Cabinet Refacing (or Kitchen Refacing) is the process of removing the exterior cabinetry (such as cabinet doors, panels, trim and hardware) replacing it with new doors to give your kitchen a completely new look without the added expenses of replacing the cabinet boxes and all the additional work that can come alongside a typical kitchen remodel (Unfinished flooring, repainting newly exposed walls, rerouting appliance outlets, etc).
Should I Reface or Remodel my Cabinetry?
It all comes down to your renovation situation.
Designer Tatiana Wojitan Studio Photography by Kevin Bellanger
1. The Condition of your Cabinet Boxes
If your current cabinet boxes show signs of damage or instability from old age it would be more cost-effective to replace your current cabinet boxes and outfitting them with custom cabinet doors if you are looking for a high end style.
Cabinet boxes that are worn out or damaged may lack the strength to hold door hardware causing uneven door levels, or hardware mounting failure.
Now a custom kitchen renovation may cost you anywhere from $25,000 - $50,000 (factoring new cabinets, doors, tile, countertops, backsplash among other things).
However, you can achieve custom results for up to 40% less by substituting custom cabinet boxes for IKEA brand cabinet boxes and using a company like Swedish Door to purchase new a custom door package with panels, trim, floating shelves and other additional customization options.
Design, Photography and Install by Swedish Door Partner Murdock Construction.
2. Your Kitchen Layout
If you are happy with your current kitchen layout, your cabinet boxes are in good shape, and you are seeking an inexpensive alternative to a full kitchen remodel than you are the perfect candidate for kitchen refacing.
Refacing allows you to keep the kitchen you love while upgrading it's style to something more befitting like a high quality painted door or a cost effective flat slab thermofoil door. Many first time home owners are interested in remodeling their kitchen and refacing offers a cost effective solution.
However if your cabinet boxes show signs of wear and need to be replaced this would be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of remodeling your kitchen as refacing does not improve the quality of your cabinet boxes, rather gives them a brand new look.
Design, Photography and Install by Swedish Door Partner Murdock Construction
3. Is Cabinet Refinishing the Same as Refacing?
No. Refacing is when the doors, components and hardware are fully removed and replaced giving your kitchen a brand new 'face'.
Refinishing is the process of sanding or removing the old finish and applying paint or stain to achieve a new look. This is typically a much longer process and far more hands on than refacing.
Overall, refacing is an excellent and easy way to reduce the overall cost of your cabinetry renovation and though not everyone will find themselves in a situation where refacing will work for them, there are many solutions to finding your perfect kitchen style without breaking the bank.
If you're looking for high quality custom cabinet doors, panels, trim and more consider checking us out at Swedish Door.
