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Are you unhappy with your current kitchen? Looking for something more modern or more functional? Often, homeowners are motivated to undertake a full kitchen remodel because they cannot bear the sight of their existing kitchen cabinets.
A full kitchen remodel takes more time and money, two commodities that compete for people’s attention every day. So, what if another option were to give your kitchen a makeover with little to no inconvenience and no hefty price tag?
Desirable Kitchens & Refacing, located in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, PA, has given Pittsburgh clients a less expensive and more time-efficient service called cabinet refacing.
You can replace just the cabinet doors on your kitchen cabinets if they are damaged or you simply want a new style. You can do it yourself if you have the tools, know-how, and confidence, or you can hire remodeling experts to replace your cabinet doors. You can also get your cabinets refaced entirely by professionals!
Many people confuse refacing with replacing just the doors on your kitchen cabinets, but a refacing job entails more than just replacing the cabinet doors. We will go into that later.
Replacing just your kitchen cabinet doors may seem like an easy task, but like anything else, you want to make sure you are doing it right. Many customers who initially only wanted the doors replaced often decide to get their cabinets completely refaced when they find out how affordable it is and how much easier and nicer the end result will be if they have someone give their cabinets a full facelift.
In order to have a good finished product, when replacing your kitchen cabinet doors, you will need to be sure you are correctly matching the finish, you have the correct measurements, and the hardware you are going to use works well with your cabinet boxes and cabinet doors.
Matching your new doors to the boxes and frames to the cabinet boxes and frames is important to give you that finished look. If you have older cabinets or a custom finish, it may be harder to match the cabinet doors.
The company that you are getting your cabinet doors from will play a part in how easily matched it is. If you are getting cabinet doors that are unfinished and plan on painting or staining them by yourself, the matching is all on you.
Some companies you go to can get pretty close to your existing cabinet finish from a photograph, but once they are in your possession, if they are off even a little bit, it can throw off the whole kitchen.
If the doors are going to be the same size as the old ones, and if you are ordering the cabinets yourself and someone is not coming out to your house, you will need to make sure you measure your old doors from the outside edge to the outside edge. Your measurements will need to be accurate to a 16th of an inch. Everyone knows the old measure twice, cut once. Always double-check your measurements!
If you want different-sized doors to put on your existing cabinets, there are more measurements involved. You will need to measure the size of the box opening that the doors will cover and then determine how much of an overlay you want and how much your cabinets accommodate.
The other more comprehensive method of restoring your existing cabinets is cabinet refacing. Cabinet refacing entails the removal of drawer faces and doors and the installation of new ones. Your existing cabinet boxes will remain intact, and a veneer will be added to their faces during the refacing process. There are many possibilities to turn your existing space into the kitchen of your dreams. But first, you will need to evaluate the condition of your current kitchen cabinets to see if they are a candidate for cabinet refacing.
The two main areas to consider before choosing cabinet refacing are the condition of your existing cabinets and how well they function.
Are your cabinets structurally sound?
If you answered yes, then refacing your existing cabinets will save you time and money. If your kitchen cabinet boxes, doors, or drawers are in poor condition, refacing will not correct the problem.
If these are in poor condition, you will need to remove the existing cabinets and entirely replace them, which is considered a full kitchen remodel.
Often, if your cabinets are older, they are more structurally sound and high-quality than ones installed in the past two decades.
Solid wood cabinet boxes are excellent candidates for refacing as the veneer adheres better to the wood, and the refacing expert can anchor new doors on cabinets better than if the boxes were made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Are you pleased with how your cabinets and drawers currently function? Do your cabinets have enough shelving and storage? Do your drawers operate smoothly?
If you have answered yes, then cabinet refacing is the way to go. If you answered no to all of these, then refacing may not be the most financially sound solution for you, and a full kitchen cabinet remodel may be the best answer.
From removing existing kitchen drawer faces and cabinet doors to installing new ones, there are many additional and affordable options you can consider while undergoing this kitchen transformation. Desirable Kitchens & Refacing suggests considering the following upgrades when refacing your cabinets:
Consider a different texture, such as beadboard, when refacing your kitchen cabinets. It can provide a “homey cottage kitchen” look and feel while never going out of style. Shaker cabinet doors are just as popular of a cabinet door style now as they were in the 1800s.
If you like the style and material of your existing cabinets but need a change of color, your options are endless.
Veneers come in a variety of colors and wood stains. Changing cabinet colors is a simple way to change the entire appearance of your kitchen. With a new color, you can change the mood entirely. You will want to be sure to choose your color wisely since the kitchen is one of the most heavily trafficked rooms in the home.
Today, hinges are not just hinges. With the new hinge technology of today, you are sure to notice a difference as your cabinets will close completely and quietly in a soft, slow motion. Also, hinges are available in more colors and styles to match your taste. Before selecting a new hinge, you will just need to determine whether your kitchen cabinet boxes are framed or frameless to ensure a compatible hinge is selected.
While deciding on new hinges, you may wish to consider the many design possibilities available for handles, drawer pulls, and moldings. If you changed your hinges, these may not match anymore. New hardware is a quick, easy and affordable way to transform the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
Depending on the type of kitchen cabinet doors you changed to, you may not need separate handles. If there is a recess for your hand somewhere in the door’s structure, handles will not be necessary.
Kitchen cabinet refacing is an excellent choice for homeowners wanting the look of a full kitchen remodel without changing the layout. With proper research, planning, and a reputable kitchen remodeler by your side, you can create the kitchen of your dreams while being cost-effective and minimally disruptive.
For years, Desirable Kitchens & Refacing has been transforming kitchens throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Our cabinet refacing team has the right solution for every customer – every time! We work closely with you to find the most cost-effective and time-efficient way to upgrade your kitchen while adding value to your home. For a free consultation or more information, please call 412-515-0582.
