Unfortunately, many people interested in new kitchen cabinets never even consider diy kitchen cabinet refacing. Instead, they dive in, shopping for the highest quality cabinets they can afford. Of course, when finances are not an issue, then new cabinets are certainly an excellent choice but when trying to update or transform a kitchen and finances are an issue, another option exists that would make the cabinets look brand new.
If you are in this situation, finding that your kitchen cabinets are starting to show their age with scratches, worn areas, or faced paint or stain, instead of spending a fortune having new cabinets installed you might look at all the benefits that come with kitchen cabinet refacing. With this, you could literally achieve any look or style wanted but for a fraction of the cost you would pay for new cabinets, even readymade kitchen cabinets.
When talking about kitchen cabinet refacing, this could be something simple or a more complex makeover. For instance, refacing could involve sanding the front of the existing cabinets and drawers, followed by painting or staining them. However, the more official method of kitchen cabinet refacing involves the doors and drawers being completely replaced. Typically, a professional would complete the job, based on the style and materials you want.
However, one of the main benefits of kitchen cabinets refacing is that many choices would make perfect do-it-yourself projects. A prime example would be using a skill saw to cut the wood face out of the frame. Then, you would choose the replacement material, let us say Plexiglas so dishes on the inside of the cabinets could be displayed. You would measure a piece of Plexiglas to fit into the open face, extending it by three inches in diameter. Then, using a commercial grade adhesive, the piece of Plexiglas would be attached on the backside, and then secured in place with anchors that would be screwed in.
The result would be kitchen cabinets that now have a see-through front, which again, makes it possible to display your favorite or collectible dishes, but also giving the kitchen an entirely new aesthetics. With this material for kitchen cabinet refacing, as well as other materials, you could take the project one-step further. For instance, instead of leaving the Plexiglas plain, for about $10 you could purchase a stencil and etching chemicals from your local hardware, home improvement, or hobby store. After following the directions provided by the manufacturer, you would end up with a beautiful etched design that further enhances the cabinets.
In trying to decide if kitchen cabinet refacing is the right choice for value or not, consider this. If your home were built a minimum of 30 years ago, chances are good that your existing cabinets are made from plywood or wood. In addition, workmanship was probably better than what you might pay for today. Therefore, instead of gutting the kitchen and spending $8,000 and up for new kitchen cabinets, refacing would probably be the best choice.
For cabinets of this age, most were made using innovative installation processes that produced a strong cabinet and in fact, many of the older cabinets are extra deep or wider than cabinets made today. With refacing, you would still be able to enjoy these special features while changing the appearance of the cabinets on the outside. After all, if you were to order cabinets using rabbets or dovetails for construction, or those that are wide and/or deep, you would spend a fortune. Therefore, refacing would actually leave with high quality cabinets, but again with a fresh look.
As mentioned, if you do not have the time, interest, or skill to do your own refacing, you could also hire a contractor or cabinetmaker to do the refacing of the kitchen cabinets for you. In this case, make sure you get at least three estimates from reputable companies. Find out about the material that would be used, the construction method, and the guarantee that would be offered. With this, you would have confidence in the company you choose, ending with a gorgeous new kitchen all because of cabinet refacing.
