How Long Does Cabinet Refinishing and Refacing Take?

Cabinet refinishing and refacing are transformative ways to breathe new life into your kitchen without the expense of a full renovation. These processes not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your space but also require a blend of expertise, precision, and time management. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: how long does it take? Understanding the time commitment involved can help you plan better and minimize disruptions to your daily routine. Let’s explore the factors that influence project timelines and what to expect from start to finish.

How Long Does Cabinet Refinishing and Refacing Take?

Cabinet refinishing and refacing involve multiple phases, each contributing to the overall timeline. While the physical installation or refinishing phase may only take a few days, the entire process—from design consultations to sourcing materials, pre-construction meetings, and shop work—can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of your project.

Projects that include additional elements like countertops, backsplash, flooring, plumbing, or electrical work can significantly impact the overall timeline. These enhancements require extra planning and coordination, often extending the duration of the project. A Kitchen Redefined representative will discuss these options with you and provide a clear timeline tailored to your specific needs.

Cabinet Refinishing

Cabinet refinishing involves painting or restaining existing cabinet doors and drawers in good condition. This process begins with thorough preparation, followed by applying the new finish to give your cabinets a refreshed look. While refinishing can be faster than refacing, it still requires careful planning and execution. Timeframes for cabinet refinishing include:

• Prep-work: Properly cleaning, sanding, and priming cabinets to ensure a smooth finish.
• Painting: This step involves applying multiple coats, with drying times between each coat to ensure durability.
• Drying time between steps: Once the finish is applied, additional time is needed for it to cure properly.

At Kitchens Redefined, the refinishing process typically includes 4-7 days of on-site work for Phase 1, followed by an additional 2-3 weeks at our shop to complete the cabinet doors. Altogether, refinishing projects may span 3-4 weeks.

While some painters may promise quicker results (1 week), these methods often compromise quality. At Kitchens Redefined, we take the time needed to ensure your cabinets are not only beautiful but also durable. Our process is designed to create a professional finish that withstands daily wear and tear, making the extra time investment well worth it.

Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing involves removing old doors and drawer fronts and replacing them with new ones. This option is ideal for homeowners looking to update their kitchen’s style without altering the layout. The time required for refacing depends on factors such as:

• Design Consultations: Selecting door styles, finishes, and hardware typically takes a few weeks.
• Pre-Construction Meetings: These meetings help finalize the design plan and timeline, usually occurring 2-3 weeks after signing.
• Sourcing and Delivery: High-quality or custom materials can take several weeks to source and deliver.
• Installation: Once everything is ready, the installation phase may take 1-2 days, but any additional painting or adjustments can add to the timeline.

Refacing projects often span several weeks, from initial planning to completion, depending on the material availability and project scope.

The Average Time for Refinishing or Refacing

The average timeline for a cabinet refinishing or refacing project depends on the size and complexity of the job. While smaller projects may be completed within 3-5 days of active work, the overall process typically spans several weeks. For example:

• Design and Planning: 3-6 weeks
• On-Site Work: 4-7 days for refinishing; 1-2 days for refacing
• Shop Work: 2-3 weeks for door refinishing

It’s essential to understand that quality craftsmanship takes time, and every step of the process is tailored to ensure your cabinets meet your expectations.

Managing Expectations

When planning a cabinet refinishing or refacing project, it’s important to consider the entire lifecycle of the project, not just the physical installation. At Kitchens Redefined, we prioritize transparency and clear communication to help you understand each phase of the process. Here are some key considerations:

• Custom Projects: Unique designs or intricate details may require additional time.
• Material Availability: Sourcing custom or vintage hardware can extend timelines.
• Drying and Curing: Paint and stain must dry fully between applications to ensure long-lasting results.

While the physical installation may be completed in a few days, the additional steps leading up to it are crucial to delivering a high-quality result.

Why Some Projects Take Longer

Certain circumstances can extend the timeline for cabinet refinishing or refacing. Vintage or ornate cabinetry often requires extra care, while sourcing custom materials may add delays. Additionally, weather conditions can impact drying times for paint or stain.

While some cabinet refacing and refinishing or painting companies may promise quicker results, these methods often compromise quality. At Kitchens Redefined, we take the time needed to ensure your cabinets are not only beautiful but also durable. Our process is designed to create a professional finish that withstands daily wear and tear, making the extra time investment well worth it.

Kitchens Redefined

At Kitchens Redefined, our mission is to provide you with a hassle-free experience, from the initial consultation through the finished project. We specialize in kitchen cabinet painting/refinishing, cabinet refacing/redooring, countertops, backsplash, cabinet hardware, and cabinet storage solutions. Our experienced staff work tirelessly to make sure your project receives the attention it deserves, and the quality craftsmanship required to meet and exceed your expectations.

Fill out our form to schedule a free in-home consultation for a kitchen cabinet makeover, or call us at (402) 505-3381 to schedule a consultation.