Kitchen cabinets – is refacing cabinets a viable option?
KELLY1
| Posted in General Discussion on
I’m considering have new cabinets installed in our kitchen, simply because we don’t care for the design of the current cabinets. The cabinet boxes and all drawers are solid, and in perfect condition. Any opinions on the option of having the cabinets refaced instead of complete replacement? We are not looking to change the layout, which is perfect for us. Also no desire to change our counter tops.
If you think this is a good option, should I find someone specializing in refacing or should any good cabinet maker be able to do the job?
Thanks!
Doug
Replies
We had it done and were exceptionally pleased with the result. Had walnut-stained oak contractor grade cabinets (plywood doors) and changed to a "honey" color with panel doors.
But the guy who did ours isn't a standard refacer, he developed some of his own techniques. Eg, he uses 1/8" plywood instead of veneer for the face frames, etc. On the drawers he sawed the edges off the fronts and then planed them flat, so that the new fronts would fit flat.
He also removed the center stile from several of the cabinets, making them easier to access and making it possible to install some sliding shelves.
Kitchen cabinets - is refacing cabinets a viable option?
Thanks for the response Dan. Glad to hear you were pleased with the results. Did you keep the existing countertops or put new ones in?
Thanks,
Doug
We got new "quartz", since
We got new "quartz", since that's what made SWMBO happy. Our old countertops were worn 30-year-old Formica, and were definitely in need of replacement.
But it wouldn't have made that much difference to leave the old countertops -- a little more trouble to work around, but not much.
Sounds like a perfect opportunity! Why waste your existing resources ... reuse and reface/replace the cabinet fronts. Recycle the old ones to your local rebuild it center or simply give them away.
There are also negative stories about cabinet resurfacing, such as edge veneers peeling off. On the doors and drawer front edges, you might consider using thicker solid wood to look like beads.
For the veneers to adhere well and stay well, the edge has to be fairly flat and sharp. Veneer can be installed with slightly rounded edge but any remaining gap must be filled.
A cabinet maker's charge for this work would be high, unless he is adjusting the charge according to the job. I would get several bids and references. If you absolutely don't know anyone, I think Sears has this program. At least you know the Sears won't be a fly-by-night.
Hope it helps.
Like I said, our guy used 1/16" plywood instead of veneer. It's pinned and glued to the face frame and then he trims it with a laminate trimmer. No danger of it peeling off.
The doors and drawer fronts are typically all new in a refacing job, and you can get whatever you want to pay for.