Before You Remodel Your Whole Kitchen, Try Cabinet Refinishing and Refacing

Kitchen remodels are one of the most popular home projects. Done well, they can greatly increase your home’s value and give you a decent return on investment (ROI). In fact, the industry's standard ROI for mid-range kitchen makeovers falls between 50% to 60% of your overall budget for remodeling. More importantly, though, the kitchen serves as the center of a home. It should be beautiful and functional, too!

But before you remodel your whole kitchen, try cabinet refinishing and refacing. This process can save you time, money, and even allow more quality customization than you could afford if you went for a whole remodel! Not convinced? Keep reading!

What is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing, also known as cabinet resurfacing, is a term used to describe a process of changing the look of your cabinets. The face, which includes the new doors, is either painted or a wood veneer is used. This surface, which we refer to as a “skin”, is applied to the existing cabinet fronts and exposed sides. The process may also include new trim. Cabinet refacing can also apply to having your surfaces either painted or stained.

With cabinet refacing, the name says it all. Instead of ripping out all your cabinets, you keep your kitchen cabinet boxes and simply put a new face on them. Most reputable cabinet refacing companies use high-quality real wood doors, such as maple or cherry. They may also use real wood veneers on the face and sides, though if you want a painted look, they can paint the boxes on-site and skip the veneer.

What is Cabinet Refinishing?

Cabinet refinishing is a term used to describe changing the finish on existing cabinets, including the doors. Whereas cabinet refacing includes new doors, with refinishing you keep the doors and stain everything a color that is close to the existing color or a little darker, or paint these surfaces. With refinishing, everything is kept in place, only the finish of the cabinets is changed.

Like refacing, with cabinet refinishing, you keep your kitchen cabinet boxes. However, you will also keep doors, drawers, and other components and proceed to change the color cosmetically. As another economical option to replacing your cabinets, refinishing often involves sanding and restaining/repainting your cabinetry. However, keep in mind that refinishing is not always an option depending on the condition of your cabinets and the original materials used.

Kitchen Remodel Costs

You may be wondering if it is more expensive to replace or reface/refinish? That all depends on the project. Are you happy with the existing layout of your kitchen, or do you want to make some changes? The more changes you make, such as if you want to change the layout or add taller cabinets, the more sense it makes to go with new cabinets. 

However, refinishing is typically just 25 percent of the cost of new cabinets, while refacing is about half the cost of new cabinets. With those major savings, you can add some additional customization to really upgrade the space. Thus, it’s common to add upgrades like more trim or modifying a cabinet or two to fully achieve the desired results. Modifying a couple of cabinets could include adding glass panels or cabinet lights - luxuries you’ll be able to afford with your savings. 

Benefits of Cabinet Refacing over Replacing

One major advantage of cabinet refacing over replacement is the minimal downtime you can expect. Your kitchen can be completed in as little as two or three days! With minimal mess or demolition, many homeowners are able to continue using their kitchen while it is being remodeled. And as anyone who has lived through a remodel can tell you - that is PRICELESS. 

Here are some additional great benefits you can expect:

Save Time

The process of tearing out your existing hardware for new cabinets can prove to be an intensive project. And even a day or two without a functioning kitchen can be a huge headache. Instead of waiting for weeks for your new cabinets to arrive and be installed, you can rely on cabinet refacing to get the job done in mere days. Less downtime for you and your family can make life easier, so you can enjoy the upgrade!

Reduce Waste

Fewer materials to replace equates to less waste placed in our landfills. Many people appreciate working with a home remodeling company dedicated to eco-friendly results!

Save Money

Reducing the time, labor, and materials needed to renovate your kitchen cabinets will all lower the total cost. A trusted professional resurfacing/refinishing company will focus on quality results through proven means to streamline costs and save you money. And as we mentioned earlier, you’re already looking at a potential saving of 50 to 75 percent off a complete remodel!

Create Something Beautiful

By replacing the fronts of your existing cabinet fronts, doors, and drawers, you’re creating a dynamic new design that can provide high-quality improvements for years to come. Professional remodelers know how to create lasting value and beauty. And with the money you save on the cabinets, you’ll be able to upgrade and customize the space. People will think you spent 10 times what you actually did!

Increase Your Home Value

Improvements in the beauty and functionality of your kitchen will undoubtedly increase your property value. When you work with a trusted home remodeling contractor, they will focus on quality at each step of the process. This will help maximize your home’s value once the project is complete. 

Why You Should Trust a Professional Cabinet Refacing Company

Home remodelers and DIYers love the beauty and value afforded by cabinet refacing, and for good reason! A trusted professional cabinet company will have the expertise to ensure your project is affordable, high-quality, and completed on time. And it’s a lasting value!

With proper maintenance and care, your refaced kitchen cabinets should last throughout the lifetime of your current cabinet system. Companies like Detail Design & Remodeling have met our 7-point Investigative Standard. That’s how we know they rely on the best practices to ensure your cabinets are built correctly. They also back their work with industry-leading warranties to ensure you are completely satisfied with the results.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for ways to update your kitchen, you should  consider giving your cabinetry a facelift. Refacing or refinishing your cabinets is a great way to overhaul the look of your home without the drawn-out process of demolition and full renovation. And when you use a TrustDALE certified professional, you're always protected by Dale's trademark $10,000 Make-It-Right Guarantee. So start looking for a trusted cabin refinishing/refacing professional in your area today!