The Kitchen Cabinet 3 R’s: Redooring, Refacing, Refinishing
You have decided to refresh your kitchen. You love the layout and nothing major needs to be done, but you want to update the look. You know that your cabinets need some serious attention but the idea of ripping them out is making you hesitate. You are not up for a complicated remodel and takeout meals for months.
HGTV.com helps you determine what you should do with Cabinets: Should You Replace or Reface?
If you decide that you do not need to replace your existing cabinets, you are in the market for resurfacing, refacing, or refinishing your current cabinets. These are cost effective alternatives that make more sense for the environment, leave you with a working kitchen, are less of a hassle, and take less of your time. However, you need to understand the difference between these options so you know what is right for you.
REDOORING
Redooring kitchen cabinets involves replacing all cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones, while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. Additionally, cabinet side panels, face frames, and moldings can be replaced to ensure a cohesive look throughout. This process allows for the concealment of any blemishes or finish issues, providing the opportunity to update the wood, color, or door style for a fresh and modern appearance. You also have the option to install new hardware or add crown molding to further enhance the overall aesthetic. An example of a cabinet redooring project we have completed can be viewed here!
REFACING
Refacing cabinets is often used interchangeably with resurfacing, particularly within the realm of cabinet makers and professional remodelers. Essentially, refacing entails giving the front or visible surfaces of the cabinets a facelift. It is a more economical and less drastic option compared to resurfacing, and can be completed in a shorter time frame. By selecting new doors and drawer fronts to replace the existing ones, and covering the existing cabinet boxes with a matching veneer, you can achieve a seamless and updated look. The wide array of colors and finishes available makes it easy to tailor the cabinets to your desired style. This approach is ideal for those looking to refresh their kitchen’s appearance without altering the layout, as the replacement of doors and drawer faces eliminates the need for them to be in pristine condition. An example of a cabinet refacing before and after we have done can be viewed here!
How does redooring cabinets differ from refacing cabinets in terms of cost and process?
Redooring cabinets is more affordable than refacing cabinets. Redooring entails replacing old cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones, while refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts and adding a new wood veneer to the face of existing cabinets. The refacing process involves more steps and time
REFINISHING
There is a larger difference between resurfacing or refacing cabinets and refinishing cabinets. Kitchen cabinet refinishing means that you keep all components of your existing cabinetry and simply change the color or the finish. This is often done by hand sanding or chemically stripping the existing finish from the wood and then applying new paint or stain.
If your cabinets are in excellent condition and you love the style but the color is all wrong, refinishing is the choice for you. Refinishing is the most affordable option and usually the quickest way to bring life back into dated cabinets. If your cabinets are made of laminate or thermofoil, refinishing is not an option. These materials cannot be sanded or stripped and it is nearly impossible for paint to stick.
Staining your wooden cabinets can give the illusion that they are any type of wood. Keep in mind that it is hard to go from a very dark to a very light color with stain. Painting is another option with no limit to color choices. You can even chose different colors. You may want light green upper cabinets and dark green lower cabinets, for example. See examples of cabinets refinished here!
Kitchens Redefined has 30 years of experience in cabinet resurfacing, refacing, and refinishing. Our team of professionals can guide you to the right choice for your cabinet facelift! Contact us today!