Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Can Be Confusing

Different contractors can mean different things when they use the term cabinet refacing

. The process involves keeping the existing frame for your cabinetry but the confusion comes with some people replacing the door fronts and drawers while others will install a thin wood veneer over the existing doors and drawers. The work is very similar but you need to understand which technique they plan to use before you agree to have the work done.

It is hard to say if one technique is better than the other. The finished product in each can produce spectacular results when done properly. The big advantage of going with either type of refacing is that the total cost is considerably less than if you would purchase and install brand new cabinets. The biggest drawback is that you have to stick to the current configuration of the cabinets in the kitchen and cannot rearrange them into a new design.

Installation of the wood veneers is much easier than hanging new doors and swapping out drawer fronts. Several manufacturers like Formwood Industries have a whole line of veneers for sale that come with a self sticking back. You simply peel back the paper cover and stick the veneer onto the front of the drawer or the door. There are also custom strips to use to cover the exposed section of the framework that is still visible. The veneers can be applied by do it yourselfers but cutting the pieces and fitting them is not as easy as it might look.

If you decide to go the refacing route which includes all new doors and drawer fronts you will have a wider variety of styles and designs to choose from. Raised panels in the door and custom grooves are not possible with veneers. You can also go with stained glass or mullion doors which will add some style to your kitchen. Even with the installation of new doors and drawers, veneers are still often used to cover the frame of the cabinet to match the doors. Veneers are also used to cover the sides of any cabinets that might be exposed.

If you don't like the look of the veneers then your existing cabinet frame can be stained to match your new cabinet door and drawers. Before the new doors are installed, the surfaces that will be exposed will have to be sanded down before applying the new stain. Use a brush or rag to apply the stain and give it a couple of coats to insure full coverage. Once the stain has been given time to dry, the new doors and drawers can be installed. After the refacing is completed you may have to go back and touch up parts of the frames that might have gotten nicked up during the construction.

by: Shawn Hickman

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