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The Ultimate FAQ Guide for Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Expert Answers to Common Questions

Welcome to Better Than New Kitchens’ comprehensive FAQ section on kitchen cabinet refacing! Whether you’re considering giving your kitchen a fresh new look or simply want to understand the process better, you’ve come to the right place. Refacing your cabinets can be a cost-effective and efficient way to rejuvenate your kitchen without the hassle and expense of a full renovation. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about cabinet refacing, from the basics to the finer details. We’re here to help you make informed decisions and transform your kitchen into the space you’ve always dreamed of.

General Information

What is kitchen cabinet refacing?

Kitchen cabinet refacing involves updating the exterior of your existing cabinets by replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, and applying a new quarter-inch wood to the visible surfaces. This method revitalizes the kitchen’s look without the need for complete cabinet replacement, offering a cost-effective and efficient renovation option. To learn more about cabinet refacing, visit our Refacing page.

What are the benefits of refacing cabinets instead of replacing them?

Refacing cabinets offers several benefits over full replacement.

  • It’s a more budget-friendly option, as it avoids the cost of entirely new cabinetry.
  • Refacing is less disruptive to your home, with a quicker turnaround time and less mess compared to a complete remodel.
  • By reusing existing cabinet frameworks, refacing is an eco-friendly choice, reducing waste sent to landfills.
  • Cabinet refacing allows you to achieve a fresh, updated look for your kitchen without the hassle of a full renovation, making it a convenient choice for homeowners.

What are the benefits of refacing cabinets instead of refinishing them?

Cabinet refacing offers several benefits over refinishing:

  • It provides a wider range of color, wood, and door style options.
  • It is more durable, typically lasting over 20 years.
  • The installation process is quicker (2-4 days) and cleaner.
  • You can continue to use your kitchen during the refacing process.

To learn more about the differences between cabinet refacing and cabinet refinishing, read our article Cabinet Refacing vs Refinishing: What’s Best for You. Overall, refacing results in a completely new look for your cabinets, making it a more comprehensive update than refinishing.

Will refacing my cabinets increase the value of my home?

Yes, refacing your cabinets can increase the value of your home. It’s a cost-effective way to update the look of your kitchen without the expense of a full remodel. Potential buyers often appreciate modernized kitchens, and refacing can make your home more attractive to them. Plus, it’s a quicker process compared to replacing cabinets entirely, adding to the overall appeal and value of your home.

Is cabinet refacing eco-friendly?

Cabinet refacing is considered an eco-friendly option because it allows homeowners to update the look of their cabinets without completely replacing them. By reusing the existing cabinet framework it reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and requires fewer new materials and resources compared to full cabinet replacement, making it a more sustainable choice for home renovations.

Additionally, at Better Than New Kitchens, we go a step further by using conversion varnish for all our cabinet reface projects. Conversion varnish is eco-friendly as it contains low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a sustainable choice for your kitchen remodel.

Can I reface cabinets in rooms other than the kitchen?

Yes, you can! Better Than New Kitchens provides cabinet refacing for any cabinets located within the home, including bathrooms, laundry rooms, pantries, and any other built-in cabinetry like hutches and shelves.

Cost and Time

How much does kitchen cabinet refacing cost?

The cost depends on the size of your kitchen, in addition to the wood and door style chosen (and any other bells and whistles you opt for). But typically, you can expect to pay 40 – 50% less of the cost for replacing all your cabinets with new ones.

How long does the cabinet refacing process take?

Although the installation timeframe will vary from project to project based on size and complexity, it typically only takes 2-4 days to complete the cabinet refacing installation from start to finish. 

Do I need any permits for a cabinet refacing project?

No, you generally don’t need permits for cabinet refacing since it doesn’t involve any structural changes to your home, such as moving walls or altering the layout. However, it’s always wise to double-check with your local building department to confirm the specific requirements in your area.

Materials and Durability

What materials are used in cabinet refacing?

If you’ve researched the cabinet refacing process online, you may have seen several different materials mentioned, such as wood veneer, laminate, and rigid thermofoil. At Better Than New Kitchens, we use real quarter-inch wood panels to encase the cabinet boxes and replace all doors and drawer fronts with brand new wood doors. Our products are proudly made in America, ensuring top-notch quality and durability for your kitchen.

How durable are refaced kitchen cabinets?

The durability of cabinet refacing, as with all other things, depends on quality. When done right, cabinet refacing will last as long as brand new cabinets, over 20 years. Quality matters, and at Better Than New Kitchens, we take pride in offering superior quality refacing solutions. We use high-quality materials, provide expert craftsmanship, and offer a lifetime warranty.

What is the maintenance required for refaced cabinets?

To keep refaced cabinets looking new, regular maintenance and cleaning are essential. It will help maintain the appearance and durability of your refaced cabinets.

  • Use a soft, damp cloth with mild soap and water to wipe down surfaces, and dry with a clean cloth.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch the finish.
  • Periodically check and tighten hardware to ensure stability.
  • For a deeper clean, consider using a gentle, non-wax cabinet polish.

What is conversion varnish?

Conversion varnish is a highly durable finish originally used in industrial applications, now adapted for kitchen cabinets due to its superior protection against moisture, scratches, and UV light. It’s easy to clean, eco-friendly, and customizable, making it an excellent choice for refacing projects. This finish not only enhances the look and longevity of cabinets but also adds value to your home.

Styles, Features, and Customization

What styles and finishes are available for refaced cabinets?

