Cabinet refacing is the process of changing an existing cabinet’s finish to create a new look and feel. It can be applied to cabinets with stains or painted finishes. Most often cabinet refacing is done to change the appearance of a single cabinet, such as a kitchen cabinet. However, it can be done to create a new style, such as a bedroom closet or bathroom vanity.
DescriptionA cabinet refinishing is a bit of a confusing undertaking. The word is sometimes even used for painted finished products that display full-length images or full-color landscapes in a relatively small area, instead of a stand-alone object or piece painted almost life-size. There are two basic types of cabinet refinishing: sanding and staining. In cabinet refinishing that uses sanding, the wood surface is sanded to remove imperfections from the wood grain and bring out the beauty of the wood. In cabinet refacing that uses staining, a coat of stain is placed on the wood, and over time it gradually colors changes to blend in with the rest of the room’s furniture.
A lot of times people will want to do a DIY project that will give them a unique look in their kitchen or bathroom. Refinishing old cabinetry is one of those ways. Before starting on your project, there are several things to consider. Although a cabinet refacing project does not have to be complex, it can get expensive if you’re going to hire a professional to do it.
When it comes to cabinet refinishing, the materials can be as simple as plywood and a few screws. However, that doesn’t mean that simple is better. Do-it-yourself projects can involve replacing door fronts and hardware, as well as replacing doors themselves. Also, if there are damaged areas or signs of wear such as knobs and pulls, you can refinish them and use them again. But, more often than not, cabinet refacing involves replacing the whole piece, including the doors.
The first thing you’ll need to determine is how much you plan to spend for cabinet refinishing. It’s important to know how much per square foot it costs because the amount you pay will depend on the type of wood, the finish used, and other variables. If you want a very high-end finished product, like nickel, you’ll pay more than if you wanted a low-end product, like an unfinished pine piece.
When it comes to choosing a professional cabinet refinishing company, you’ll need to make sure it is a reputable company with a long track record of good service. Visit their website for more information. You may also want to check with the Better Business Bureau to see if customers have lodged complaints about the company. You should also make sure that the person doing the work has gone to a high school diploma or has at least a four-year degree in something related to kitchens and appliances. It’s also a good idea to ask friends, family members, or coworkers who may be able to recommend someone that they have done work for before.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices based on your budget, your level of expertise, and your location, you’ll be ready to start looking at different styles and materials. The easiest way to decide on what kind of cabinet refacing you’re going to do is to look at photos of kitchen cabinets before and after a professional cabinet painting job. While you may be tempted to simply go with the first photo you see online or in a magazine, you should take a second look and see if the colors look similar. Or, compare a couple of photos of similar style cabinets online to make sure you are choosing the same material. Keep in mind that cabinet refacing should always be done similarly, with the same style and color.
If you have your heart set on a particular cabinetry style, it is important to determine how long the job will take before starting. This will help you determine whether or not you can afford the labor costs associated with the new cabinetry before determining how much wood, veneer, and painting will cost. There is cabinet refacing kits available that will provide step-by-step instructions for a do-it-yourself approach to refinishing a kitchen or bathroom cabinet yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable with putting an item in a cabinet, you may want to contact a local contractor who can quote you a price based on a job by the hour.