How to Reface Oak Cabinets

Oak cabinets generally consist of real hardwood doors and drawer fronts, with veneer-covered particleboard bodies. Refacing is the process of updating those cabinets without altering the fine look of the oak with paint or stain. You'll re-veneer the cabinet bodies, and switch out the cabinet doorknobs and drawer pulls, changing all but the wood itself.

Screwdriver
Power pad sander
Tape measure
Peel-and-press laminate
Level
Pencil
Razor knife
Small block of wood
Dry washcloth
New cabinet doorknobs and drawer pulls

Instructions

- 1
  Use your screwdriver to remove the oak cabinet doors, shelves, drawers and any other removable items until only the cabinet body remains.
- 2
  Go over the surface of the cabinet body with your power pad sander, dulling the surface throughout.
- 3
  Measure the dimensions of each part of the cabinet body that will be refaced, and mark out the dimensions on the back of your sheets of veneer on the paper backing, with a level and pencil. Add 1 inch to each dimension all around. Cut out each tracing with a razor knife. Leave the paper on the back of the laminate.
- 4
  Attach the laminate pieces by peeling back part of the paper and pressing the laminate to the appropriate section, then peeling back the rest of the paper and pressing the remaining laminate. Rub the surface firmly with a square block of wood wrapped in a dry washcloth. Use your razor knife to trim off the overhang.
- 5
  Unscrew the existing knobs and drawer pulls from the oak doors and drawer fronts. Replace them with the new knobs and drawer pulls. Re-install the doors and drawers.

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