Cabinet Refacing vs Refinishing: What’s Best for you?
When it comes to updating your kitchen cabinets, there are three ways: replacing, refacing, or refinishing. Today we’re going to compare the two options that can save you money: cabinet refacing vs refinishing. Let’s find out what they are and which one might be better for you.
First, why do people want to update their kitchens? Kitchens are the most popular renovation project in North America. People want a fresh look, but remodeling a kitchen from scratch can be very expensive. So, two more affordable options are refinishing and refacing.
What is cabinet refinishing?
Refinishing means working with your current cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and face frames (the layer of trim around the edges of the face of your cabinets). The old paint or stain is removed using chemicals and sanding. Then new paint or stain is applied in the color you want. Refinishing can make your kitchen look better, but there are some key factors to consider.
7 factors to consider before choosing cabinet refinishing:
- Going from light to dark colors is easier.
- Not all cabinet doors can be refinished.
- You can’t change the style of the cabinets, only the color.
- It is the least durable option, typically lasting between 2-8 years before the finish begins to break down.
- The refinishing process typically takes between 7-10 days to complete.
- The process is messy and stinky. Dust from sanding can get everywhere, and the chemical fumes may bother your family or pets.
- You will not be able to use your kitchen during the refinishing process.
How Much Does Refinishing Cost?
The cost depends on the size of your kitchen and whether you are wanting to go to a stain or a solid color. But refinishing is the cheapest of all three cabinet remodeling options. It usually runs around 25% of the cost of replacing all cabinets with new ones.
The other budget friendly option is cabinet refacing.
What is cabinet refacing?
Refacing involves keeping the current cabinet boxes but putting new doors and drawer fronts on them. Also, the visible parts of the cabinet boxes, including the face frames and exposed sides, get covered with new matching wood panels. First, the old doors and drawer fronts are removed. Wood panels are used to encase the existing boxes, and then the new doors and drawer fronts are installed. In the end, it looks like a new kitchen.
5 Reasons to Choose Cabinet Refacing:
- Color, wood, and door style options are limitless.
- It is more durable, typically lasting over 20 years.
- Installation takes less time to complete—typically between 2-4 days.
- The installation process is clean.
- Your kitchen may be used during the refacing process.
In addition to offering custom refacing, Better Than New Kitchens can provide partial new build options to alter the footprint of your kitchen, such as building new islands, extending cabinet boxes to the ceiling, widening pantries, and much more.
What Does Refacing Cost?
Just like refinishing, 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.
Conclusion: Cabinet Refacing vs Refinishing
Both refinishing and refacing cabinets can give you a fresh kitchen without a big price tag. But refacing offers so many more options, and in the end, will look like a totally new kitchen.
Better Than New Kitchens truly stands out as a premiere cabinet refacing company. You’ll have the freedom to choose from a wide range of colors, wood types, and door styles, and you can also explore customization and new build options to take your kitchen design to the next level. With cabinet refacing from Better Than New Kitchens, you’ll enjoy both durability and elegance. The installation process is remarkably quick, typically taking just 2-4 days, with minimal disruption to your daily routine. Get ready to witness the transformation of your kitchen—take the first step towards your dream kitchen by requesting a quote today.
