Are you daydreaming about a brand new modern kitchen but it’s just not on the budget? Your tired and worn-out cabinets are putting a damper on your kitchen style? Not to worry, there is a solution that will transform and refresh your kitchen at a fraction of the cost. In this article, we will guide you through the process of refacing kitchen cabinets and all of their pros and cons.
What Is Refacing Kitchen Cabinets?
Kitchen cabinet refacing is the process of giving your kitchen cabinetry a new look by replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and other accessories.
A lot of homeowners choose to do this because they are tired of looking at an outdated kitchen or want to update their home’s appearance. Refacing kitchen cabinets is a cost-effective alternative to replacing them. Cabinet refacing is not only popular because it’s so inexpensive, but also because it requires minimal effort on behalf of the homeowner.
What Are The Benefits Of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets? Is It Worth It To Reface Kitchen Cabinets?
Kitchen remodels are very expensive and replacing kitchen cabinets can amount to almost half of the remodeling budget! A cheaper alternative than remodeling, refacing cabinets can be done in just one day or two with minimal disruption to your family’s routine. It is the quickest way to get back on track when you are running short on time, finances, or both.
Refacing kitchen cabinets has many benefits. It is the easiest and most affordable way to give your kitchen a facelift. Not only does it change the look of your kitchen, but it also improves the function and value of your home. Considering the full remodel cost, we think that refacing kitchen cabinets is definitely a great investment in your house and worth the trouble!
Do You Actually Need To Reface Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Cabinets are an important part of any kitchen. They make up the structure, storage, and style of your cooking space. Before deciding if you should reface or replace your kitchen cabinets, consider their current state and your goals with the space. If your idea is to update your kitchen and make it feel more modern, but your cabinets are in good condition, then the solution might be refacing cabinets instead of replacing them.
Reface Vs Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
Here are some basic things you need to take into account before you go ahead with refacing or replacing your cabinets. Consider the following:
Are your kitchen cabinets in good working order? Have they sustained any damage (water damage, or simply damage from wear and tear)? Can you open and close the doors without issues? Are your cabinets made out of low-quality materials or are they top-quality cabinets only outdated? How old are they?
If your cabinets are of great quality without any damage and with properly working doors and drawers, our suggestion would be to reface them. Chipped paint and unfashionable looks don’t have to cost a ton to be updated. There are many ways you can spruce them up and avoid breaking the budget. But if your cabinets need replacing, we advise consulting professionals in order to find the best solution at the right price.
If only some of your cabinets are damaged, you can perhaps replace only those with similar cabinets or get adventurous and mix it up! Mixing and matching kitchen cabinets can look charming and modern. Another alternative is to go for the open-shelf concept. You can simply remove the cabinet doors if they are damaged and embrace a whole new look that is completely free!
How To Reface Kitchen Cabinets?
Refacing kitchen cabinets is a process that can take anywhere from one to four days, depending on the size of your kitchen and expertise. Most professionals can get the job done in a day or two, but if you are trying to DIY kitchen cabinet refacing you should plan for it to take a bit longer.
Kitchen cabinet refacing starts with removing your cabinet doors and drawers and then following it with the covering of the boxes and sides with wood veneers or RTF. Refacing kitchen cabinet doors also involves replacing the existing surface with a new veneer or it can mean a complete change and installation of brand new doors!
If your hinges are in good condition they will be reused, but if they are old and damaged, new hinges should be installed. Then, the new or improved doors and drawers are added to the cabinets as well as hardware. As is the case with hinges, the hardware too can remain the same if in good condition. But if your goal is to revitalize your kitchen, adding new and exciting knobs and pulls can really transform the place!
When choosing the new look for your cabinets, try to take into consideration the style of the rest of your kitchen and go for the options that will remain timeless for years to come. Make sure the colors complement the countertops, walls, and your home but feel free to get creative with the details, such as hardware. You can read our blog post and get some inspiration for beautiful hardware combinations and trends.
If you are wondering “can I reface my kitchen cabinets myself” the answer is yes, this can be a DIY project if you are crafty and willing to put in the time and patience.
How To Measure Kitchen Cabinets For Refacing?
It is easy to measure kitchen cabinets with a few basic tools. You’ll need a tape measure and something to note the measurements, a pencil or paper, or your phone. You will measure the height, width, and depth as well as the interior of the cabinets, note any obstructions such as sinks, windows, or appliances, and cabinet elements such as hinges and knobs.
The most important part of this process is the accurate measuring of the drawers and doors. When measuring the doors, you should measure the height (top to bottom) and width (side to side), and make sure all of the cabinets are of the same size and not just look like they are. And when you are measuring the drawers, you should measure the height and width of the fronts as well as the height, width, and depth of the drawer boxes.
You can check out this video for more detailed instructions.
How Much Does It Cost To Reface Kitchen Cabinets?
The cost of refacing kitchen cabinets varies by the size of the kitchen, the condition of the cabinets, and what type of finish is desired. The average cost to reface kitchen cabinets is usually a lot cheaper than completely replacing the cabinets. When hiring a professional for the job you can expect to pay about 30 to 50% less than you would for brand new cabinets. While the costs are even lower if you plan to reface the cabinets yourself. Kitchen cabinet refacing costs for DIY-ers can be a few thousand dollars while a professional job can cost around $7000 or more.
If you are wondering what is the cost of painting kitchen cabinets vs refacing and if that’s perhaps a better option for you, we recommend you read our blog post.
In Conclusion: The Pros And Cons Of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
Deciding whether refacing kitchen cabinets is right for you is very individual and depends on your needs and budget. Here are a few pros and cons that should help you determine if this is the solution for your project.
Pros of kitchen cabinet refacing:
- You can keep the existing kitchen layout. If your current kitchen layout is perfect for your needs but you want a little refresher, then refacing is the right choice for you.
- There are endless veneer and wood styles and possibilities for doors and drawers. Upgrade and transform your kitchen and make it look like a place out of an interior design magazine without breaking the bank!
- It saves you money. Compared to a full remodel or replacement of kitchen cabinets, refacing is definitely the more budget-friendly option.
- It’s eco-friendly. Keeping your cabinet boxes and only replacing the doors and drawer fronts is better for the environment, considering no additional trees need to be cut.
Cons of kitchen cabinet refacing:
- You are stuck with the same kitchen layout. If you wanted a complete transformation, then a simple reface is not going to do the trick.
- It’s not easy to DIY. While this is a tempting option, it does require some craftiness and skill when it comes to applying veneers. But if you are only installing new doors and drawer fronts, then knock yourself out.
- It can get expensive. Depending on the state of your cabinets and if you have to change all the hardware alongside the drawers and doors, the costs can add up.
Reface Your Kitchen Cabinets With Savona Kitchen And Bath
The best cabinet refacing is easy kitchen cabinet refacing and you can get exactly that with the help of Savona Kitchen and Bath. We have a vast selection of kitchen cabinet doors and drawers that you can choose for your kitchen upgrade. Our team is here to answer any questions you might have and to help you find the best solution for your remodel. Feel free to contact us and schedule a free consultation or a showroom appointment and we’ll get right down to work!
