1. Consider Your Budget

Cabinets can make up a substantial portion of the overall cost of a kitchen remodel, so it’s important to explore your options carefully before making any final decisions. Depending on the style and materials you choose, cabinet replacement can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 or more. That’s a serious investment, and it’s one that you want to be sure will deliver the results you need for years to come.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to transform your cabinets, refinishing is an excellent choice. This process involves sanding the existing doors and drawer fronts, then applying a new coat of paint or stain to renew their look. This is a great option if your cabinet boxes are in good condition, but the existing doors and drawer fronts have become worn or outdated.

Refinishing is also a good option if you want to change the color of your cabinets without committing to a complete redesign. Keep in mind, however, that refinishing won’t hide any scratches, dings, or other imperfections on your cabinet surfaces, so you may still need to do some touch-up work down the road.

It’s also worth considering whether you plan to sell your home in the near future, as a dated or outdated kitchen can negatively impact resale value. With this in mind, you may wish to invest in a full redesign with new cabinets, rather than simply refinishing your current ones.

Refacing provides a more complete design overhaul than refinishing, and it’s an excellent choice for homeowners who have a clear vision of what they want their kitchen to look like. Refacing offers an extensive selection of modern finishes, door styles, and hardware options, giving you the ability to create a look that’s completely unique. It’s important to consider your design goals when choosing between refacing and refinishing, though, as it can be easy to go overboard and end up with a visual clash that detracts from the overall look of your space.

2. Consider Your Space

Cabinet refinishing is a quick and affordable way to revitalize the look of your kitchen cabinets. While it does not address structural issues, it is a great option if you are considering larger renovations down the line or just want to freshen up your space with a simple color change.

Staining your cabinets is an excellent choice for natural wood materials and will enhance their beauty and deepen their tone. However, staining only works if your cabinets are not already painted and are in good condition to begin with. If your cabinets have been previously stained or are covered in a layer of wax, oil, or paint, it is important to remove those layers before applying a new stain. Otherwise, the new stain may chip and peel off over time.

When choosing a stain, it is also crucial to consider the overall style of your home. Certain stain colors will work better with traditional or modern styles, while others may blend more seamlessly into an eclectic or rustic design. The right shade can make a big difference in your kitchen, so take the time to research different options and talk to a professional for help.

Painting is another easy and cost-effective way to refresh your cabinets. It is a great option for changing your cabinet color to match your countertop, backsplash, or flooring. However, it is important to choose the right paint for your cabinets, as some brands may flake or peel over time if not properly prepped. Using a high-quality paint with a long warranty is the best way to ensure your cabinets last and look their best.

A cabinet refinishing company should always thoroughly clean your cabinets prior to working on them. This step will remove any grease, dust, or smoke residue from the surface that can interfere with a quality finish. It is also important to properly prepare the surface for painting, including sanding and priming. Otherwise, your new paint could chip and peel over time, causing you to spend more money on repair costs in the future.

A full replacement of your cabinets is a much more invasive process. It requires gutting part or all of your kitchen, which means weeks of downtime and the inconvenient reality of eating out while your kitchen is a construction zone. However, refinishing only takes a few days to a week to complete and is significantly less disruptive to your daily life.

3. Consider Your Style

Cabinet refinishing and refacing offer different ways to update your cabinets, but which one is best for you depends on how much of a change you want to make. For example, refacing involves completely replacing your cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones that match the style of your kitchen. You can even restructure your cabinet layout during this process to make better use of space.

Refacing is also a great option if you are planning to remodel your countertops, backsplash, or flooring down the line because it ensures that your new design will coordinate with those upgrades. Refacing is a long-term solution, so you want to choose colors and styles that will work well with your future plans. Our team can help you choose colors and designs that will be durable and stylish for years to come.

Another important factor to consider is the color of your cabinets. Lighter tones can open up a small room, while darker colors can ground a larger space and create contrast. Additionally, a stain can darken the natural wood grain of your cabinetry for a richer look than paint. If you do decide to refinish your cabinets, be sure to sand them down properly before applying a new finish. Gel stains can be used over painted cabinets, but you’ll need to do your research on proper application techniques to avoid an uneven or sloppy look.

When you’re refinishing your cabinets, it’s a good idea to choose a durable protective topcoat that will protect them from everyday wear and tear. This will extend the life of your cabinets and keep them looking like new. Depending on the style you choose, you can also choose to add new hardware to match your updated look. From matte black pulls to antique brass knobs, there are many options available.

Refacing and refinishing are two of the most popular ways to refresh your cabinetry. Refinishing is less expensive and provides an immediate aesthetic upgrade, but it won’t last as long as refacing.

4. Consider Your Options

Cabinet refinishing is one of the most cost-friendly ways to refresh your kitchen. It’s also the least invasive option, especially when compared to refacing or replacement. Cabinet refinishing uses your existing cabinets as their foundation, then applies a new stain or fresh paint. The cabinets are typically deep-cleaned and sanded down to provide a smooth base for the new finish. Minor cracks and scratches are patched up, too. Then, your choice of color is applied and a protective top coat is added, if applicable.

This process works best for homeowners who are satisfied with the layout and functionality of their cabinets, but want a more dramatic upgrade. It’s also a great way to avoid sending unrecyclable materials to the landfill, while saving money over replacement or refacing.

On the other hand, if your cabinets are worn down to the point of structural damage, refinishing is not the best option. This process will not solve major issues such as sagging or warped cabinet frames, and will only mask the problem for a few years at best. If your cabinets are at or past the 10-year mark, you may be better off considering refacing instead.

Refinishing can be messy, and there’s a risk that the new finish can chip or peel, especially if it isn’t done correctly. That’s why it’s important to work with a professional company that knows how to properly prep and apply the stain or paint. The right techniques can make all the difference in your finished product, and ensure that it stands up to years of holiday feasts and weekday chaos.

Depending on the method used, refinishing can take a few days to a week. This is a lot less time than the several weeks that you’ll spend shopping for and installing new cabinets or undergoing a full kitchen remodel. This shorter turnaround time allows you to return to your normal routine much sooner and enjoy your updated kitchen without the hassle of a bigger renovation project. This can be a huge plus if you’re planning to sell your home in the near future and need an easy way to boost its resale value.