Remodeling Your Kitchen: Is Cabinet Resurfacing Or Replacement A Better Choice

If you're considering remodeling your kitchen, you might be interested in saving some money by choosing cabinet resurfacing instead of replacing all the cabinets. See if cabinet refinishing or cabinet refacing is an option for you.

If you're thinking of updating your kitchen, one of the things you need to decide is what you're going to do with your cabinets. Many people assume that they'll need to completely replace the cabinets, which can make the remodeling job skyrocket in price. However, there are alternatives, as long as your cabinets are in good condition structurally. Learn whether cabinet resurfacing, such as cabinet refinishing or refacing, is an option, or if you need to replace your cabinets completely.

Cabinet Refinishing

Cabinet refinishing is usually the cheapest way to change the look of your cabinets, but in order for this to work correctly, your existing doors, drawers and structure of the cabinets need to be in good condition. The doors and drawers are removed and everything is sanded down. A new paint or stain is applied to everything and new hardware is typically added to further refresh the look. You can do this on your own, though some homeowners do choose to hire a professional to handle it. A professional company that does this type of home improvement job on a regular basis will have a good idea if your cupboards are in good enough shape to handle sanding and repainting or restaining. Also, if you're planning on replacing laminate countertops with a solid surface such as marble or granite, make sure your cupboards are strong enough to handle the additional weight. If they're not strong enough, you may need to consider replacing them, going with a lighter weight countertop, or reinforcing the countertop with decorative brackets.

Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing is a more expensive option than refinishing, but is still cheaper than a total replacement. This is ideal for homeowners who want to completely change the exterior look of their cupboards, but like the layout and design of their current kitchen. If you're going to go with refacing, the doors and drawers will be removed and discarded (ask to see if the wood can be recycled instead of simply thrown away). The cupboards will be measured for new doors and drawers and a veneer will be applied to the frame. Once the new doors and drawers arrive, they'll be attached with new hardware. Cabinet refacing can take longer than simply refinishing since you need to wait for the custom doors and drawers, but once they arrive, the work can be completed in just a few days.

Cupboard Replacement

If you're looking to change the layout or design of your kitchen, replacement is a better option. If you're going to replace your cupboards, consider hiring a kitchen designer to help you determine what features you want and the best layout for your kitchen. Replacing your cabinets is the most expensive option and usually takes the longest to complete because your existing cupboards will need to be gutted and then replaced with the new ones.

Remodeling your kitchen is stressful, but exciting. Many homeowners report that the finished project is well worth the expense and stress and wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

Article Tags: Cabinet Resurfacing, You're Going