Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
Kitchen cabinet refacing involves installing new doors, drawer fronts, and a veneer over existing cabinet boxes. This process provides a fresh aesthetic update at roughly one third to one half the cost of replacing all cabinetry. It is a viable option when the underlying cabinet structure remains solid, particularly checking the sink base for any moisture damage.
What Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Actually Involves
The refacing process begins with the removal of all existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Any decorative trim or moldings are also taken off at this stage. The interior of the cabinet boxes and the faces of the boxes are then thoroughly cleaned and prepped.
Next, a new veneer material is carefully applied to all visible exterior surfaces of the cabinet boxes. This includes the face frames, end panels, and sometimes the toe kicks. Following the veneer application, new custom-made doors and drawer fronts are installed, complete with new hinges and hardware. This typically takes 3 to 5 working days for a standard kitchen.
Materials Available for Cabinet Refacing
Various materials are used for refacing, each offering different aesthetics and durability. Rigid Thermofoil, or RTF, is a durable vinyl film heat-applied to an engineered wood core. It offers a wide range of colors and styles, often at a more budget-friendly price point.
Wood veneer provides the look and feel of real wood, allowing for staining or painting to match specific design preferences. It is typically a thinner slice of wood applied to a substrate. Laminate options, similar to RTF, offer good durability and easy cleaning, with many patterns available. Solid wood doors and drawer fronts are also an option, often paired with wood veneer on the boxes, representing a higher material cost but offering long-term strength and classic appearance.
Refacing Versus Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
Choosing between refacing and replacing depends on the condition of your existing cabinet boxes and your overall project goals. Refacing is the right choice when the existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound, free from water damage, and their layout suits your needs. This approach preserves the existing kitchen footprint and avoids the extensive work required to remove and install new boxes.
Conversely, replacing cabinets is necessary if the boxes are damaged, warped, or showing signs of decay, especially in older New England homes where original cabinets might be 70 to 100 years old. Replacement is also appropriate if you plan to change the kitchen's layout significantly, add new cabinet units, or alter the functionality beyond what new doors can achieve. Refacing can save 30 to 50 percent of the cost of new cabinetry.
Refacing Versus Cabinet Refinishing
Cabinet refinishing is distinct from refacing and involves sanding down, priming, and then painting or staining the existing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and box exteriors. This method retains the original door style and profile. Refinishing is a good option if you are content with your current cabinet style and only want to update the color or finish.
Refacing, however, provides a complete cosmetic overhaul of the cabinet exteriors. It replaces the doors and drawer fronts entirely, allowing for a change in style, such as from raised panel to shaker, in addition to color. While typically more involved than refinishing, refacing offers a more substantial visual update without the higher cost and disruption of a full cabinet replacement.
Cost Factors for Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
The cost of kitchen cabinet refacing is influenced by several variables. The size of your kitchen, measured by the number of doors and drawer fronts, is a primary driver. Material selection plays a significant role; Rigid Thermofoil or laminate options are often more economical than real wood veneer or solid wood doors.
Additional factors include the complexity of your existing cabinet layout, the inclusion of new decorative moldings or trim, and upgrades to hardware like soft-close hinges or new pulls. Incorporating custom elements such as glass inserts or matching panels for appliance fronts will also affect the final price. Kitchen remodels in this market, including refacing, typically range from $21,000 to $68,000, depending on the scope of work.
How Long Cabinet Refacing Takes
The on-site installation phase for kitchen cabinet refacing typically spans 3 to 5 working days for an average-sized kitchen. This duration accounts for preparing the existing boxes, applying the veneer, and installing the new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Disruptions to kitchen use during this period are generally minimal compared to a full cabinet replacement.
However, the total project timeline, from initial consultation to completion, can extend beyond a week to several weeks. This extended period often includes time for design approvals, material ordering, and custom fabrication of doors and drawer fronts. Unforeseen repairs to existing cabinet boxes or delays in material delivery can also extend the overall project duration.
Common Failure Points in Poor Refacing Work
Poor cabinet refacing can lead to several noticeable issues over time. One common problem is the peeling or bubbling of veneer or RTF surfaces. This often results from inadequate surface preparation of the existing cabinet boxes, improper adhesive application, or exposure to excessive heat or moisture, such as near an oven or dishwasher.
Another failure mechanism involves misaligned or poorly functioning doors and drawers. This can occur if the existing cabinet boxes are not level or plumb, and these inconsistencies are not corrected before new components are installed. Furthermore, using low-quality hardware or hinges can result in doors that sag or do not close properly after a relatively short period of use. Always check the sink base for water damage before proceeding with refacing.
Refacing in New England Housing Types
Kitchen cabinet refacing adapts well to various New England housing styles, though considerations change based on the original construction. In triple-deckers and mill worker housing, built in the early 20th century, kitchens often have compact, utilitarian layouts. The original cabinet boxes might be basic but surprisingly robust, making them good candidates for refacing if structural integrity is confirmed.
Postwar capes from the 1940s and 1950s often feature kitchens with solid plywood or particleboard boxes that can easily be refaced to update their appearance. For center chimney colonials and shingled coastal cottages, kitchen ages vary widely due to renovation histories. Here, verifying the condition of very old or extensively modified cabinet boxes, especially for water damage around the sink, is crucial. The structural soundness of the existing boxes dictates whether refacing is a viable choice across all these home types.
What to Ask for in a Refacing Quote
A comprehensive quote for kitchen cabinet refacing should provide a detailed breakdown of all costs and specifications. It should itemize the cost per door, drawer front, and linear foot of veneer applied. Insist on clear descriptions of the materials being used for the veneer, doors, and drawer fronts, including their brand and specific finish.
The quote should also specify the type and quality of all hardware, such as hinges, drawer slides, and pulls. Ensure it covers the disposal of old doors and drawer fronts. Crucially, look for inclusions regarding moldings, light rails, toe kicks, and matching end panels. A thin quote that only provides a lump sum may not account for all aspects of the job, potentially leading to unexpected costs or omissions later in the project.
Common questions
Yes, cabinet refacing can be a very good investment if your existing cabinet boxes are in sound condition. It offers a significant aesthetic upgrade and modernizes your kitchen's appearance at a fraction of the cost of a full cabinet replacement. This approach enhances the visual value of your home without extensive renovation time or expense.
Not all kitchen cabinets are suitable for refacing. The existing cabinet boxes must be structurally sound, dry, and free from significant damage like warping, cracks, or extensive water damage, particularly around the sink. If the underlying structure is compromised, a full cabinet replacement is usually the more appropriate and durable solution.
Cleaning refaced cabinets typically requires a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive household cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the veneer or door finish. The specific care instructions may vary slightly depending on whether your refaced cabinets use Rigid Thermofoil, laminate, or real wood veneer materials.
No, kitchen cabinet refacing primarily updates the appearance of your existing cabinetry without altering its configuration. The process works with the current layout and footprint of your kitchen. If you wish to change the arrangement of your cabinets, add new units, or modify the kitchen's functional layout, a full kitchen remodel or cabinet replacement project would be necessary.
When quality materials are used and the installation is performed correctly, refaced cabinets can last 15 to 20 years or even longer. Their lifespan is comparable to that of new mid-range cabinetry. Proper care and maintenance also play a significant role in extending the durability and appearance of refaced kitchen cabinets over time.
Yes, refaced cabinets can be very durable. The durability depends on the quality of the materials chosen for the new doors, drawer fronts, and veneer, as well as the skill of the installation. Materials like Rigid Thermofoil and high-pressure laminates are generally resistant to moisture and impacts. Real wood doors and veneers offer strong durability with appropriate care.