“The problem many homeowners have to deal with when considering a new look in their kitchens or bathrooms is not whether they should do something, but, rather what is the best course of action?” says Tim Marsden, owner of Select Woodworks by TM.
Before homeowners move forward with cabinetry projects, they should be familiar with all the options that are available. In addition to purchasing and installing new cabinets, homeowners can reface cabinets for a new look and at a reduced cost. In fact, refacing cabinets can cost about half as much as purchasing new cabinets! Before venturing ahead with cabinet refacing, Marsden offers several questions and items for consideration.
Tim’s Starting Points:
- Just about any style can be refaced – there is virtually no limit to this!
- Any popular finish can be replicated or replaced with a new finish.
- Consider your budget — refacing can be done without affecting countertops, floors, backsplashes and other related surfaces. New cabinets will affect all of these.
Tim’s Basic Questions: - Is the footprint of your cabinetry going to remain the same? If so, refacing has a huge financial advantage over replacing your cabinets.
- Is timing important to you? Refacing can generally be done within one week. Compare that to three or more weeks for replacing cabinets. Include in your budget new countertops as well because if you are putting in new cabinets, the existing countertops will have to go.
- Is having a mess in your home significant to you? If so, remember that to remove old cabinetry prior to replacement, the tear-out phase is often called demolition. Refacing avoids the disruption and the mess involved with this step.
- Is your floor in good shape? If you like your floor and want to keep it intact, refacing will not affect it at all.
- Are your cabinets structurally sound? If so, nearly anything can be done in terms of refacing. If they are falling apart, nothing can help and its best to consider replacement. In general, if your present cabinets are sound, but are worn with age, have an out-of-date style or a finish which no longer works, refacing is a great option to consider.
Additional Considerations
After considering the above questions and suggestions, also think about the following when refacing cabinets:
- You will need to remove the old doors and hardware, and then either replace or reface the doors, and replace the hardware for a more updated look.
- You may need to occasionally replace selected cabinets, if needed.
- Covering outside body of cabinets with 1/8″ wood veneer will give it a new look.
- Also think about installing new doors, hinges, hardware, knick-knack shelves, cutlery trays, bead boards, under counter lights, lazy susans, etc.
Many people who have refaced cabinets in their homes have been very pleased with the results. Plus, they are also happy with the cost savings!
Leave a Comment