What Is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing typically involves removing cabinet doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer over the existing surface. Doors, hinges, handles, and drawer pulls are also replaced, making the cabinets look as good as new without having to remove the existing cabinet structures. Cabinet refacing is an excellent way to refresh your kitchen without having to go all-in on a complete remodel.

HWC has been West Michigan’s trusted kitchen remodeler since 1985, and we love using our expertise to design and renovate homes. But, many homeowners are simply looking for a quick makeover. You may want to spruce up your kitchen without committing to a full remodel or a cabinet replacement project. In this case, cabinet refacing is a great choice.

A Convenient and Cost-Effective Cabinet Refresh

Cabinet refacing projects allow you to create a fresh look with color and style while also saving money and causing less disruption. Cabinet refacing typically:

• Takes less than a week to complete.
• Is 50 to 75 percent the cost of a full remodel.
• Allows you to keep your countertops, flooring, and current kitchen layout.

When it comes to cabinet options, there are many veneer colors and styles to choose from. You can schedule a free, in-home consultation with one of our experienced team members to discuss your options and get inspired with new ideas. You can also visit one of our showrooms in Grand Rapids or Wyoming, Michigan, to see many quality cabinet options. We’re excited to help you on the journey of creating your dream home.

However, if your cabinets are unstable, structurally warped, poorly placed, or lacking in storage, a cabinet replacement project is the way to go. It’s not always obvious whether your cabinets are able to be refaced; to understand your options, reach out to us for a free consultation and evaluation of your current cabinets.

Cabinet Refacing Versus Painting

It’s important to note that cabinet refacing follows a different process and delivers a different outcome than cabinet painting projects. Cabinet refacing involves installing entirely new veneers and hardware, while painting projects add coats of primer and paint to existing surfaces.

Painting cabinets can be a good refresh solution if they’re structurally sound and don’t have water damage. But, cabinet painting projects can come with surprising challenges.

Not all cabinet doors can be stripped, repainted, or stained. The wood needs to be high quality and thick enough to hold up during this process. Depending on the cabinet’s material, the dried paint may look different than expected and be more prone to damage. There may also be bonding issues or chipping when painting over factory finishes compared to new wood.
These factors are why it’s important to discuss your goals with experts like HWC before moving forward with a painting project.

The cost of having your cabinets professionally painted is not that far off from installing all new cabinet doors and drawer fronts with factory-baked finishes.

We advise you to think through these details when considering the best way to revitalize your cabinets. In many cases, cabinet refacing is a more practical and sustainable refresh, but we’re always here to answer your questions and provide guidance for your unique situation.

The Benefits of Cabinet Refacing (and Other Considerations)

There are many benefits to cabinet refacing:

Custom Designs. You can choose new colors, styles, materials, and hardware when refacing your cabinets. The materials we offer at HWC are of a much higher quality than what you’d find at a big box store.

Cost Efficiency. Cabinet refacing is a great option for first-time home buyers. If you like your new kitchen’s layout but want to make it feel more like your own, it’s an effective way to do so without going over budget. Cabinet refacing can also help you increase your home’s value.

Swift Installation. Compared to cabinet replacement, refacing is a quicker and less disruptive project. In the average kitchen, cabinet refacing projects usually take less than a week to complete.

Eco-Friendly. Refacing maintains the current cabinet framework, so it’s an approach that reduces waste.

There are also cabinet refacing limitations to keep in mind that may help you effectively plan your next kitchen remodeling project:

Unable to Change Cabinet Structure. Refacing doesn’t increase cabinet spaciousness nor does it strengthen a cabinet’s framework.

Fixed Layout. The refacing process doesn’t allow for new arrangements or positioning; your cabinets will remain where they’re currently located. However, HWC can modify or alter cabinets to fit your needs. Our team is an excellent resource for finding ways to use your space more efficiently. We’d be happy to help you find solutions and reconfigure your layouts.

So you know what to expect, cabinet refacing often follows this process:

• Detaching fixtures
• Removing doors and drawers
• Refacing cabinet boxes
• Refacing cabinet sides
• Replacing hinges
• Replacing inside hardware
• Installing new doors
• Installing new drawer fronts
• Installing new cabinet trim

The HWC team can meet you in your home, evaluate your current cabinets, discuss your needs, and offer specific expectations for your cabinet refacing project. Our in-home consults are your free and low-pressure opportunity to ask questions, understand your options, and make a plan for your kitchen renovation project.

HWC Specializes in Cabinet Refacing and We’re Ready to Help You Create the Kitchen of Your Dreams

To learn more about our process, financing options, or to get a quote for your cabinet refacing project, please reach out to us. We can meet you in your home to discuss the changes you want to make and walk you through your options so you can make a plan that you feel great about. These are always no-pressure, no-obligation conversations. To get started, give us a call at 616-531-6766 or email us to request a quote. We look forward to speaking with you!