How to reface cabinets: step-by-step guide
- Under How-To
If your kitchen or bathroom could use a face-lift, refacing cabinets is a great way to breathe new life into your space without the hassle of a full remodel. Refacing cabinets involves updating the exterior of your cabinetry without altering the layout or replacing the units themselves. Basically, you take advantage of what already works while modernizing and refreshing the overall space.
Are you ready to inject fresh energy into your kitchen or bathroom? If so, this guide will provide a step-by-step walkthrough on how to reface your cabinets and enjoy those spaces for years to come.
Determining if cabinet refacing is the right option
Before diving into a cabinet refacing project, it’s important to determine whether refacing is the right solution or if your space would benefit from a full remodel. If your cabinetry is still sturdy, functional, and arranged practically, refacing can be an excellent way to rejuvenate your space without the disruption and cost of a complete remodel.
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of refacing vs. remodeling:
| Cabinet Refacing | Cabinet Remodeling | |
| Cost | Typically less expensive, as you’re reusing your existing cabinet boxes. According to Angi, refacing generally costs about 30% to 50% as much as replacement. | Can be more expensive due to the cost of new cabinetry, potential layout changes, and additional labor. |
| Time | Less time-consuming, as you’re working with the existing layout. You can often complete the project in a few days. | Typically requires more time, especially if you’re changing the layout. It can take weeks to complete. |
| Disruption | Minimal disruption to your kitchen or bathroom routine, as cabinet boxes remain in place. | Significant disruption, as you must remove old cabinets and install new ones. |
| Appearance | Can completely transform the look of your cabinets, making them feel brand new. | Offers the opportunity for a completely new look and layout. |
| Environment | More environmentally friendly, as it reduces waste by reusing existing materials. | Tends to generate more waste due to the disposal of old cabinets. |
Deciding between refacing and remodeling will ultimately depend on your specific project, including your budget, time constraints, and aesthetic preferences.
Exploring how to reface your kitchen cabinets
If you’ve decided to rejuvenate your kitchen by refacing your cabinetry, you can drastically transform the appearance of your space by either replacing your existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts or simply updating their look. Here’s a closer look at the most common cabinet refacing options:
1. Veneering
Veneering involves attaching a thin layer of wood or laminate veneer over your current cabinet boxes. It’s an excellent solution if you’re satisfied with your kitchen’s layout but desire an upgrade in the style or color of your cabinets. This option requires precision and care to ensure you apply the veneer smoothly and evenly.
According to us at The Cabinet Door Store, the cost to veneer your cabinets ranges from $2,000 to $8,000 for an average-sized kitchen, depending on the type and quality of veneer you select. Wood veneers typically cost more than laminate options but offer a richer, more natural look.
2. Painting
Painting your cabinets is an affordable and straightforward approach to elevating your kitchen’s aesthetic. The price varies significantly depending on whether you DIY it or hire a professional and the type and quality of paint you use. It’s crucial to use a durable, kitchen-appropriate paint that can withstand daily wear and tear.
Painting cabinets can cost anywhere from $200 to $2,500, depending on the size, materials, and complexity of your space.
3. Installing new doors and drawer fronts
Replacing your cabinet doors and drawer fronts provides an opportunity for a significant style shift while keeping your existing cabinet boxes intact. This option allows you to experiment with various materials, finishes, and designs.
According to HomeGuide, the cost typically ranges from $5,000 to $16,000. Materials, styles, and any customization determines the precise price tag.
4. Changing cabinet door profiles
If you’re looking for a middle-ground solution, changing the profiles of your cabinet doors may be the ideal choice. This option involves keeping your existing cabinet doors but modifying the style or design. The changes could be as simple as adding beadboard inserts, decorative moldings, or creating a Shaker-style door.
This method gives you the chance to get creative and tailor the look of your cabinets to your personal style. Depending on the complexity and number of doors, adding new cabinet door profiles varies wildly depending on the materials, your specific project, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional.
Materials list for cabinet refacing
Settled on the best option for your project? Now it’s time to gather your cabinet-refacing materials. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need based on the refacing option you chose:
Veneering cabinet refacing materials
- Wood or laminate veneer: Choose a style and color that complements your kitchen’s design. Make sure you purchase enough to cover all visible sides of your cabinets.
- Contact cement: This will be used to adhere the veneer to your cabinets. Look for a high-quality, durable adhesive designed for use with veneer.
- J roller: This tool helps to apply even pressure when attaching the veneer, ensuring a strong bond.
