What Is Kitchen Cabinet Refacing? [Pros and Cons + Cost Analysis]

Do you intend to renovate your kitchen’s interiors, such as the kitchen cabinet? However, you don’t have the budget to replace all of your cabinets? Then a kitchen refacing project may be the best option for you.

Kitchen cabinet refacing is a process that involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts to give your kitchen an entirely new look. Following that, the exterior of the cabinet boxes is veneered.

Additionally, if you like how your existing cabinets and appliances look and work, refacing is a terrific way to retain your kitchen’s aesthetic while upgrading the style and design to keep up with current trends.

Refacing your cabinets is one of the most convenient and cost-effective methods to improve the appearance of your kitchen. The process tends to make your cabinets more durable, is DIY friendly, and increases the resale value of your house.

Kitchen cabinet resurfacing is half the price of a complete cabinet remodel. As a result, selecting this option allows you to save time, money, and effort. This is because, rather than replacing the entire system, refacing only includes removing the drawer fronts and cabinet doors and replacing the cabinet carcass with a new veneer (body surfaces).

What is kitchen cabinet refacing?

Refacing cabinets in Lancaster, New York, is recognized by both homeowners and designers as a means to reduce waste. It’s also critical to select a cabinet resurfacing procedure that is safe for your home and the surrounding environment.

Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective option rather than installing new cabinets in the kitchen. This is because the fronts of your kitchen cabinets are simply replaced with new front coverings to change the style, color, and design, rather than removing and replacing cabinets.

By removing the doors and drawer fronts and replacing the current paint and wood with wood veneer, cabinet refacing is changing the cabinet covering. After that, the hinges, knobs, and drawer pulls are all replaced.

When can you reface your kitchen cabinet?

If your existing cabinet doors do not meet the criteria listed below, it is recommended that you replace them rather than reface them. This is due to the possibility that the cabinets will not be able to withstand the refacing process.

These are a list of criteria to match your cabinets to ensure that they are in good shape and condition to go through the process successfully.

The structure is made of plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Surfaces that are smooth and well-maintained.
Drawer tracks, shelves, and interior storage structures should all be in good working order.
Face frames are made of solid wood.
If you want to change the style and design instead of the layout of your cabinets.
It is not damaged or cracked by water spillage or any other substance.

However, if your cabinets meet the standards above, you can continue with your plan of refacing them.

How is kitchen cabinet refacing done?

The process of kitchen cabinet refacing involves several steps that you will have to follow. You can either choose to do it with the help of a professional. However, if you are on a low budget or do not want to spend a lot of money, you can even take this as a DIY project for your weekends.

Refacing kitchen cabinets successfully entails seven essential functions.

Step 1: Make sure you have the required materials.

The materials necessary for refacing your cabinets will depend on the refacing method. After you reinforce the cabinet frames with 1/4-inch plywood, you can choose to cover the plywood with two different materials.

3D Laminate (Thermofoil).
Wood veneer (painted, stained, or glazed)

We’ll go over everything in detail about how to reface kitchen cabinets with wood veneer in this article.

Wood veneer: Cabinet refacing is no exception to the versatility of wood in many types of building and remodeling projects. When applied to existing cabinets and drawers, the wood veneers are sturdy and robust.

Other materials include

A Paint stripper – For removing the existing paint from your cabinets to get the bare wood.
Stain/ paint and Polyurethane – To paint or stain the entire cabinet in the color you want. If you choose to use the natural wood color as the cabinet’s face, you can use polyurethane to protect it.
Tools
- Screwdriver
- A putty knife
- Paint stirrers
- Brushes
- Sponges

Step 2: Removing the cabinet doors and drawers

The first step is to prepare your existing kitchen cabinets for the process. During this refacing process, you need to remove all the contents of the cabinets such as your crockeries or any other kitchen utensils.

Following this, you also need to detach and remove all of the cabinet doors and drawers while leaving the rest of the cabinet box intact. If needed use a screwdriver to pull out any screws.

Now that you have an empty box cabinet, make sure that you clean it thoroughly. Use medium-grit sandpaper to lightly sand any exposed surfaces, then wash them clean with a tack cloth.

Step 3: Make the ¼ inch plywood panels

Now that your existing cabinet boxes are empty and clean, you need to make the plywood panels for refacing.

To begin, measure the plywood panels that will fit the exposed ends of your cabinets with measuring tape. As a result, cut the 1/4-inch plywood pieces to your specifications. After cutting the plywood, you’ll need to secure it to the cabinet box.

Apply carpenter adhesive to the plywood panels and adhere them to the cabinets. Place it where you want it and wait for it to dry. So that the plywood does not easily detach, secure it with 1-inch finish nails. Additionally, fill up any holes with wood fillers. Finally, lightly sand the surface to make it smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Cutting the wood veneer

Now that you have applied the plywood, the wood veneer needs to be used to cover it. In order to do this, you need to take the measurements of the places where the veneer will be surfaced. For instance, measure and record the sizes of the rails and stiles of the cabinets.

Based on your measurements Use a utility knife and ruler to cut the veneer wood. Each strip should be 1/2 inch wider and 2 inches longer than the rail or stile it corresponds to. Also, change the knife blade every few cuts to ensure clean cuts.

