Refacing Kits Let You Remodel Kitchen Cabinets Affordably

Upgrading your kitchen with a full cabinet replacement can cost tens of thousands of dollars. But with cabinet refacing kits, you can transform the look of your existing cabinets for a fraction of the price.

Refacing kits allow you to refresh your cabinets by replacing doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. New veneers and finishes are applied over the cabinet boxes to create a cohesive, like-new aesthetic. The end result is a dramatically updated kitchen at a budget-friendly cost.

Overview of Cabinet Refacing

What is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing is a renovation process that upgrades the visible surfaces of your existing cabinets without removing or replacing the boxes. The old doors, hardware, and exterior finishes are removed and replaced with new ones to give cabinets a fresh, modern look.

Refacing kits include all the materials needed, like new doors, veneer sheets, and hardware. The existing cabinet boxes are left intact, saving time and money compared to a full replacement.

Benefits of Refacing vs. Replacing Cabinets

There are many advantages to refacing cabinets rather than replacing them entirely:

• More affordable - Refacing costs about 50% less than new custom cabinets
• Faster timeline - Refacing takes just a few days, not weeks
• Customizable new style - Update door styles, finishes, and hardware
• Less waste - Refacing is eco-friendly since boxes are reused

What's Included in Refacing Kits?

Typical cabinet refacing kits include:

• New cabinet doors and drawer fronts
• Veneer sheets to adhere over boxes
• Matching hardware like hinges and pulls
• Glue, sandpaper, and prep tools
• Stain, paint or glaze options

The Refacing Process Step-by-Step

Removing Old Surfaces

The first step in refacing is stripping the old finishes. This involves:

• Removing doors, drawers, and hardware
• Taking off existing veneers or laminates
• Sanding boxes smooth and repairing any flaws

Adding New Veneers and Finishes

Next, new materials are applied to give cabinets a fresh look:

• Cutting veneer sheets to fit each cabinet surface
• Securing veneers with adhesive and sealing edges
• Staining or painting if desired for color
• Protecting with a clear polyurethane coat

Installing New Facade

The final step is updating the outward appearance of cabinets with new components:

• Hanging updated doors and drawers
• Attaching new hardware like knobs and pulls
• Adding trimwork, under cabinet lighting, or glass inserts

Choosing Quality Refacing Kits and Materials

Kit Contents

When evaluating refacing kits, look for:

• Thick, durable veneer sheets, like real wood or quality laminates
• Hardware that matches your kitchen's style - modern, traditional, etc.
• Doors, drawers, and accessories to customize the look
• Adequate sandpaper, glue, tools, and prep supplies

Brand Recommendations

Some top brands for refacing kits include:

• Stonehill - Used by many contractors
• Facelifters - Affordable kits good for DIY projects
• RTA Cabinet Store - Wide selection of veneers, doors, finishes
• DIY Refacers - Specialize in smaller DIY kits

Ordering Samples and Options

When purchasing a kit, order samples of:

• Door styles - Slab, shaker, inset panels, etc.
• Veneer types - Wood, thermofoil, laminate
• Finishes - Stains, paints, glazes to set the tone

Hiring a Contractor vs. DIY Refacing

Assessing Difficulty and Skill Level

Consider hiring a pro if your project involves:

• Complex cabinet layouts or built-ins
• Matching existing challenging finishes
• Installing new cabinet lighting

Contractor Estimates and Bids

When getting contractor bids, ask for:

• Detailed scope of work
• Price breakdown for labor, materials, etc.
• Timeline estimating project length

Doing It Yourself

To DIY, have:

• Proper tools - router, clamps, saw, drill, sander
• Some carpentry and refinishing experience
• Patience for a potentially lengthy process

Setting a Refacing Budget

Estimating Project Expenses

Factor in costs like:

• Kit price - $80-$300 per cabinet door
• Misc materials - Additional $200-$500
• Labor fees if hiring contractors

Creating a Payment Plan

Consider financing options:

• Credit cards - Make monthly payments over time
• Personal loans - Lower interest rates than credit cards
• HELOC - Uses home equity to fund project

Maintaining Your Refaced Cabinets

Cleaning and Care

Keep finishes looking new by:

• Using mild cleaners only
• Immediately wiping spills
• Avoiding excessive moisture

Making Repairs

Fix minor damages like:

• Touch up kits - Fix chips and scratches
• Realigning doors and drawers
• Replacing broken hardware

You can upgrade your kitchen on a budget. Transform the heart of your home without the hassle and expense of a full replacement.