Cabinet refacing is an attractive option for homeowners who want to upgrade their kitchen without breaking the bank or having to deal with major construction. Cabinet Refacing Phoenix AZ also an eco-friendly alternative that can increase home value.
However, refacing doesn’t address structural or functionality issues so if you need a new layout or more storage space you may need to go for a full replacement.
Less Mess
Cabinet refacing is less messy than a complete kitchen remodel, which involves removing all existing cabinetry and potentially making plumbing or electrical modifications. The process also creates less waste than full replacement and is often completed in half the time, which means you’re back in your kitchen sooner.
A kitchen with outdated cabinets can make the space feel stale and uninviting. However, a full renovation is expensive, messy and disruptive to daily life. With the right care, refaced cabinets can look new for years to come and turn your kitchen into the space you’ve always wanted.
During the refacing process, existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts are removed, and the faces of the cabinet boxes are lightly sanded to prepare them for the new refacing materials. Cabinets that have serious structural damage may not be suitable for refacing, so you’ll want to carefully evaluate their condition.
The face frames are then cleaned with a mild degreaser to remove oils, dirt and residue that could prevent the new skins or veneer from adhering properly. The surfaces are then lightly sanded and wiped down to ensure that the surface is clean for a smooth finish. Cabinets with exposed sides are also prepared by applying a primer to ensure that the new material adheres well.
Once the prep is complete, the refacing materials are applied to the cabinet boxes and cabinet doors. If necessary, the edges of the refacing are trimmed to allow for proper coverage. Cabinet refacing is typically completed with the installation of new cabinet hardware. Depending on the type of refacing, the cabinet boxes and doors are left with a smooth or matte finish while the drawers are given a glossy finish.
Refacing isn’t a perfect solution, but it’s an excellent way to refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank. It won’t solve problems with the layout or structure of the cabinetry, though, and it may not be the best choice if you’re looking to completely change the look and feel of your kitchen. To learn more, contact a professional cabinet refacing company and ask to see examples of their work.
Less Waste
Traditional kitchen remodeling can create a lot of waste, with old cabinetry and other materials often ending up in landfills. Cabinet refacing reduces this impact by keeping the existing structures and simply replacing the doors and surfaces. This eliminates the need to throw away perfectly usable materials and also conserves natural resources by minimizing the use of raw material for new cabinetry. Refacing also reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, protecting our climate and natural ecosystems.
When refacing, it is possible to select wood veneers made from sustainably harvested forests, further protecting the environment. This eco-friendly choice helps preserve forests worldwide, as well as cuts the use of raw materials for new cabinetry. In addition, cabinet refacing is less resource-intensive than a full replacement, as it only uses the visible components of the cabinetry, rather than the underlying structure.
The process of manufacturing new cabinets requires the extraction of raw materials and energy-intensive production processes that are often sourced from fossil fuels. Refacing enables homeowners to save on these energy costs and protect the environment, conserving natural resources for future generations.
New cabinetry can be made from a variety of materials, including solid wood, veneers, or laminates. While solid wood can be a sustainable option, it is more costly than other options, and it can swell when exposed to moisture. For a more eco-friendly alternative, refacing can be done with durable laminate or thermofoil. These options use recyclable PVC and are adhered to a wood substrate using low-waste technology, saving on both cost and energy in the manufacturing process.
Lastly, refacing is far less wasteful than complete cabinet replacement. Stripping out old cabinets results in a huge amount of waste and can leave behind damaged surfaces that need to be repaired or replaced. This can be expensive and inconvenient for homeowners, and it also leaves a huge amount of waste on the worksite and in landfills.
Cabinet refacing is a green renovation option that can give your home an updated, modern look with minimal environmental impacts. This method of renovating your kitchen can also help you boost the resale value of your home by making it more appealing to buyers, especially when it includes modern cabinetry and handles.
Less Time
If you have the time and skills to DIY refacing, it can be less costly than hiring a professional. However, the task can be more labor-intensive than you might expect. For example, you’ll need to carefully measure your existing elements to ensure the new doors and drawer fronts fit correctly. Additionally, you’ll need to sand and sand again to smooth out rough surfaces. This can be challenging if you don’t have the right tools or have never used them before.
When you hire a professional, the length of your project will depend on their schedule and availability. It’s important to discuss and confirm the project timeline upfront to ensure it aligns with your expectations and schedule. You will also need to clear out your cabinets and countertops before the professional arrives to ensure they have unobstructed access to the areas that need refacing.
Cabinet refacing is an eco-friendly option because it uses the existing cabinet structure instead of throwing out the old materials. Moreover, it reduces waste by preventing perfectly usable materials from ending up in landfills and requires fewer raw materials than a full replacement. Additionally, you can choose to add wood veneers that support sustainable forest practices.
Aside from being a green choice, refacing can also increase your home’s value. Buyers focus on the kitchen and updated, modern-looking cabinets can make a significant impression and help you get top-dollar for your property.
Choosing the Right Material
The type of material you choose for your cabinet refacing will impact overall project costs. For instance, solid wood is more expensive than laminate or thermofoil. However, it lasts longer than laminate and can be refinished in the future to refresh your look.
Aside from the cost of the materials, you’ll also need to consider the labor costs and installation. A professional will typically charge more than a DIYer for their services, but they can save you time and stress by handling all of the necessary tasks. In addition, they can use their problem-solving skills to effectively troubleshoot issues that may arise during the project.
Less Money
A cabinet refacing project will typically cost much less than full replacement. The material costs are significantly lower as refacing is focused on the doors, drawer fronts and veneers versus new cabinets that have to include the underlying boxes and framework. The cost savings can free up budget to do other upgrades like upgrading the appliances or adding features that make a kitchen more functional, such as pull-out storage options.
In addition, refacing saves on labor costs as it requires less time than replacing all the existing doors and drawer fronts. The amount of labor saved depends on the size of your kitchen and the scope of the work you choose to do, as well as the level of customization you want to add. This could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars and still allow for significant visual changes that boost home value.
Refacing is also a more environmentally friendly choice than complete replacement. Most of the wood used in new cabinets is medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and contains hazardous chemicals that can leach into soil and groundwater. The MDF is difficult to recycle, which leaves it likely to end up in landfills and incinerators. By refacing, old cabinet structures are saved from destruction and new materials can be sourced from recycled wood.
Homeowners who are looking for ways to improve their homes should consider a cabinet refacing project. However, it is important to note that refacing is not ideal for every home or every scenario. For example, if your cabinet boxes are seriously damaged or you are changing the layout of your kitchen, refacing is not the right option.
Regardless of the scope of your renovation, you can make your DIY cabinet refacing project less expensive by choosing less costly materials, such as MDF over particleboard and opting for paint instead of stain. You can also reduce your costs by hiring a professional contractor for your cabinet refacing project and avoiding expensive do it yourself products that can be difficult to use properly, such as sandpaper, sharp knives, hand planes, sanders, and application tools like rollers and irons.