Overview
Cabinet refacing involves removing the drawers and door fronts from old cabinets, disposing of these and covering the existing cabinet box with a wood veneer that matches the new door and draw fronts. Also, during this process, new handles and door hinges are installed on the cabinets. Overall, the end result is cabinets that look brand new.
The Wood Veneer and its Application
To cover the existing cabinet, genuine Oak, Birch, Cherry and other beautiful hard woods are utilized for handsome looks and durability. These hardwood veneers are preferably attached with hidden nails to prevent them from falling off over time. An inferior method of attaching hardwood veneers is via water soluble glue, which is not as durable over the long haul.
Construction of the Cabinet Doors
The best cabinet doors are made of solid, genuine hardwood as opposed to furniture core, particleboard, MDF (medium density fiberboard), industrial grade wood, or Rigid Thermal Foil (RTF), which can change color and curl with heat and moisture.
Why Not Just Refinish or Paint the Cabinets as Opposed to Refacing?
Refinishing or painting the cabinets can cost just as much as refacing, but neither refinishing or painting provide durability and value. In fact, it is very likely that if cabinets are painted, the paint will peel off or chip down the road as proper preparation before painting is expensive and has points that are overlooked. The same is true with refinishing, and years of wear and tear on the cabinets can re-emerge after a new job, which is often the case when a lighter wood finish is used.
Refacing Cabinets vs. Buying New Cabinets
When compared with buying brand new cabinets, refacing is about one third of the cost. As the cost for buying new cabinets can be tens of thousands of dollars, this is an important consideration. The reason for this price discrepancy is that new cabinets must be designed and delivered, and adding them may require new countertops, additional or more elaborate carpentry work, wall repairs, etc. With refacing, the aforementioned is not a big concern. Furthermore, a refacing job can be completed in as little as four days, while new cabinets may take weeks to install.
Other Considerations/Recommendations (OPTIONAL)
Some refacing companies charge a design or estimate fee while others do not. Kitchen Magic is an excellent cabinet refacing company that offers free estimates and excellent service. Online: http://www.kitchenmagic.net.
