
Kitchen cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to upgrade your kitchen without the hassle and cost of a full renovation. The process involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of your existing cabinets and applying a new veneer to the framework. Cabinet refacing can be done by homeowners themselves, or by hiring a professional cabinet refacing company. The cost of refacing depends on the materials used, such as laminate or wood veneer, and whether any new hardware is installed. Refacing is a popular option for those who want to update their kitchen without changing the layout, as it can be completed without removing the existing cabinets. It is also a more environmentally friendly option than replacing cabinets, as it reduces waste by reusing the existing cabinet structures.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cost | Refacing is a more cost-effective option than replacing, saving up to 30%-50% of the cost of replacement. |
Time | Refacing takes less time than replacing, usually only a few days. |
Disruption | Refacing is less disruptive than replacing, allowing continued kitchen use. |
Environmental Impact | Refacing is more environmentally friendly than replacing as it reduces waste and deforestation. |
Structural Changes | Refacing does not change the layout of the kitchen. |
Building Permit | Refacing does not require a building permit, unlike installing new cabinetry. |
Durability | Properly applied veneers can last for 15-20 years. |
Materials | Wood, laminate, or metal cabinets can be refaced. |
Process | The process involves removing doors and drawers, cleaning and drying surfaces, cutting and applying veneer, and installing new doors, fixtures, and hardware. |
What You'll Learn
Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective option
Cabinet refacing is a less disruptive process than a full renovation, usually taking only a few days to complete. It is also more environmentally friendly, as it reduces waste by reusing your existing cabinet structures. You can choose sustainable materials for your new doors and veneers to further lower your carbon footprint. Additionally, refacing does not require a building permit, unlike installing new cabinetry, saving you money on building permit costs, which can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
The refacing process involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of your existing cabinets and applying a new veneer to the framework. It is important to note that refacing is only feasible if your existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound and in good condition. Cabinets with water damage, warping, or broken frames are not suitable candidates for refacing.
If you are considering refacing your cabinets, it is recommended to consult with a highly-rated cabinet refacing company or a reputable contractor to ensure the work is done properly and to determine if refacing is the best option for your specific needs and budget.
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It's environmentally friendly
Cabinet refacing is an environmentally-friendly option for several reasons. Firstly, it reduces waste by repurposing existing cabinetry, preventing old materials from ending up in landfills. This also cuts down on the need for new wood and metal, helping to protect forests and reducing the environmental damage caused by mining and processing raw materials. Refacing also uses less energy than making new cabinets, leading to fewer emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.
When refacing cabinets, it is possible to use sustainable materials, such as bamboo, lyptus, or plywood, which further minimises the environmental impact of the renovation. Bamboo, for example, is a sustainable material that benefits from cutting, and lyptus is a wood produced in Brazil from the eucalyptus hybrid tree, so its use does not cause deforestation. Many sustainable materials are also free of potentially harmful chemicals found in some traditional cabinetry materials, such as formaldehyde, which can have negative effects on indoor air quality and human health. Low-VOC finishes emit fewer harmful pollutants, helping to maintain a healthier indoor environment.
Cabinet refacing also allows you to keep your current kitchen layout intact, avoiding the environmental impact of producing new cabinets and saving the energy and resources that would be needed to alter plumbing, electrical systems, and other kitchen elements. This makes it a "green" substitute to other less environmentally-friendly methods.
To further extend your commitment to sustainability, you can opt for eco-friendly options for countertops and hardware, such as recycled glass, concrete, or paper composite. You can also look for cabinet knobs and pulls made from recycled materials, such as metal or glass. Choosing energy-efficient appliances and lighting can also help to reduce your environmental impact and save money on energy bills over time.
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It's less disruptive
Refacing your kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a facelift without the hassle and cost of a full renovation. It is a less disruptive option for several reasons.
Firstly, it is a quicker process than a full cabinet replacement. This is because the existing cabinet boxes remain in place, so you avoid the time-consuming process of removing and rebuilding the entire structure of the cabinets. The refacing process typically involves removing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, applying a new veneer to the cabinet boxes, and then installing new doors and drawer fronts. This streamlined process means you can achieve an upgraded look in a shorter timeframe.
Secondly, refacing is often a more cost-effective option than replacement. The cost of materials and labour for a full cabinet replacement can quickly add up, whereas refacing allows you to save money by retaining the existing cabinet structure. While refacing is not always the cheapest option, depending on your style and taste, it typically costs about half as much as replacement.
Thirdly, refacing your kitchen cabinets allows you to continue using your kitchen throughout the upgrade process. Unlike a full renovation, which can render your kitchen unusable for a significant period, refacing causes minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Additionally, refacing is a more environmentally-friendly option than replacement. By retaining your existing cabinets, less material ends up in the landfill, and there is no need for new lumber to be used for replacements. This reduces both renovation waste and deforestation, making refacing a green alternative to a full cabinet replacement.
Finally, refacing your kitchen cabinets does not require a building permit, unlike installing new cabinetry. Building permits can cost anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, so this is a significant saving.
Overall, refacing your kitchen cabinets is a less disruptive option that allows you to update the look of your kitchen quickly, cost-effectively, and with minimal impact on your daily life.
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You can reface yourself or hire a professional
Kitchen cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to upgrade your kitchen without the hassle and cost of a full renovation. It involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of your existing cabinets and applying a new veneer to the framework. This process can give your kitchen a fresh, updated look, and it can be done by yourself or by hiring a professional.
If you choose to reface your kitchen cabinets yourself, it is important to evaluate your skill level, budget, and project timeline. You will need basic to intermediate home improvement skills, as well as the necessary tools and materials. The process typically takes between three and five days, depending on the size of your kitchen and your skill level. Some of the tools you will need include adhesive, clamps, hinges, hardware, a level, a measuring tape, a paintbrush or roller, sandpaper, a screwdriver or drill, a utility knife, and wood filler.
On the other hand, hiring a professional cabinet refacing company can ensure quality and precise output. The cost of professional cabinet refacing for a typical 10-foot-by-12-foot kitchen starts at about $100 per linear foot for laminate materials and $200 per linear foot for wood veneer materials. Hardwood refacing will cost about $455 per linear foot without installation. Finishing the project with new hardware (pulls, knobs, and handles) can run from $100 to $1,000 per cabinet.
Whether you choose to reface your kitchen cabinets yourself or hire a professional, it is important to consider the condition of your existing cabinets. Refacing is a feasible option if your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and in good condition. If your cabinets have water damage, warping, or broken frames, it may be better to replace them instead of refacing them. Additionally, if you are unhappy with your kitchen layout or your cabinets have structural problems, replacing them may be a more suitable option.
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It can last a lifetime
Kitchen cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to give your kitchen a fresh, updated appearance without replacing the entire cabinetry. It involves removing cabinet doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer over the existing surface of the cabinet body or boxes. This process can last a lifetime if special care and measures are taken, and under normal kitchen use and conditions, you can expect to enjoy up to 20 years of use.
Properly applied veneers can last for 15 to 20 years on average. However, improperly applied veneer can peel relatively quickly, especially near heat-producing areas like ovens, toasters, or rice cookers. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the veneer is properly applied and to take special care when cooking or using heat-producing appliances near the cabinets.
To increase the lifespan of your refaced kitchen cabinets, it is important to choose a reputable and experienced company for the job. Look for a company that uses high-quality materials and has a team of skilled craftsmen who can ensure a long-lasting and durable finish. It is also important to maintain your refaced cabinets properly. This includes regularly cleaning them with gentle products, wiping up spills promptly, and avoiding excessive weight on the cabinets.
In addition, it is a good idea to update the hardware, such as handles and hinges, as needed. By following these tips and choosing a reputable company, you can ensure that your kitchen cabinet refacing lasts a lifetime.
It is worth noting that cabinet refinishing, which involves painting or staining the cabinets, is a less expensive and DIY-friendly alternative to cabinet refacing. Cabinet refinishing can help avoid sending unrecyclable materials to landfills and is a good option if you are satisfied with the layout of your kitchen and only want a surface refresh. However, if you are looking for a more significant upgrade or your existing cabinets have structural problems, cabinet refacing or replacement may be a better option.
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Frequently asked questions
Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to upgrade the look of your kitchen without a complete renovation. It involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of your existing cabinets and applying a new veneer to the framework.
Cabinet refacing is a great option if you want to upgrade your kitchen without the cost and hassle of a full renovation. It is also a more environmentally friendly option as it reduces waste by reusing your existing cabinet structures.
The cost of refacing kitchen cabinets depends on the materials used and the size of the kitchen. For a typical 10-foot-by-12-foot kitchen, laminate materials start at about $100 per linear foot, while wood veneer materials cost around $200 per linear foot. Hardwood can cost approximately $455 per linear foot without installation.
With proper care and maintenance, cabinet refacing can last up to 20 years. However, it is important to note that improperly applied veneer can peel relatively quickly, especially near heat-producing areas.
Yes, painting your kitchen cabinets is a cheaper and faster option than refacing them. It is a popular choice for those who are fond of DIY projects. However, it is important to properly prepare the surface and use the correct type of paint to ensure the paint adheres well.