My Experience With Refacing Vs Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

My Experience With Refacing Vs Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

When my husband and I first moved into our home, we knew that we wanted to update the kitchen. The cabinets were outdated and worn, but we didn’t want to spend a fortune on a complete overhaul. After doing some research, we discovered the options of refacing and refinishing kitchen cabinets. We decided to try both and see which one would work best for us.

Refacing Vs Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets: What’s the Difference?

Refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones. The cabinet frames remain in place, but they can be covered with a thin veneer to match the new doors and drawer fronts. Refinishing, on the other hand, involves sanding down the existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts and applying a new paint or stain. The cabinet frames are also sanded down and refinished to match.

Step-by-Step Guide: Refacing Vs Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

Refacing:

1. Remove the old cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
2. Measure and order new doors and drawer fronts to fit the existing frames.
3. Cover the existing frames with a veneer to match the new doors and drawer fronts.
4. Install the new doors and drawer fronts onto the existing frames.

Refinishing:

1. Remove the cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
2. Sand down the existing doors and drawer fronts to remove the old finish.
3. Apply a new paint or stain to the doors and drawer fronts.
4. Sand down the existing frames and apply a new paint or stain to match the doors and drawer fronts.
5. Reinstall the doors and drawer fronts onto the frames.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas: Refacing Vs Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

1. Refacing is more expensive than refinishing, but it gives a more polished and professional look.
2. Refinishing is a great option if you want to save money and have some DIY skills.
3. Choose a paint or stain color that complements the rest of your kitchen decor.
4. Consider adding new hardware to your cabinet doors and drawer fronts for a fresh look.
5. Refacing is a better option if you have structural issues with your existing cabinets.
6. Refinishing is a better option if you want to keep the original character of your cabinets.
7. Refinishing is a great way to update your cabinets if they are in good condition but just need a new look.
8. Refacing is a good option if you want to change the layout of your cabinets or add new features.
9. Both options can be completed in a relatively short amount of time.
10. Do your research and get multiple quotes from professionals before making a decision.

Pros and Cons: Refacing Vs Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

Refacing:

Pros:

• Gives a polished and professional look
• Can fix structural issues with existing cabinets
• Allows for layout changes and new features

Cons:

• More expensive than refinishing
• May not be able to keep original character of cabinets

Refinishing:

Pros:

• Less expensive than refacing
• Can maintain original character of cabinets
• Great for updating cabinets in good condition

Cons:

• May not fix structural issues with existing cabinets
• DIY option may not be suitable for everyone

My Personal Review and Suggestion

After trying both options, my husband and I ultimately decided to go with refacing. We had some structural issues with our existing cabinets, and we wanted to change the layout to better fit our needs. The finished product looked amazing and gave our kitchen a completely new look.

However, I would definitely recommend refinishing for those who want to save money and have some DIY skills. It’s a great option for updating cabinets in good condition and can be a fun project to tackle.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: How long does it take to reface or refinish kitchen cabinets?

A: The length of time depends on the size of your kitchen and the complexity of the project. Refacing typically takes 2-4 days, while refinishing can take 3-5 days.

Q: Can I do it myself or do I need to hire a professional?

A: Both options can be done as a DIY project, but it’s important to consider your skill level and the scope of the project. Refacing may require more specialized tools and expertise, while refinishing can be done with basic tools and materials.

Q: How much does it cost to reface or refinish kitchen cabinets?

A: The cost varies depending on the size of your kitchen, the materials used, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. Refacing can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000, while refinishing can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500.