The Ultimate Guide to Refinishing, Refacing, & Replacing Cabinets

Cabinets Uncategorized Apr 9

The cabinets in a kitchen or bathroom work as a functional storage space while tying the entire aesthetic of the room together. When the time comes to renovate or give a kitchen or bathroom a facelift, homeowners may consider whether their cabinets need to be refinished, refaced, or replaced. This guide will outline the basics of each option to help narrow down which choice is best for existing cabinets based on the state of the cabinets, budget, function, and style preferences. 

Key takeaway

Homeowners can reap the rewards of remodeled kitchens and bathrooms featuring updated cabinetry: they can enjoy the new look and functionality now, and know that the cabinet updates will likely add to their home’s value. 

Refinishing Cabinets

 Refinishing cabinets involves changing the appearance of the cabinets while maintaining the same base, frames, and doors. This is simply a way to give wood cabinets a refresh without changing materials or removing anything. It is an ideal choice for homeowners on a budget that are happy with the structure and orientation of kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Cabinet Refinishing Pros:

More affordable than resurfacing or replacing cabinets

Quicker than resurfacing or replacing cabinets

Cabinet Refinishing Cons:

Not available for all cabinet materials

Will not fix major dents or damages

Cannot change the overall design or layout of kitchen cabinets

 For this option to work, the current cabinets should be in good condition and strong enough to withstand any sanding or paint-stripping necessary prior to painting or staining. Laminate, thermofoil, and other cabinet materials may not be refinished since they cannot be sanded, stripped, painted, or stained. 

3 Ways to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets

 Homeowners may choose to paint, stain or glaze their cabinets. Each refinishing option offers different properties and strengths that affect the longevity and appearance of the cabinets. 

1.Staining

 Restraining kitchen or bathroom cabinets is a terrific way to refinish the surface to showcase the natural grain of the wood while adding rich color tones. Stains can only be  used with natural wood doors and cabinets instead of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or high-density fiberboard (HDF) materials. Stained cabinets tend to be easier to maintain and last longer. The only downside to this refinishing option is that color options are limited, and the cabinets won’t be as smooth as if they were painted. 

2.Painting

 Paint is the way to go for flawlessly smooth, solid color cabinets. Paint will hide any wood grains or defining markings, which may be a positive or negative depending on the person and the cabinets. Many homeowners hiring professionals for bathroom or kitchen remodeling in Livonia will opt for classic white to brighten up the space and make it seem bigger. Professional application is recommended as painting cabinets can be a complex process requiring expert sanding, prep, and proper application. Paint is not ideal for engineered wood, MDF, or HDF cabinets since they cannot be refinished to be properly prepped. 

3.Glazing

 Glazing will act as a top coat to whichever stain or paint is present on cabinets. This form of refinishing adds dimension and contrast to kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Consider an accent glaze to create a decorative contrast, or apply it throughout to add overall texture or sheen to cabinets. 

Cost to Refinish Cabinets

 Cabinet refinishing is the most affordable and time-efficient way to update cabinets. Cabinet refinishing projects are estimated to fall within a range of $1,700 - $4000 depending on the type of refinishing done and the overall square foot of cabinetry being worked on. 

Refacing Cabinets

 Cabinet refacing, otherwise known as cabinet resurfacing, involves the installation of new drawer fronts and cabinet doors as well as the veneering of cabinet boxes. Refacing often includes replacing cabinet hardware, side panels, moldings, and face framings. This is a great option for homeowners hoping to update the style, design, or color of cabinetry that is in good shape. Cabinet Refacing Pros:

Less expensive than a full replacement

Cabinets aren't sent to the landfill

Involves less mess and disruption

 Cabinet Refacing Cons:

Cabinet boxes must be in good shape

All boxes remain the same size and in the same locations

The insides of the cabinets won’t be redone

Less customization or design options than cabinet replacements 

Cabinet Refacing Cost

 Refacing cabinets typically costs somewhere between $4,000 to $9,500 depending on how many cabinets need to be done as well as the quality of the door fronts choosen.

Replacing Cabinets

 A cabinet replacement involves the complete replacement of existing cabinets with new ones. This may be required if there is structural damage in current cabinetry or if the functionality no longer works for the homeowner. Brand-new cabinets allow for an entirely new design, style, color, and layout of a kitchen or bathroom space. Cabinet Replacement Pros:

Add more space, if needed

Boosts home resale value

Allows for a complete redesign

 Cabinet Replacement Cons:

More expensive than refacing

Involves more disruption as the kitchen will be unusable during removal and installation

Wastes potentially functional cabinets 

Cabinet Replacement Cost

 The average cost to replace kitchen cabinets falls between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on various factors. Custom cabinets are the most expensive type of cabinetry and may cost anywhere from $7,000 to $9,000 for a 10x10 kitchen. 

What is the Most Affordable Way to Update Cabinets?

 Refinishing will be the most cost-effective way to update cabinets. This option typically costs a fraction of the budget required for cabinet refacing or replacement, as it uses current materials and requires the least amount of disruption. 

What is the Most Environmentally-Friendly Way to Update Cabinets?

 Cabinet refacing is the most eco-friendly option as it works with current cabinets without sending items to the landfill. Refacing is the next eco-friendly option, as it makes use of most of the existing cabinetry, sending only cabinet doors and drawer fronts to the landfill. Cabinet replacement is the least eco-friendly option, but it is possible to donate good cabinets to recycling yards. 

Hire Professionals to Refinish, Resurface, or Replace Cabinets

 All three cabinet updates require extensive experience, skills, and tools to ensure the job is done well the first time. Professional kitchen and bathroom remodelers know how to update existing cabinetry properly or install brand-new cabinetry. Experienced installers will set and precisely level base cabinets, which is critical to ensuring that counters remain level and last longer. Hire trusted experts in bathroom and kitchen remodeling in Livonia to get started with refinishing, refacing, or replacing old or outdated cabinets. They are also experts at installing vanities and everything you need for kitchen and bathroom remodels.