- Utility knife: For trimming excess veneer.
- Sander and sandpaper: For preparing the cabinet boxes before veneer application.
Painting cabinet refacing materials
- Primer:A quality primer is essential for a smooth, durable finish. Look for a product specifically designed for kitchen cabinets, as these are more resistant to moisture and grease. When choosing a primer, it’s important to consider:
- Compatibility with paint: Ensure the primer is compatible with the type of paint you plan to use. If you’re using water-based paint, go for a water-based primer. Similarly, use oil-based primer for oil-based paints
- Stain-blocking: If your cabinets have stains or are made of a wood species prone to bleed-through, such as oak or mahogany, opt for a primer with excellent stain-blocking properties.
- Adhesion: Good adhesion is a critical property to consider. The primer should stick well to the surface, enabling a smooth and durable paint job.
- Drying time: Look for a primer that dries quickly and allows for easy sanding once dried, enabling you to move quickly to the next step.
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Paint:
Choose a high-quality, durable paint suitable for cabinets. Semi-gloss or gloss finishes are usually recommended for kitchens due to their durability and ease of cleaning.
- Paint brushes and rollers: Look for brushes and rollers suitable for the type of paint you’re using.
- Painter’s tape: This helps protect areas you don’t want painted.
- Drop cloths: These protect your floors and countertops during the painting process.
New doors and drawer fronts cabinet refacing materials
- New cabinet doors and drawer fronts: Select new doors and drawer fronts that match the style and color of your refaced or painted cabinet boxes.
- New hardware: This includes handles or knobs and hinges. Choose hardware that complements your new doors and drawer fronts.
- Screwdriver or drill: These are a must for removing the old doors and hardware and installing the new ones.
Remember, it’s crucial to take accurate measurements before purchasing materials and to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions during the installation or application process. Once you’ve decided on a game plan and assembled your materials, it’s time to begin your cabinet refacing project.
Let’s look at the two more complex cabinet refacing options — veneering and painting.
How to reface cabinets with veneers
Refacing your cabinets requires a bit of patience, precision, and a knack for detail. But with the right tools and guidance, you can revamp your kitchen like a pro. Here’s how to go about it, step by step:
1. Remove cabinet doors and all hardware
Start by unscrewing and removing all the doors and drawer fronts from your cabinets. Store all screws and hardware in a safe place, as you’ll need them when it’s time to put everything back together. Removing everything enables you to work from a flat, clear surface, which is essential when applying the veneer.
2. Clean and sand the cabinets
Now, it’s time to prepare your cabinet surfaces. Begin by cleaning the cabinets thoroughly to get rid of any grease or grime. If necessary, use a good degreaser. Then, lightly sand all the surfaces that you’ll veneer. This creates a rough surface that allows for a stronger bond when you apply the veneer.
3. Cut veneer to size
After preparing your cabinets, measure the surfaces you’re covering and cut the veneer pieces to match these dimensions. It’s safer to cut the pieces a bit larger than needed. You can always trim the excess later for a perfect fit.
4. Glue veneer to cabinets
Apply a layer of adhesive to the back of each veneer piece, following the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. Then, carefully press the veneer onto your cabinets, smoothing it out to avoid any bubbles or wrinkles. Make sure to apply even pressure across the whole piece for a firm and even stick.
5. Trim excess material from veneer
Getting a straight, flush cut when trimming veneer can be one of the more challenging aspects of the process. Here are some tricks and tools that can help you achieve the best results:
Use a straight edge or a guide
Ensure a straight cut by using a straight edge or a guide. You can use a metal ruler or a purpose-built straight-edge tool as a guide for your utility knife. This helps keep the blade straight and reduces the risk of making a cut that’s off the line.
Choose the right utility knife
It’s also essential to choose the right utility knife for this task. A knife with a retractable, snap-off blade is a good option because you can simply break off the tip when it dulls, ensuring you always have a sharp blade.
Score before you cut
One trick professionals use is to lightly score the line you wish to cut before making the full-depth cut. Scoring helps guide the utility knife and can result in a cleaner final cut.
Keep your blade sharp
A sharp blade is crucial for clean cuts. Regularly check and replace your blade to ensure it’s always sharp.
Use a flush trim router
If you’re working on a lot of cabinets and want the best possible finish, consider investing in a flush trim router with a laminate/veneer trimming bit. This tool is designed to trim laminate and veneer flush with the edge of the cabinet, providing a neat and professional finish.
