Give Your Kitchen A Face Lift With Cabinet Refacing

If your old kitchen cabinets are making your kitchen look outdated and dull, but you don't have the cash to rip them out and replace them with modern cabinets, kitchen refacing may be a solution for you. This method gives your kitchen a new look without the cost or hassles of ripping out the old cabinets and replacing them. Find out if refacing your kitchen cabinets is a good option for you.

What is refacing?

Refacing refers to removing the doors of your existing cabinets and drawers and replacing them with new doors and drawer facings. Think of it as a happy medium between giving the old doors a coat of fresh paint and replacing the entire cabinets.

Can all cabinets be refaced?

As long as the box of your cabinets is in good condition and you are happy with the current layout of your cabinets, any cabinet can be refaced. Keep in mind that refacing does not include changing the size, shape or location of your cabinets and drawers. You will need a remodeling project to make those kinds of changes.

Can you change the drawer pulls and handles?

You can certainly opt for new hardware for your cabinets if you wish, but it isn't mandatory. If you love the handles and drawer pulls on your current cabinets, you can remove them and give them a thorough cleaning and replace them on the new doors and drawers. If you'd like new hardware, there are many options to choose from and they can easily be installed on your new doors.

Do you need to hire a contractor to reface your cabinets?

If you are do-it-yourselfer, you could do the job yourself, but hiring a professional is recommended. Your contractor has experience with installing cabinets and is skilled at assessing the condition of your current cabinets. He can make adjustments, if necessary, and spot potential problems that you may not notice. He can also build matching cabinetry if you decide to add to your kitchen.

How long does it take to reface kitchen cabinets?

The amount of time it takes to reface your cabinets depends on the number of cabinets and the layout of your kitchen. It is typically completed within a few days. Your contractor can give you an estimate of the time when he assesses the job.

How do you prepare for refacing cabinets?

You will need to clean out the cabinets and remove items on the counters and tabletops in your kitchen. Wiping out the inside of the cabinets with a soft cloth is a good idea, but you do not need to wash down the cabinet doors before the contractor arrives. If you wish to use the same hardware, talk to your contractor about whether he wants you to remove it or if that service is part of the job.

Tips

There are some things you can do to make the project run more smoothly.

  • Call several weeks (or months) in advance to make an appointment.
  • Schedule work at least two weeks before a major event, such as expected company or a family celebration.
  • Make appointments for the beginning of the week so that if the contractor runs into issues and takes longer than expected your kitchen won't be out of commission over the weekend.
  • Plan to eat out for several nights. While you can use your kitchen for the evening meal once the workers are done for the day, you may be more comfortable eating out or ordering take-out.
  • Keep pets and small children in a safe area where they will not get in the contractor's way or "escape" through open doors.

New doors and hardware can transform the appearance of your kitchen for about half of the cost of replacing the old cabinets. You get to enjoy the look and feel of a new kitchen without breaking the bank to do it. For more information, contact a company like Canlik Kitchens Inc Kitchen refacing Toronto.


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