Cabinets are the kitchen’s functional and aesthetic backbone. But over time, they can show signs of wear and tear.

Rather than purchasing new cabinets, a homeowner can refinish or reface existing ones. Both projects can dramatically change a room’s appearance. Contact San Jose Cabinet Refinishing for more information.

Cost

Cabinet refinishing can cost as much as half of what it would cost to replace your cabinets. It also uses fewer resources than refacing and is an environmentally responsible choice. The waste generated by tearing out old cabinets and installing new ones is substantial, but refinishing minimizes it. This type of project may be more expensive if you want to change the color of your cabinets, but even that can save you more money than replacing them entirely.

There are several factors that influence the overall cost of a kitchen cabinet refinishing job. The scope of the work, the number and style of cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and any upgrades you might make will determine how much this project will run. If you want to make significant changes, it is recommended that you have professional estimates prepared by reputable contractors.

The cost of cabinet refinishing includes labor and materials like stain and top coat, though specifics vary. A typical workflow starts with inspection and repairs, then cleaning, deglossing, light sanding, chemical stripping (if necessary), wood filler for damaged areas, a high-quality primer, multiple coats of low-VOC paint or stain, and an optional protective sealant. If you plan on changing the color of your cabinets, this will add to the overall cost because the existing finish needs to be removed before applying the new one.

While refinishing your cabinets can seem like an intimidating DIY task, many homeowners find that it is less costly and more efficient to hire a professional. The process can be messy and dusty, but a professional will keep the mess contained to the cabinet surfaces themselves, minimizing the impact on your home’s air quality. Moreover, a skilled professional will complete the task more quickly than a homeowner might achieve with at-home tools and methods, which require sanding, painting, and spraying with VOC-free finishes that dry evenly for lasting durability.

Depending on the size of your kitchen and the style of doors, you can expect to pay anywhere from $4,300 to $7,000. If you want to replace your cabinet doors and drawer fronts with modern designs, you’ll need to budget for additional costs like hardware and installation.

Time

Cabinet refacing and refinishing both require time to complete the job. A professional team will provide a detailed timeline that can be adjusted to meet your unique needs and budget. This is important because the longer your project takes, the more costly it becomes. In addition, the work may take longer if you choose to add extra elements like countertops, backsplash, flooring, or plumbing.

The cabinet refinishing process requires some pre-work, including inspection, cleaning, deglossing, light sanding (with a grit between 30 and 60), and stain or paint preparation. This step is essential for creating a smooth surface that will hold the new finish well. It also removes old finishes and fills any holes, dents, or scratches. Next, the cabinets are primed. Once the primer is dry, it’s time to start applying the final color and sheen.

This process requires a lot of prep, which can be time-consuming. A professional refinisher will use a high-quality HVLP sprayer, sander, and proper safety gear to ensure the best results. They will test older homes for lead paint and follow containment procedures if necessary. A professional team can generally do a 12-cabinet kitchen in 2-5 days.

Refinishing is a great option for homeowners who want to make a significant visual impact without a major remodel. It preserves the original structure and functionality of your kitchen, allows for customization, and reduces environmental waste. Plus, it’s a more affordable alternative to replacing your cabinets.

However, refinishing isn’t right for everyone. It may not provide the same dramatic change as refacing, and it can be difficult to keep up with maintenance. It’s also important to consider your current kitchen layout and how it fits your lifestyle. For example, do you need more storage or organizational solutions? Do you prefer a more modern or traditional look? These factors will help you decide whether refacing or refinishing is the best option for your home.

Workspace

Cabinet refacing involves applying laminate wood to the face frames and sides of existing cabinets to give them a dramatically new look. It’s a relatively quick project compared to replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts and it’s much more cost-effective than a complete replacement. But there are a few things to keep in mind before you embark on this exciting remodel.

To begin the refacing process, empty the cabinets and remove all the hardware (hinges, knobs, pull handles). Label each door or drawer where it goes for easy reinstallation later on. Clean the cabinets thoroughly using a degreaser or a combination of water and mild dish soap. This is important because kitchen cabinets are prone to grease buildup, especially near the handles and other high-touch areas. Once the cabinets are cleaned, they are sanded to ensure a smooth surface for the stain or paint. If necessary, dents or scratches are filled. Finally, the cabinet faces are primed to promote topcoat adhesion and a uniform appearance.

When refacing, it’s also the ideal time to add additional storage solutions. For example, installing pull-out drawers, shelving, vertical storage or under-cabinet hooks will make the most of limited space. It’s also a good idea to add a backsplash to tie everything together and protect your walls from stains and scratches.

Once the cabinet surfaces are sanded and cleaned, they are ready for priming. Choosing a high-quality, bonding primer like KILZ 3(r) Premium Primer offers excellent adhesion and stain blocking properties and dries quickly. Apply the primer using a paintbrush for detailed areas and a roller for larger, flat sections. When the primer dries, it’s a good time to caulk any cracks where the cabinets meet the wall or crown molding.

Once the primer dries, it’s time to start the refacing process. First, sand the cabinet face frames and rails to prepare them for veneer application. Then, apply the veneer to the stiles and rails in thin strips. Use a veneer roller to push out any air bubbles and to ensure a smooth surface. Let the veneer dry before reinstalling the doors and drawer fronts.

Maintenance

Cabinet refinishing can transform your cabinets, giving them a fresh new look without the expense and time commitment of a full renovation. However, there are some maintenance tasks you must perform regularly to keep them looking beautiful. The first step is to clean the cabinets frequently. This removes dust, smoke, and other debris that accumulates over time. You can use a mild cleaner formulated for wood cabinets or even soap and water. Be sure to dry the surfaces thoroughly after cleaning to avoid moisture damage.

During this time, it’s also a good idea to inspect the cabinets for any structural issues or damage that may require attention. For example, if water has penetrated the surface, you might need to sand the area and apply another coat of stain. If the wood has swelled or warped, you’ll need to do more extensive repairs to the affected areas.

Another important maintenance task is to wipe down the cabinet surfaces regularly with a soft cloth or sponge. This removes dirt, grease, wax, and other debris that can damage the finish. You can also use a gentle wood furniture polish to restore the shine and appearance to your cabinets.

Finally, it’s important to protect your cabinets from sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct light can cause the finish to fade. To prevent this, you can use window treatments or install cabinets that are shaded from direct sunlight.

While refinishing and refacing are two different approaches to changing the look of your kitchen cabinets, both can be effective in providing a dramatic transformation. The key difference is that refacing involves the installation of new cabinet doors and drawer fronts, while refinishing simply changes the color and texture of existing ones.

Refacing carries a higher initial cost than refinishing, but the expense is offset by the fact that you don’t have to pay for new cabinets, removal, and installation. It’s also more environmentally friendly, as you are reusing the existing materials and minimizing waste.