Kitchen Cabinets: Reface or Replace?

Replacing your kitchen cabinets could be a big investment according to the quality that you are looking for and the size of your kitchen.

People who wish to improve the look of their kitchen usually are not aware of all the alternatives to renewing their cabinets. Other than re-painting them, have them replaced entirely or a more extensive re-modeling, you can achieve a brand new looking kitchen through the process of refacing.

When it’s not a good idea to reface:

  • If saving 40% to 60% compared to replacing it is not important to you
  • If you don't mind having workers in your house – sometimes for several weeks
  • The inside of your cabinets (boxes) are worn out, cracked, rotten etc.
  • The layout of your kitchen it is not working for you any more so you want to drastically change the configuration. (Minor changes or adding extra cabinets like an island or a pantry are still possible with the refacing service).

How does refacing works?

The boxes are not removed so the layout of the kitchen remains essentially the same. The cabinet doors are matched to the existing material, however, with the goal to insure that any of the old deteriorated color is not visible.

The finished result will be a brand new kitchen at a fraction of the cost. The only part that stays “old” is the inside of your boxes. (The inside of this “new” kitchen might not be white, however, in most cases, cabinet interiors don’t match the exterior surfaces 99.9% of the time, anyways.

Installing crown molding, light valances, fluted fillers, cabinet posts and numerous decorative moldings of matching material are other possible upgrade options if you want to go the extra mile. The functionality of your kitchen could also be improved by installing soft closing pull-out drawers, pots and pans drawers, or a lazy susan etc. The entire job typically lasts from 3 to 6 working days according to the size of your kitchen and all the while, you can still prepare dinner for the family because the appliances won't be touched. (Save a few $$ on restaurant expenses).

Advantages of refacing

  • It's valuable because you will get the result you want with half of the cost.
  • It's painless and fast because there is no disruption
  • It's convenient if you want to save your existing counter top especially if it's granite or any other solid surface.

Different options

There are basically four main different options in choosing the material to reface your kitchen cabinets.

  • Wood: many different species are available that can be combined with different stains and door styles – the sky is the limit. It’s the most obvious way to go if you want to impress as well as have a look that will last through the years. Wood cabinets are not suggested if you don`t appreciate the inconsistency of a natural product.

  • Thermo foil: a very good way to go for a kitchen in a condo or small house, or if you want to have a solid color look with the consistency that only vinyl can provide. It is however, not the best option if you want it to last for many years.

  • Laminate: the most economical way to go but not the richest looking. Ideal for a modern, minimalistic look.

The best way to make sure you are choosing the right company is what everybody recommends – references, references and references. Phone people and ask them if it`s possible to see the final product and stay away from companies that are not willing to give you references.

This article has been provided by Techno Kitchens Refacing. For more more information, visit " www.ontariokitchenrefacing.com(Techno Kitchens Refacing website)": www.ontariokitchenrefacing.com

Article Author

After 15 years of experience in the woodworking and cabinetry industry, Techno founder Frank Silletti chose to start his own refacing company with the goal of giving homeowners a more affordable alternative to traditional kitchen remodeling with a focus on using only “real wood” material. By using the cabinet refacing process and taking care of hardware and counter tops we are able to cut down dramatically the time, cost, and inconveniences of kitchen remodeling. Frank says: “I want to run my company with integrity and passion that is the way I have trained my team to be.” Happy customers are the only “Award” we are looking for and it is an award that we can’t buy!!!!!! For a free consultation please contact us. 905-466-2899

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