Refacing Cabinets in 4 Simple Steps - No Experience Needed!

If your kitchen cabinets are looking worn or outdated, refacing them can give your space a fresh new look for a fraction of the cost of full replacement. Refacing involves replacing just the doors and drawers, not the cabinet boxes, making it an easy DIY project even for those with limited experience. Follow these 4 simple steps to transform your kitchen cabinets without taking on a major renovation.

Refacing cabinets offers all the aesthetic benefits of new cabinets without the sky-high price tag or lengthy installation. By keeping your existing cabinet boxes and replacing only the exterior doors and drawers, you can give your kitchen a modern facelift in just a weekend for thousands less than a full cabinet replacement.

Step 1: Remove Existing Doors and Drawers

Start your cabinet transformation by safely removing all the old doors and drawers. This gives you access to refresh the cabinet boxes themselves in the next step. When taking off the old hardware:

• Use painters tape around the perimeter of each door to prevent the screwdriver from scratching or denting the wood.
• Carefully loosen all screws and detach hinges to lift doors off the boxes.
• Drawers should slide out once unscrewed. Label them to remember exactly where they go.
• Set doors and drawers aside, protected from damage, to reinstall after refacing.

Removing the dated doors and hardware is the first step to seeing your drab cabinets in a whole new light. Take care not to damage the existing doors and drawers, since pristine condition means a higher resale value if you want to try selling them.

Tips for Removing Old Hardware

Having the right tools can make removing stubborn old screws and hinges much easier. A few tips:

• Use a well-fitting screwdriver head to avoid stripping screw heads.
• Gently heat stuck screws with a hairdryer to loosen the old wood and glue.
• Have new screws ready to go to reattach replacement hinges and slides.

With some careful effort, you can detach the old hardware without leaving behind damage or needing to drill out stripped screws. Then it's on to refreshing the box interiors.

Step 2: Prepare Cabinet Boxes

Once all doors and drawers are detached, take the opportunity to give some love to the cabinet boxes that get overlooked. Here are some tips to make them look their best for the refacing:

• Clean boxes thoroughly to remove grease, dust and grime that builds up.
• Fill any screw holes, cracks or flaws in the wood with filler and sand smooth.
• Apply your choice of paint, veneer, replacement panels or laminate to the cabinet boxes.

Preparing the surfaces properly will allow for smooth, uniform application of whatever new finish you choose. Take time to fix any damage and clean thoroughly before painting or veneering.

Painting vs. Veneering Cabinet Boxes

When it comes to refinishing the cabinet box interiors, you mainly have two options:

• Less expensive than veneering
• Allows for any color under the sun
• Can chip or scratch over time
• Use bonding primer and semi-gloss enamel paint

• Higher cost but very durable
• Real wood look if desired
• Somewhat lengthy application process
• Use adhesive-backed veneer for easiest install

Weigh the pros and cons and chat with your local home improvement store experts to decide between painting or veneering. Either option can yield beautiful results!

Step 3: Install New Doors and Drawers

The exciting part comes when those dated old doors come off and new replacement doors go up in their spots. Follow these tips for a smooth installation:

• Carefully measure existing openings before ordering.
• Attach new hinges in the same location as old ones.
• Mount doors and test open/close function before fully tightening.
• Ensure drawers slide smoothly on their new tracks.

Take care during installation to allow doors and drawers to operate properly. With some patience, the new doors will perfectly replace the old in a seamless refresh.

Choosing Replacement Cabinet Doors

The options are endless when it comes to choosing new doors and drawers for your refacing project. Consider what will complement your existing cabinet style and kitchen decor best:

• Material: Wood, thermofoil, glass, metal
• Style: Shaker, traditional, modern, flat panel
• Finish: Stain, paint, glaze, distressing
• Ordering: Big box stores, cabinet supply stores or online retailers

Look through photos of refacing projects online or in home magazines to get inspiration. Trust your instincts about what new cabinet doors will give you a kitchen you'll love.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Once the new doors and drawers are in place, it's time to complete your kitchen's transformation with decorative details:

• Update tired old hardware with new knobs, pulls, handles etc.
• Consider roll-out shelves, lazy susans or other organizational inserts.
• A built-in recycling/trash center adds modern convenience.

Touch up with new hardware and accessories tailored to how your refaced kitchen will be used. Add your style with finishing touches that show off your refreshed cabinets.

With these 4 straightforward DIY steps - removing doors, refreshing boxes, installing replacements and accessorizing - you can reface your kitchen cabinets like a pro. Avoid the huge expense and disruption of new cabinets by giving your existing ones new life.

Refacing cabinets yourself saves thousands in labor costs compared to replacement. And suddenly dated oak or mahogany cabinets become shaker-style masterpieces with a mere facelift. Ready to see what potential has been locked inside your cabinets all this time?

Follow this guide to uncover a kitchen that looks completely new. Then stand back proudly and admire the transformation you achieved in a fraction of the time and cost of a full remodel. Who knew a few replaced doors and drawers could make such an incredible difference?

Remember to clean and care properly for your refaced cabinets to help them retain their refreshed beauty. With some periodic TLC, your "new" cabinets should maintain their upgrade for years before needing another round of refacing.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to give your kitchen the makeover it deserves. Not sure you're up for a DIY? Consult reputable cabinet refacing companies in your area to handle the process seamlessly so you can simply enjoy the results.

However you choose to refresh them, you won't believe your eyes when you see what's possible by refacing your outdated cabinets. It's amazing what a few replaced doors and drawers can do!