that the new knobs, veneer, and doors are securely affixed, minimizing the risk of damage from wear and tear. High-quality craftsmanship will contribute to the overall longevity of the cabinets.
Maintenance and Care
While cabinet refacing is relatively low-maintenance, regular cleaning and care can help prolong its lifespan. Avoiding harsh chemicals, using soft cloths, and ensuring that the cabinet hardware is properly maintained will keep the cabinets looking fresh and functioning properly for many years.
Usage and Environmental Factors
How frequently the cabinets are used and the environmental conditions they are exposed to can affect their durability. High-traffic areas, such as kitchens, may see more wear over time, while bathrooms with high humidity levels may require more attention to prevent wear on materials. However, if maintained well, refaced cabinets can still last for many years, even in busy environments.
Is Cabinet Refacing Worth It?
Yes, cabinet refacing is absolutely worth it for many homeowners looking to update their kitchens without the high cost of a full remodel or the drawbacks of DIY cabinet painting.
Here are some key benefits that make cabinet refacing a smart choice:
Cabinet refacing typically costs significantly less than replacing cabinets entirely, making it an affordable way to achieve a new look without breaking the bank.
Refacing is a faster process than a full remodel, meaning less disruption to your home and daily routine. Most projects can be completed in just a few days.
Since the existing cabinet boxes remain in place, there is less demolition and debris compared to a full cabinet replacement, making for a cleaner and less invasive process.
Refacing helps reduce waste by keeping your cabinet boxes, which are often still in good condition, out of landfills. It’s an environmentally-friendly alternative to full replacements.
Cabinet refacing offers a wide range of materials, finishes, and styles, allowing you to customize your cabinets to match your design preferences and
modern cabinet trends.
A fresh, updated kitchen or bathroom can enhance the overall appeal of your home and increase its resale value, providing a return on investment when it’s time to sell.
In addition to aesthetic updates, cabinet refacing can include adding new hardware, soft-close hinges, or extra storage features, improving the functionality of your cabinets.
With proper care, refaced cabinets can last up to 20 years, providing a durable solution for updating your space.
Cabinet refacing is a valuable investment for homeowners who want to enhance the look of their home without the high cost and time commitment of a full remodel.
We’re Raleigh’s #1 Cabinet Refacing Experts
Transform your kitchen with a fresh, updated look. Our team of skilled cabinet refacing experts at Cabinet Cures of the Triangle offer high-quality, customizable refacing solutions that fit your style and budget.
With our experience and attention to detail, we’ll ensure your cabinets look stunning and function flawlessly for years to come.
Contact us today to schedule your FREE Estimate and take the first step toward revamping your space. Get started by calling us at 919–809–6161 or filling out our contact form below.
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