Remember, always practice safety when using sharp tools. Keep your hands away from the blade, use controlled movements, and always cut away from your body.
6. Reattach cabinet doors and hardware
The final step is to reattach your new cabinet doors and drawer fronts using the screws and hardware you set aside earlier. If you’re aiming for a total transformation, consider exploring new cabinet door profiles for an even bigger transformation.
After you’ve screwed everything back in place, step back and admire your beautifully refaced cabinets.
How to reface cabinets with paint
Refacing your cabinets with paint is a great alternative to veneer, offering a fresh, updated look. Whether you prefer a bright, airy feel or a dramatic, bold statement, painted cabinet doors can deliver stunning results.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reface your cabinets with paint:
1. Remove cabinet doors and hardware
Just like with veneer, begin by removing all the doors, drawers, and hardware from your cabinets. This step will give you a flat surface to work on and prevent paint from getting onto your hardware.
2. Clean and sand the cabinets
Before you start painting, it’s crucial to prepare your surfaces. Clean all surfaces thoroughly with a grease-cutting cleaner to remove grime and residue. Once clean, sand your cabinets lightly. This step will help the primer and paint adhere better to the surface.
3. Apply primer
After prepping your cabinets, apply a high-quality primer. Primer creates a perfect surface for the paint to stick to and ensures your paint job lasts longer. As mentioned above, consider a primer’s compatibility with your paint, adhesion, stain-blocking, and dry time for the best results. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
4. Paint your cabinets
After your primer is completely dry, you’re ready for painting. Selecting the right paint for your cabinets is paramount, as this will significantly affect the final result. Consider the following tips to make the best paint choice:
- Type of paint: Look for paints specifically designed for cabinetry. They are often more durable and resist chipping, staining, and wear and tear — common issues in kitchens.
- Finish: Carefully choose your paint finish, such as matte, satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss. While high-gloss paints are the most durable and easy to clean, they might highlight imperfections. Satin or semi-gloss finishes often strike a good balance between durability and aesthetics.
- Color: Lighter colors can help a small kitchen feel bigger, while darker colors can add depth and warmth.
- Quality: Investing in high-quality paint can make a big difference. Higher-quality paints often provide better coverage, require fewer coats, and tend to be more durable and resistant to washing.
When applying paint, it’s essential to apply thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before the next application. While two coats are usually sufficient, the number of coats will depend on the color you’re covering and the one you’re applying. For example, lighter colors may require more coats for full coverage. Let the paint dry and cure completely before reattaching any hardware to ensure the best possible result.
5. Reattach cabinet doors and hardware
After the paint has dried completely, it’s time to reattach your cabinet doors and hardware. Be careful not to smudge your fresh paint job in the process.
Explore a variety of cabinet door paint colors to create a look that’s uniquely yours. Whether you want a traditional, timeless look or something more modern and bold, painting your cabinets gives your kitchen a new lease on life.
DIY cabinet refacing vs. professional cabinet refacing
Deciding between doing it yourself and hiring a professional for cabinet refacing is a crucial choice. Both options have their pros and cons. Let’s put them side by side to make the decision clearer:
DIY cabinet refacing pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-effective: You save on labor costs. | Time-consuming: It can take significant time, particularly if you’re new to it. |
| Control: You make all decisions about materials, design, and scheduling. | Skill level: You’ll need a decent level of DIY skill and comfort. |
| Satisfaction: There’s a rewarding sense of achievement when you do it yourself. | Risk of errors: Mistakes can be costly, potentially leading to unplanned expenses. |
Professional cabinet refacing pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Efficiency: With their expertise, professionals can do the job more quickly. | Higher cost: You’re paying for labor, which can be quite costly. |
| Quality: Professionals provide a high-quality finish. | Less control: You don’t have as much say over the schedule or certain aspects of the project. |
| Hassle-free: They manage everything, allowing you to relax. | Availability: You need to coordinate with the contractor’s schedule. |
Choosing between DIY and professional cabinet refacing depends on your budget, the time you can commit, your confidence in handling the project yourself, and your desire for a professional finish.
Keep up to date with The Cabinet Door Store
If you’re ready to refresh your kitchen or bathroom, The Cabinet Door Store is here to support you. From sleek and modern cabinet door profiles to a wide variety of paint and stain colors for cabinet doors, you’ll find everything you need for a successful cabinet transformation on our website.
If you’re considering remodeling or refacing your cabinetry, send us an email and we’ll be happy to help you create the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams.