Assessing Your Existing Cabinets
Before starting a refacing project, carefully examine your existing cabinet boxes and frames. Look for signs of structural damage, rot, or weakness. Refacing can only be done on cabinet boxes that are in good, solid condition. Also take measurements of your cabinets and layout. This will allow you to order replacement doors and drawers that fit properly.
Consider which surfaces of your cabinets need refacing. Typical options include:
- Cabinet doors
- Drawer fronts
- Exposed end panels
- Face frames
- Decorative trim pieces
Think about the cabinet interior. Will the existing shelves and dividers be reused or replaced? Take note of custom storage needs.
Selecting New Cabinet Components
One of the big advantages of refacing is that you can give your kitchen a whole new style. When selecting components, consider features like:
- Door/drawer style – slab, shaker, inset panel, etc.
- Material – wood, laminate, thermofoil, etc.
- Finish – stain, paint, glaze, etc.
- Hardware – knobs, pulls, hinges, etc.
Browse design catalogs and websites to find a door style you love. Many manufacturers offer door samples to help make your decision. Be sure to order any specialty items like tray dividers or lazy susans early as these can take longer to produce.
Preparing and Removing Old Surfaces
Proper prep work is crucial to getting a smooth finish. Fill any holes or cracks in your cabinet frames with wood filler. Lightly sand to smooth.
Carefully remove doors, drawers, and hardware using a screwdriver. Use a heat gun to soften any glue residue and scrape clean with a putty knife. Sand exposed cabinets lightly to rough up the surface for strong adhesion.
Safely prep and remove old finishes like paint or varnish with chemical strippers or sanders. Thoroughly clean cabinets to remove grease and grime before applying new finishes. Ventilate the area well.
Installing New Veneers, Doors, Drawers and Trim
Your new cabinet components can be installed once old surfaces have been removed and frames prepped. Most veneers, doors, drawers and trim pieces adhere using a sturdy construction adhesive. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply adhesive evenly across the back of each component and press into place firmly. Use clamps or heavy objects to ensure strong contact while the adhesive sets. Allow adequate drying time before moving on.
Adjust doors and drawers to ensure they open and close smoothly. Fill any gaps with wood filler and reinstall hardware using new screws. Attach any new trim pieces with finish nails for a flawless look.
Applying Finishes
The finishing touch will complete your kitchen’s transformation. Popular options include:
Stain
Apply wood conditioner, then use staining pads, brushes or rags to apply your chosen stain color. Allow to dry fully and add protective finish.
Paint
For painted cabinets, prime first with a bonding primer. Use a small foam roller and brush to apply two coats of cabinet paint, lightly sanding between coats.
Glaze
Glazing involves brushing a translucent, tinted glaze over stained cabinets for an antiqued or weathered look. Wipe off excess glaze with a cloth.
Be sure to follow all product instructions closely to get your desired finish. Allow ample drying time between coats. Add new cabinet hardware to complete the refreshed look.
Maintaining Your Refaced Cabinets
With proper care, your refaced cabinets can look amazing for years to come. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Use cabinet organizers and shelf liners to protect interior surfaces.
- Avoid harsh cleaners or excessive moisture which can damage finishes.
- Clean spills promptly with mild soap and water.
- Inspect hinges and hardware periodically and tighten as needed.
- Consider having cabinets professionally cleaned and resealed every 2-3 years.
How Much Does it Cost to Reface Kitchen Cabinets?
The cost of refacing your kitchen cabinets can vary greatly depending on factors like the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Cabinet doors– $50 – $200 per door
- Drawer fronts – $25 – $150 per drawer
- Veneer panels – $10 – $30 per square foot
- Refinishing – $2000 for a medium-sized kitchen
- DIY cost – $1200 – $4000 for a medium kitchen
- Professional installation – $4000 – $12000 for a medium kitchen
Get quotes from several cabinet suppliers to find the best prices. Hiring a professional for installation will add cost but save you time and effort. Compare the investment to a full cabinet replacement which can cost $10,000 to $30,000. Ultimately, refacing provides amazing bang for your buck.
FAQ About Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
How do I know if my cabinets can be refaced?
Cabinets with intact solid wood frames can usually be refaced, while cabinets made of pressboard or particleboard often cannot. Inspect cabinets for damage or weakness before refacing.
Does everything need to be replaced when refacing?
No, you can choose to reface as little or as much as needed. Typical refacing includes doors, drawer fronts and exposed side panels.
How long does the refacing process take?
The work itself may take 2-5 days. Total timeline depends on shipment of new materials, dry times for finishes, and installer schedule. Plan for your kitchen to be under construction for 1-2 weeks.
Can I reface cabinets myself?
Yes, with some handyman skills refacing can definitely be a DIY project to save money. The key steps are removing old surfaces, installing new components, and applying finishes.
How do I pick new cabinet colors?
The options are endless! Neutral painted cabinets are trendy now. Stained cabinets offer a classic wood look. Go bold with navy blue or green. White remains a popular choice for a light and airy vibe.
Will my kitchen need to be empty during refacing?
It’s best to remove everything from cabinets and drawers to prevent damage during the project. Cook and store food in a spare room or garage kitchen temporarily.
Replacing your dated or damaged kitchen cabinets can be exciting yet daunting. Refacing provides a budget-friendly way to get a beautiful, like-new kitchen in a fraction of the time. With some planning and effort, you can give your kitchen a fresh new look just by refacing your existing cabinetry.