If you are working on making your kitchen design worthy, you will need to pay attention to the cabinets. Typically the highlight of this space, aside from appliances and paint, there are some things you should know about working with existing cabinetry. Ultimately, you have two options available if you don’t want to buy brand new; refacing and refinishing. Both alternatives are cheaper than a complete overhaul, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons of cabinet refacing and refinishing; make sure to evaluate your needs and budget.
Should You Reface of Refinish?
- Refacing allows you to keep your existing cabinets, while installing new doors and drawers.
- A veneer is applied to the cabinets to give them a finish that can match your new pattern (there are many finishes to choose from).
- Refacing is ideal for people wanting to maintain the overall layout/function, but also make their old cabinets look like new.
- Refinishing is the cheapest option and is a much quicker job to complete, and it entails applying new paint or stain.
- A downside to refinishing is that your cabinets must be in good condition for it to work. People that have damaged units would be better suited for a refacing or replacement job.
- Bear in mind that you will only be able to apply a darker color to your cabinets when refinishing them.
Benefits of Refacing
Refacing offers a number of benefits of refinishing. For starters, you have the ability to choose all new doors and drawers for your cabinets. If you are updating your kitchen, this is a great way to match the overall style and design. Likewise, the cabinets themselves can be made to fit the look, as you can choose from a variety of veneers. If you love your existing layout, this is a solid choice.
If You Have a Limited Budget
If you are working with a limited budget, refinishing may be the better option. You don’t need to hassle with buying anything new, as this job will only require your existing cabinets (doors and all) to be stripped and re-painted or stained. For this to work properly, the cabinets must be in good condition. Also, make sure you are satisfied with the color palette in the kitchen, as you won’t be able to apply a lighter color to the cabinetry.
