Understanding Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs. Refinishing

Comparing Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs. Refinishing 

Kitchen cabinets are one of the most important features of any kitchen. They not only provide ample storage space but also enhance the overall look and feel of the kitchen. However, over time, cabinets can become worn, faded, or outdated, making them look dull and unappealing.

To give your kitchen a fresh new look, you may consider refacing or refinishing your cabinets. While both options can help transform your kitchen, they are very different.

This article discusses the difference between kitchen cabinet refacing and refinishing.

What Is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing involves changing the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while maintaining the integrity of the cabinet boxes. This means that the cabinet frames, shelves, and sides are not touched, but the exterior parts are replaced with new materials.

Refacing is a popular option for homeowners who want to update the look of their kitchen without the expense and hassle of a full kitchen remodel.

The Process of Cabinet Refacing

The first step in cabinet refacing is to remove the old cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Then, the cabinet frames are cleaned and sanded to prepare them for the new materials.

The next step is to apply a veneer or laminate to the cabinet frames, which involves gluing a thin layer of wood or plastic to the exterior of the cabinet. The process of refacing is then finished by installing the new cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.

Benefits of Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing offers several benefits, including the following:

  • Cost-Effective:

Refacing cabinets is generally less expensive than replacing them altogether. This is because the cabinet boxes are left intact, and only the exterior parts are replaced.

  • Quick and Easy:

Cabinet refacing can be completed in just a few days, compared to a full kitchen remodel, which can take several weeks or even months.

  • Eco-Friendly:

Refacing cabinets is a more eco-friendly option than replacing them altogether. It reduces waste and saves resources by reusing the existing cabinet boxes.

What Is Cabinet Refinishing?

Cabinet refinishing is the procedure of sanding down the outdated finish on cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and boxes and adding a new covering of paint or stain to give them a brand-new appearance.

If you like the way your cabinets look now but want to change the color or finish, refinishing is a great alternative for you.

The Process of Cabinet Refinishing

The first step in cabinet refinishing is to remove the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Then, the surfaces are cleaned and sanded down to remove the old finish.

The next step is to apply a new coat of paint or stain, followed by a sealant to protect the new finish. Once the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware are reinstalled, the refinishing process is complete.

Benefits of Cabinet Refinishing

The benefits of cabinet refinishing include the following:

  • Affordable:

Refinishing cabinets is generally less expensive than refacing them or replacing them altogether.

  • Quick:

Cabinet refinishing can be completed in just a few days, compared to a full kitchen remodel, which can take several weeks or even months.

  • Customizable:

Cabinet refinishing allows you to choose from a wide range of colors and stains to customize the look of your cabinets.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Deciding whether to reface or refinish your cabinets mostly depends on the condition of your cabinets. If your cabinet boxes are in good condition and you want to update the look of your kitchen while keeping costs low, then refacing may be the best option.

However, if you are happy with the design and layout of your cabinets but want to update the color or finish, then refinishing may be the way to go.

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing by Redo in Chicago, IL & Suburbs

Both cabinet refacing and refinishing are fantastic options for modernizing your kitchen cabinets. The choice ultimately depends on your budget, preferences, and the condition of your cabinets.

Whatever option you choose, remember that both methods offer a more affordable way to breathe new life into your kitchen and make it a more enjoyable space to cook and entertain.

Revamp your kitchen with the fastest, most affordable solution for a stunning transformation: cabinet refacing by Redo Cabinets in Chicago, IL & Suburbs.

Our luxury refacing services breathe new life into your kitchen, all while being a fraction of the cost and time of cabinet replacement or traditional remodeling. Contact us today to learn more!

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before and after of kitchen cabinet refacing

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*$2,500 off the retail price offered with in home estimate. Min. MSRP value of $15,000 on new orders only. Not valid with any other offer, or previous job. Financing available with minimum purchase and approved credit. Redo Cabinets DBA Krumwiede Roofing Co Inc, is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Redo Cabinets DBA Krumwiede Roofing Co Inc. under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only. Financing offers no interest, no payments followed by 84 months with a 23.99% APR. No interest if loan is paid in full within the 12 month promotional period. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within or by the end of the 12-month period. Offer expires 8/3/2025. Ask for details.*