Updating Your Kitchen: Is Cabinet Resurfacing Or Replacement Best For You?

Updating your kitchen using cabinet resurfacing techniques such as cabinet refacing or cabinet refinishing are cost effective alternatives to replacing your cabinets.

Updating a kitchen can be an expensive process. From cabinets to countertops to new appliances and flooring, it's easy to spend from $50,000 to $80,000 on a small kitchen renovation. If you're like most people, you want to get the most bang for your buck. For many homeowners, that means considering cabinet resurfacing, such as refacing or refinishing, instead of completely replacing older cupboards.

Cabinet Refinishing

Cabinet refinishing is probably the cheapest option for renovating cupboards. Cabinet refinishing utilizes the existing frames, doors, and drawers to improve the look of your kitchen. The surfaces are sanded down and a new finish or paint is applied to change the look of the cupboards while maintaining the original layout. The look is often updated with new drawer pulls and door hardware. Because this option uses the existing cupboards, the only expense comes from the materials needed for sanding, staining, or painting, plus labor. This is an excellent alternative for those with a lower budget who are happy with their current layout.

Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing is a middle-of-the-road option for updating your kitchen. It is more expensive than simply refinishing the cupboards, but doesn't have the high cost of replacement. It is a better alternative if your doors and drawers are in poor shape and can't be reused. If you choose to do refacing, the doors and drawers will be removed and discarded. The openings will be measured and new doors and drawers will be ordered. The outer parts will be sanded down and a new veneer will be applied using heat or an adhesive. Once the drawers and doors arrive, they will be matched to the frames and installed. Refacing is also a shorter process than refinishing once the doors and drawers arrive.

Cupboards Replacement

The most expensive option is replacement. If you're unhappy with the configuration or setup of your current kitchen layout, this is the best option for you. When you replace them, you can also hire a designer who works specifically with kitchens to determine how you want it to be laid out. When you replace them, you can change the heights and layout of the room without being limited by your existing setup. However, this customization comes with a steep price tag. Replacement can run you anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000, depending on how many pieces you're purchasing and the types of materials you want to use. The process of replacing cupboards is also lengthier than the rest.

Whether you're doing resurfacing or replacement, you have options when it comes to updating your kitchen. A company that does professional home renovations can be a great resource when you're deciding which option is best for you. They'll be able to come to your home, evaluate your existing cupboards, and tell you whether resurfacing or replacement is your best choice. Get a few different opinions and choose to work with the company that seems the most knowledgeable to guarantee a successful renovation.

Article Tags: Cabinet Resurfacing