With cabinet refacing, your options are practically limitless. With new doors, drawer fronts, and face frames, choose any color, wood species, and door style you want. Better Than New Kitchens offers hundreds of options. Contact us to receive an initial estimate and to schedule a in-person quote to see all the options available.

Can I change the layout of my kitchen during a refacing project?

Traditional cabinet refacing does not change the floorplan or layout of your kitchen since only the existing cabinets are encased with new quarter-inch wood panels, and new doors and drawer faces are installed. However, Better Than New Kitchens offers partial new build options to modify your kitchen’s layout. Many homeowners wish to enhance their kitchen further by building new kitchen islands, cabinet expansions, refrigerator surrounds, display nooks, floating shelves, and more. Check out our New Build page for more information.

What kind of hardware can I use with refaced cabinets?

Whether it’s sleek modern handles, classic knobs, or anything in between, the choice is entirely up to you. At Better Than New Kitchens, we empower our clients to express their unique style by allowing them to choose any hardware they desire. At the start of your cabinet refacing project, simply provide us with your chosen hardware, and our skilled team will expertly install it.

What if I want to reface my cabinets but also need additional storage or features?

Better Than New Kitchens offers numerous options for adding custom elements and extra storage to your kitchen cabinet refacing project, such as pull-out shelves, glass panel doors, stacked upper cabinets, garbage pullouts, island facades, and more. Better Than New Kitchens even offers partial new build features to reshape your kitchen’s layout with new kitchen islands, floating shelves, built-in shelves, fridge and wine cooler cabinets, and by extending the bank of upper and lower cabinets. Learn more about Better Than New Kitchens cabinet reface options and modifications.

What are the latest trends in kitchen cabinet refacing?

While trends can offer inspiration, the most important factor in kitchen cabinet refacing is choosing what you love and ensuring your kitchen is functional. A key trend is the customization of kitchens with various options and modification features, allowing you to personalize your space according to your taste and needs. Better Than New Kitchens provides extensive choices, enabling you to create a kitchen that truly reflects your style and meets your practical requirements.

DIY vs Professional

Can I reface my kitchen cabinets myself, or should I hire a professional?

While DIY cabinet refacing options exist, we don’t recommend them due to the skill and costs involved, including specialized tools and extended time commitments. Hiring a professional ensures a quicker, safer process with the benefits of customization, a warranty, and peace of mind knowing the work is done by licensed and insured experts.

How do I choose the right contractor for my cabinet refacing project?

Choosing the right contractor for your cabinet refacing project is crucial. Start by doing your research and checking out the company’s portfolio of work, including past projects you can view in person if possible. Ensure the contractor is licensed and insured, ask plenty of questions, request references, and get a detailed quote to make an informed decision.

Working with Better Than New Kitchens

Why should I chose Better Than New Kitchens for my cabinet refacing project?

At Better Than New Kitchens, we understand that not all refacing projects are created equal. We take pride in offering superior quality refacing solutions. Here’s why our approach matters:

  • High-Quality Materials: We use top-grade, made-in-America cabinet doors, drawers, and quarter-inch wood facing, ensuring both durability, quality construction, and a stunning appearance.
  • Superior Craftsmanship: Our team of skilled craftspeople takes pride in their work. They pay meticulous attention to detail during the refacing process, ensuring that the end result is not only visually appealing but also built to last.
  • Lifetime Warranty: To demonstrate our confidence in our product and craftsmanship, we provide a limited lifetime warranty on all our cabinet refacing projects.

What is your warranty for cabinet refacing?

To demonstrate our confidence in our product and craftsmanship, we provide a limited lifetime warranty on all our cabinet refacing projects. Here’s what our warranty covers:

  • 2-Year Installation Warranty: We stand by the quality of our installation work, offering a two-year warranty to address any potential installation issues.
  • 2-Year Finish Warranty: Our high-quality conversion varnish finishes are built to last. We back our work with a two-year finish warranty, ensuring your cabinets maintain their beauty and integrity.
  • 5-Year Door Construction and Wood Warranty: We are confident in the durability of our doors and wood materials. Our five-year warranty covers any defects in these components.
  • 5-Year Hardware Warranty: We understand the importance of the hardware in your cabinets. That’s why we offer a five-year warranty on metal hardware, including hinges, drawer runners, and cabinet pullouts.
  • Lifetime Warranty on Adhesion: The adhesion of new wood to the cabinet boxes is critical for the longevity of your refaced cabinets. Our lifetime warranty ensures that your investment remains intact.

What should I expect when working with Better Than New Kitchens?

Better Than New Kitchens is your go-to expert for cabinet refacing in Arizona. Learn all about what to expect when cabinet refacing with us, from getting the initial estimate to post-installation support and everything in between.

How should I prepare my kitchen for a cabinet refacing project?

With Better Than New Kitchens, preparing for cabinet refacing installation is simple. Please clear off your countertops and empty the front 6-inches of your cabinets and drawers. Fully emptying cabinets or drawers is only necessary if your project involves custom new build features. In addition to working in your kitchen, we’ll set up a mobile shop as our “base camp,” requiring a cleared 15’x15’ secured, indoor space to ensure a smooth and efficient installation. Learn more about what to expect when cabinet refacing with Better Than New Kitchens here.

We hope this FAQ section has provided you with valuable insights into the process and benefits of kitchen cabinet refacing. With the right information, you can confidently move forward with your project, knowing what to expect and how to achieve the best results. If you have any further questions or would like to request a quote, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Better Than New Kitchens. Transforming your kitchen can be an exciting journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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