Remodeling your kitchen can be an expensive process and a major component of the cost is replacing your kitchen cabinets. One way to cut costs and still get a new kitchen is by refacing kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them. Refaced cabinets not only look as good as new ones, they also have a renewed life.
Your kitchen is an important component in the overall value of your home. If you are thinking of selling your home, a great looking kitchen adds to its value and kitchen cabinet refacing is a great way to achieve this at economical rates.
Kitchen cabinet refacing is not a complex procedure. It consists of replacing the doors, the front panels of the drawers and the hardware – the hinges and handles. The external surfaces can be re-finished with veneer, laminate, thermo-foil or simply painted to match the style of the doors. The interiors of the cabinets can be either re-laminated or painted. Refacing cabinets in a normal sized kitchen can be done in one week.
But refacing kitchen cabinets is not a universal solution for every remodeled kitchen. It can only be done in cases where the cabinets are in good condition. If the structure of the cabinets is not solid and there are problems of bent wood, damaged fiberboard or rusted metal, refacing does not work – the result looks shabby and the new look does not last. Also, if you are changing the layout of your kitchen, refacing kitchen cabinets will not work. You need a new design that fits your kitchen and refacing what you already have will leave you with cabinets that may look good but look out of place.
There are a large variety of refacing options to choose from. To get the best results you need to first plan the complete kitchen remodel and finalize your new color schemes and finishes that will be used in other parts of the room. The look of the countertops, floors, windows, doors and appliances will influence the look of the cabinets. Consider refacing with maple or oak finishes to give a traditional look while using white pine will add a country feel to the kitchen.
Besides just renewing the existing look, refacing kitchen cabinets can also include some minor modifications that can change the total look of the cabinets. Adding molding and attractive drawer pulls can add a lot to the look. Removing some doors and leaving a few cabinets open, will create a more open effect. This effect can also be achieved by using glass doors to allow the display of glassware, silver and pottery etc. The use of glass doors also gives an expensive look to the cabinets.
Since you are saving money by refacing, you can look at using the money saved to improve the look and functionality of the kitchen as a whole. More cabinets can be added, new or additional features such as a Lazy Susan to access hard-to-reach areas, a new island or pantry, pull out shelves, roll out drawers and trays are just some of the things you can think of. Wire basket storage compartments are becoming more and more popular.
Kitchen cabinet refacing can be simple but requires skill and attention to small details which affect functionality and appearance. If you want to have the work done by professionals, make sure that the contractor you hire for the job has the ability to do a good job and the taste to ensure that the final effect is pleasing. The best way to do this is to go beyond interviewing contractors and reference checking and to look at the work they have already done. Besides the general appearance, look for the finer things. Are the seams and joins smooth, gap free and straight? Are the doors fitted straight and close properly? Is the finish smooth throughout and is the grain properly aligned on the doors, drawer panels and frame? If the work done is satisfactory to you and the prices quoted are acceptable, proceed with the contractor.
You can also do the work yourself. Kitchen remodeling companies and home improvement stores sell you doors, laminates, paint, hinges, drawer pulls and all the other items you will need. These shops will also be able to provide advice you may need on the best type of paint and laminates for your needs.