In today’s real estate market, many homeowners are opting to stay in place and remodel their homes instead of moving. When it comes to remodeling the kitchen, you have to determine whether to replace or reface your kitchen cabinets. In fact, you may even wonder what cabinet refacing is. Cabinet refacing can be a cost-effective way to transform the kitchen completely. In this post, NU Tub in Springfield, IL, explains what refacing is and how it works to help you make a decision.
How Cabinet Refacing Works
Whether you DIY the process or have it done by professionals, cabinet refacing works similarly. Basically, you apply wood veneers using proper application materials. Of course, it’s not exactly that easy. Here are the steps:
First, remove the cabinet doors and drawer faces. Now, it’s essential to make sure the cabinet box remains intact. Next, cover the front of the cabinet boxes where the faces attach with a pre-selected wood veneer or Rigid Thermofoil. Of course, you also use the same process with the outer cabinet boxes.
Hinges and Hardware
When it comes to cabinet refacing, the best situation is when you’re current hinges and hardware are in great share. That’s because you want to use most, if not all, of it with the new cabinets. Of course, you can swap out hinges and external hardware. In fact, changing the outer hardware contributes to the transformation. However, any hardware that maintains the cabinet boxes’ structural integrity should be in good working order.
Going for Gusto
Sometimes, you can add an extra flair to the project by introducing glass panels and lighting. In addition, consider kitchen elements, such as spice racks and other storage accessories. Finally, crown molding can complete the look and add a luxurious, custom feel to the space.
A professional cabinet refacer typically completes a kitchen or bath project in one to three days. On the other hand, if you DIY, you should probably expect a week or so. Of course, an entire kitchen remodel that includes replacing cabinets can take a month or longer.
Evaluating Cabinets for Refacing
Just because your cabinets are old doesn’t mean you can’t reface them. In fact, older wood cabinetry is often in better shape than more current manufactured cabinets. It’s really about their construction. Well-constructed hardwood cabinets make good candidates for refacing because they have solid, sturdy surfaces to adhere to the veneer. Moreover, the cabinet door and drawers can securely fasten to the surfaces.
Finally, the last aspect to consider is your kitchen’s layout and storage space. If you opt for cabinet refacing, you limit yourself to the current layout and storage areas. Why? Because nothing changes with the cabinet interior. If you want to redo layouts and interior storage, you may choose cabinet replacement instead.NU Tub Does More than Tubs
At NU Tub, we work on more than bathtubs. We are passionate about cabinet and countertop refacing, too. We also work equally with residential homeowners and commercial businesses. If you’re interested in cabinet refacing in Springfield or Peoria or one of our other services, call (217) 522-1850 to learn more.