Complete Guide to Cabinet Refacing 

Cabinet refacing updates your kitchen by replacing doors and drawer fronts and applying new veneers, all at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement. Do check cabinet refacing of seattle

What is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing updates kitchen cabinets by replacing doors and drawer fronts and applying new veneers to the existing boxes, giving a fresh look while keeping the structure intact.

Steps to Reface Cabinets

Remove Doors and Hardware:

Take off the cabinet doors, drawers, and their fronts. Keep the drawer boxes. If needed, replace old slides and tracks.

Reface the Cabinet Boxes:

Cover the cabinet box fronts with a new veneer, such as natural wood or rigid thermofoil (RTF).

Reface the Cabinet Sides:

Apply veneer or laminate to the sides of the cabinets.

Install Hinges:

Replace old hinges with new ones or reuse them if they are in good condition.

Install New Doors and Drawer Fronts:

Attach the new doors and drawer fronts.

Install New Hardware:

Add new knobs, handles, and drawer pulls for a fresh look.

Add Accessories:

Consider adding extras like crown moulding, glass panels, or storage accessories.

What You’ll Need

Tools:

Screwdrivers, veneer edge trimmer, laminate trimmer, sandpaper or sanding blocks.

Materials:

Veneer kit, cabinet hardware (pulls, knobs, slides), doors, drawer fronts, hinges, and optional accessories.

Before You Begin

Check cabinets for sturdy construction, smooth surfaces, and good internal hardware like drawer tracks. If not, refacing may not be worth it.

DIY vs. Professional Refacing

You can reface cabinets yourself with a kit or hire a pro. DIY takes about a week, and costs less, but needs skill. Pro refacing takes three days, and costs more, but ensures a polished result.

Costs of Cabinet Refacing

Professional refacing costs 30-50% less than custom cabinet replacement, starting at ₹6,500 per linear foot for laminate finishes and up to ₹32,000 per foot for real wood veneers. DIY refacing ranges from ₹3,00,000 to ₹7,50,000, depending on kitchen size.

Pros and Cons of Cabinet Refacing

Pros:

Cost Savings:

About half the price of new custom cabinets.

Eco-Friendly:

Keeps old cabinets out of landfills and saves trees.

Many Style Options:

Choose from various veneers, including laminate and natural wood.

Cons:

Possible Finishing Needed:

Wood veneers may require staining and varnishing.

Limited Layout Changes:

Can’t significantly alter the kitchen layout.

Unchanged Interiors:

Existing internal features remain the same, possibly needing repainting.

Costly Additions:

Veneer kits, new doors, hardware, and accessories can add up, sometimes nearing the cost of new stock cabinets.

Alternatives to Cabinet Refacing

If refacing or remodeling is costly, try cabinet refinishing. It’s up to 70% cheaper than replacement, involving painting or staining existing cabinets. Updating pulls also refreshes the look and is eco-friendly, rejuvenating cabinets.

Is Cabinet Refacing Right for Me?

Cabinet refacing is a good option if your cabinets are sturdy and in good shape, and you want a new look without changing the layout. If your cabinets have structural issues or lack storage features, new cabinets might be a better choice.