Cabinet Refacing Pros and Cons
Outdated or damaged cabinets can quickly ruin the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom, even if you update the other elements in the space. Replacing the cabinets is one way to add an instant update, but you could also reface them instead. The better option depends on your budget and the layout or condition of the existing cabinets.
The Process
Refacing cabinets involves installing new cabinet doors and drawer fronts and covering the exposed face frames of the cabinets with a wood or plastic veneer. This typically takes two to four days, depending on the size of your kitchen, and professional artisans usually do the work. The doors and drawer fronts must be removed to reface them, and the old finish is roughed up to prepare the surface for the new covering, which is glued or nailed over the old finish. The nail holes are then filled, and seams and edges are trimmed. Replacing your cabinets is much more involved and can take much longer if you factor in the planning and ordering of the cabinets. The cabinets must be removed, so their contents must be packed away. While homeowners can replace cabinets, a professional installer knows how to measure and order to ensure the cabinets fit perfectly into your kitchen or bathroom.
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