Refacing vs. Painting Kitchen Cabinets: Which is the Better Option?

Cabinet Refacing Versus Painting Kitchen Cabinets

With the cost of a full-scale kitchen remodel easily exceeding tens of thousands of dollars and taking weeks or even months to complete, it’s no wonder that many homeowners are on the hunt for more affordable and efficient alternatives. Two options homeowners are likely to come across are cabinet refacing and simply repainting their cabinetry. But when it comes to cabinet refacing versus painting kitchen cabinets, which option is better? Our brief primer on these two cabinet replacement alternatives will help you make the right selection for your needs and budget.

What Does Painting Kitchen Cabinets Entail?

Before deciding if painting your cabinetry is the right solution, you should first define exactly what you mean by painting. Simply applying a new coat of paint to your cabinets is certainly the fastest and most affordable solution, but it is unlikely to provide you with the results that you want. Without properly prepping your cabinets for a new finish, the paint is unlikely to adhere properly, leaving an uneven finish. What’s more, the paint will quickly begin to chip and peel with daily use.A better option than simply painting your cabinets is having them professionally refinished. This process involves properly preparing the cabinet surfaces with repairs, sanding, and undercoating before applying the new finish. Unlike simply repainting cabinets, refinishing can provide beautiful, lasting results if done correctly.

What is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing refers to a specific process wherein the doors and drawer fronts are removed, but the cabinet boxes are left in place. Then a veneer or laminate material is applied to the cabinet boxes before brand-new doors and drawer fronts are installed. The goal of cabinet refacing is to completely transform the look of outdated cabinetry. Because the process is far less resource- and labor-intensive than a cabinet replacement, refacing can be an excellent, cost-effective option that allows for plenty of customization.

Which Options is Best for You?

As explained above, simply painting your cabinets is typically not a viable alternative to replacement. However, cabinet refacing and cabinet refinishing are both excellent solutions that can save you money without sacrificing quality results. To decide which option is best, think about what you’re trying to achieve with your remodel. Do you want to completely update the style of your cabinets? If so, cabinet refacing is probably the best fit because you’ll be able to select new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware in the style you like most. If you’d like to preserve the current style of your cabinetry, you’re better off choosing cabinet refinishing. When completed correctly, refinishing will bring your cabinets back to life, eliminating any sign of wear while allowing you to choose a new finish that you love.

Trust Your Project to Home Solutions by Kurtis

Refacing versus painting kitchen cabinets—the experts at Home Solutions by Kurtis are here to help you make the right choice for your needs and budget. Indeed, we believe value is the new luxury and are committed to providing truly custom solutions with options to suit every need and budget. Learn more about our affordable alternatives to cabinet replacement by contacting us today.