Facts About Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet Refacing Description

• Cabinet refacing could more accurately be called door refacing because that is primarily what is done. Doors and drawer fronts are removed from the built-in cabinets, and a veneer is applied with contact cement or similar adhesive over the existing surface. Cabinet refacing sometimes includes replacing drawer slides, hinges and pulls with new hardware.

Benefits

• Cabinet refacing makes a kitchen look newer and less worn out. Also, the installation of new materials gives an opportunity to update the look of a kitchen to something more contemporary. New appearance and fashionable style not only increase the enjoyment of the home for the current owners, they increase the resale value of the home substantially.

Kinds of Veneers

• Cabinets can be refaced with a variety of materials. Plastic laminate is a common choice. It is made in a large variety of colors and styles, and is durable and easily cleanable. Cabinets can also be refaced with wood laminate, a product made of a very thin layer of real wood. Wood laminate is made from a variety of wood species, some of the more popular being oak, cherry and maple.

Less Expensive

• Cabinet refacing is substantially less expensive than a full replacement. Estimates for refacing the cabinets of a large kitchen run around $10,000, while full replacement would cost between $25,000 and $30,000. Costs for either of these options can be substantially reduced if the homeowners are willing or able to undertake the work themselves.

Faster

• A total replacement of kitchen cabinetry is a major undertaking. It requires extensive demolition, and often rewiring and plumbing changes as well. In addition to the costs of materials and labor, the homeowners often need to live elsewhere while the work is being done, adding further to their costs and the disruption of their lives. In contrast, cabinet refacing can often be completed in as little as three days, with almost no on-site carpentry and demolition required.