Step 5: Cover the rails and stiles of the cabinets.

Covering the stiles:

Begin by putting the cut veneer to the cabinet’s vertical lengths (stiles). Alternatively, align the initial piece so that it slightly overhangs on all of the stile’s edges. One corner of the backing should be peeled away and pressed into position. Continue peeling away the backing while pressing the adhesive side down.

Using a small wood block, press down the length of the strip firmly. Any air bubbles will be forced out, allowing the glue to attach firmly and smoothly. Replace the adjacent stile and repeat the operation.

Trim the excess veneer off all of the stiles’ edges with a utility knife and a ruler or straight edge as a guide.

Covering the rails:

Now that the stiles have been covered, apply the veneer to the cabinet rails, ensuring it overlaps the stiles on both sides. To accomplish so, use a carpenter’s square to line the seam between the two veneer pieces.

Along with the guideline, run your utility knife. Both sections of the veneer should be cut through. Remove the top veneer from the rail that has been left over. Raise the rail veneer’s top edge.

Underneath the stile veneer, cut the cut piece out.

Return the rail veneer’s edge to its original location. This should result in a tidy connection.

Step 6: Add any new fixtures or paints

This step involves cleaning and adding last-minute touches.

Firstly, make sure that you neatly clean the fronts of the cabinet doors and drawers to remove any dust or glue stains. Lightly apply sand to the surfaces. Use a cloth to rub through and allow the surfaces and joints to dry completely.

Secondly, to match the new veneer, stain or paint the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Fill in any gaps or joints with a paintbrush. Allow plenty of time for the paint to dry completely.

Lastly, using a paintbrush, apply a thin coat of polyurethane. Using fine-grit sandpaper, lightly sand all of the surfaces. Using a tack cloth, wipe away any sanding dust.

To apply a second and third layer of polyurethane, repeat the instructions above.

Step 7: Install new doors and drawer fronts.

In the final step, add the drawers and doors back into the cabinets. To do this, you need to attach the drawer fronts to the boxes. Install the drawer slides that are already on the drawer boxes. Replace the drawer slides if necessary.

Place the doors so that all of the patterns face the same way. Each door hinge should be one hinge length from the top and bottom of the door. On the door, make a mark for the screw hole placements.

Drill pilot holes in the doors and secure the hinges with wood screws before attaching the doors to the cabinets.

With this, you have successfully completed the refacing of your kitchen cabinets!

How much time does refacing your cabinet take?

In total, a kitchen refacing project could take around 3 to 4 days of work. Additionally, kitchen refacing is a much more convenient option than a complete, remodeling as creates less mess than a complete remodel.

However, the time taken to complete refacing may vary depending on certain factors such as the contractor you have hired for the job. The number and size of the cabinets that you want to reface. And if you choose to extend the plan to renovate other things, then it could take up a bit of extra time.

Is it worth refacing your kitchen cabinets?

If the current cabinets are well-built and in good shape, cabinet refacing might be a solid, cost-effective option for kitchen remodeling. It’s also an excellent option if the current kitchen layout is functional.

However, there are some disadvantages to all of the benefits. Consider the downsides of the plan to reface your kitchen cabinets to make an informed decision.

Pros of refacing

Cost-friendly – In comparison to refinishing and reinstalling the cabinets, refacing your kitchen cabinets is cheaper.
Environment friendly – Using materials to reface does not include any harmful chemicals. Thus the process does not harm you or the environment in any way.
Variety of refacing options from
Easy installation – The process is an easy DIY project, which you can do by yourself, and you can complete it in less than a week.

Cons of refacing

Limited layout changes – Unlike reinstalling the kitchen cabinets, refacing them does not allow the flexibility to change their layout and positioning of them.
Requires finishing, staining, and varnishing
The interiors of the cabinets remain unchanged

Cost analysis of refacing your cabinets

Refacing kitchen cabinets cost much lesser than reinstalling and refinishing cabinets. Below is a detailed cost analysis of the process and the factors that may affect it.

Cabinet refacing cost (for 10′ x 12′ kitchen)

According to Homeguide.com, the cost of refacing your kitchen cabinets is often 25–50 percent less than the cost of installing new cabinets. It’s unquestionably the better choice for freshening up the kitchen, with a variety of color and style possibilities. Typically, most homeowners spend around $4000 to $9000 on refacing their kitchen cabinets.

Cabinet cost per linear foot

Source: Homeguide.com

Cost as per materials

Different refacing materials cost differently. One may increase or decrease the overall cost of refacing. Thus, while planning for the refacing of your kitchen cabinets make sure that you analyze the cost and benefits of each of the materials mentioned below.

Here is a cost analysis of laminate and veneer for an average 10’ x 12’ kitchen:

Material	Cost	Durability	Appearance
Rigid Thermofoil (RTF)	$1,800–$3,500	Fiberboard that has been coated with tough plastic so is durable.	There are several authentic wood patterns and styles available, as well as a smooth surface.
Veneer wood	$2,500 and up	To protect against moisture and drying, sealing is essential. Durable only once it is sealed.	Resembles the appearance of real wood.