Reinvent Your Kitchen Cabinets with Easy DIY Refacing Kits
That feeling when you walk into your kitchen and just cringe at the sight of your outdated oak cabinets from the 90s. The hinges are loose, the doors are crooked, and the color is something that not even a 90s fan would love anymore.
You dream of a kitchen makeover but don't have the budget for a full-on replacement. That's where cabinet refacing comes in - giving your existing cabinets a new look and lease on life at a fraction of the cost.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Full Replacement
Cabinet refacing keeps the existing cabinet box while replacing the doors, draws, and exterior surfaces with new laminate or veneer. This transforms the look and provides hidden storage fixes without replacing the whole cabinet.
Refacing costs 50-70% less than a full cabinet replacement. It's the budget-friendly and eco-friendly option for giving your kitchen a new look without creating large amounts of waste.
Maintaining Current Cabinet Boxes
By keeping the existing cabinet layout, you maintain your kitchen's workflow and storage. There's no need to reconfigure plumbing or electrical. And because you aren't fully replacing cabinets, there's less messy demolition and construction.
The project timeline is faster too. Refacing takes just a few days while replacements can take weeks.
Materials for Refacing Cabinets
The most common refacing materials are:
- Veneer - available in wood, PVC, or polyester
- Laminates like thermofoil
- Cabinet paint kits
Veneer offers options like oak, maple, or white laminate veneer. Thermofoil laminates are durable and easy to clean. Paint kits work best for achieving a crisp, new solid color.
The Cabinet Refacing Process
Prep Work
Proper prep is crucial for getting the best results. You'll need to:
- Empty cabinets and remove doors/drawers
- Clean cabinet boxes, sand surfaces
- Fill any holes or imperfections
- Order replacement doors and drawer fronts
Refacing Cabinet Boxes
The refacing itself involves:
- Applying adhesive veneer sheets to exposed exterior surfaces
- Using an iron to adhere the veneer
- Adding edge banding to cover plywood edges
Finishing Touches
To complete the refreshed new look:
- Prime and paint cabinet interiors
- Reinstall new doors and drawers
- Add updated hardware like knobs and pulls
- Clean and protect all surfaces
Tips for DIY Cabinet Refacing
With the right tools and preparation, refacing your own cabinets is totally DIY-friendly. Be sure to:
- Have recommended tools like an iron, roller, wood glue, etc.
- Follow safety tips like ventilating your workspace
- Use step-by-step instructions
- Understand the average cost and time needed
- Avoid common mistakes like rushing adhesive drying times
Benefits of Refreshed Cabinets
Once your dated cabinets are looking fresh and new again, you'll get to enjoy:
- A stylish, updated kitchen at a budget-friendly price
- New color and finish options
- Cabinets that are easier to clean and maintain
- A brighter, more spacious look and feel
- Better storage solutions
Refacing offers a simple and affordable route to a kitchen makeover versus spending thousands on full replacements. With some elbow grease and DIY refacing kits, you can reinvent your kitchen cabinets on a realistic budget and finally love cooking in your kitchen again!