Laminate is the cheapest option for resurfacing cabinets at roughly $90 to $110 per linear foot, installed. Laminate is also the easiest to install, making it the go-to for DIY projects.
If your goal is to update the look of your existing cabinets, the cheapest route is to simply reface them. This process involves either stripping the stain or paint from the existing cabinets and adding new stain, varnish or paint; in some cases, you might even want to refinish the cabinets with a stick-on veneer.
While it's cheaper to reface your cabinets rather than replace them, it's important that you know whether or not a refacing project will work for your kitchen.
Even cabinets made from lumber products utilizing particle board or other low-quality materials can be refaced. If the face of the cabinet is made from hardwood, it can be sanded to produce a surface that can be repainted.
In fact, they are both industry terms, used interchangeably, describing the same process. Cabinet refacing/resurfacing is an affordable, efficient and eco-friendly way to update the look of existing cabinets, without a full replacement.
“Most contact paper goes up easily and comes off without any damage,” Birmingham says. “You can do a wall, a whole room, or just some cabinet fronts like I did in my kitchen.” If you've got older kitchen or bathroom cabinets that you want to refresh but don't want to paint them, this is a viable option.
The main downside of cabinet refacing is that it only offers limited structural changes. If you're looking to make major adjustments to your kitchen layout‒such as adding an extra cabinet or two, relocating the sink, or installing a kitchen island‒you'll need to go with a full cabinet replacement. Cost.
We can reface your kitchen without removing the existing countertops or appliances. Refacing is a great option when you're not changing the layout of the room. While we can make some modifications to your cabinets as part of a reface the footprint of your kitchen will have to stay the same.
If your kitchen layout is fine the way it is and your cabinet boxes are in good shape, refacing absolutely can be worth it.
Replacing just your cabinet doors, also known as cabinet refacing, can be a quick DIY project for most homeowners. The best part about replacing just your cabinet doors is that it is cheaper than replacing the whole cabinet. In fact, you may also be able to reuse your existing hardware to further the savings.
You can still select new materials, colors and door styles when you reface your cabinets. But those details will only exist in the new doors instead of the entire cabinet construction. Since the cabinet doors create the look of your cabinet setup, it makes sense to replace just the doors and drawer fronts.
Refacing a cabinet involves removing the cabinet doors entirely, purchasing new cabinet doors, and attaching them. Cabinet refinishing is a process where you sand down the existing cabinet doors and refresh them with new stain or paint and lacquer to get them looking like new again.
Refacing and refinishing are completely different kitchen remodeling processes. When refacing, an installer removes the doors and drawers, laminates the existing cabinet boxes in the new color, style and material and then replaces the doors and drawers fronts with all-new.
By opting to replace just your cabinet doors instead of your entire cabinets, you save yourself time, money and labor while still providing a refreshed look to your space. Purchasing new cabinet doors is far less expensive than purchasing the materials to reconstruct all new cabinets.
Since countertops sit directly on the cabinets, the cabinetry must be installed prior to the final measurements, fabrication, and installation. If an apron or farmhouse sink is being used, it must be installed prior to template process.
One of these decisions is whether to paint the kitchen cabinets before or after installing the countertops. Overall, it is best to have all of your painting done before installing kitchen countertops. The countertop installation is usually the last step.
If you're doing your project in stages (rather than all at once), I like painting kitchen cabinets first, since they have the greatest surface area and give the most bang for your buck. Then once the counters and backsplash are updated, we're happy to go in and take care of any necessary touch-ups.
For instance, cabinets refaced using high-quality wood veneers or laminate materials may last up to 20 years or more. However, if cheaper materials are used, such as particleboard or low-quality veneers, your refaced cabinets may begin to deteriorate much sooner.
Refacing cabinets is a more affordable option than replacing them all together. However, painting can be done for less than both of these options and it gives your cabinets better durability with an updated look. Let's see how it's done and then talk about price. Note: Premier Cabinet Painting does not reface cabinets.
Not only is it a quick and easy makeover, but it is also cost-effective compared to remodeling. Refacing cabinets does require you to pay attention to details and have some experience working with tools. But you do not need to be a master carpenter to get refacing cabinets right.
Temporary cabinet covers
Use contact paper or vinyl to create designs and patterns on your tired cabinets or make them look like a whole new different solid color with a larger piece of contact paper. Just make sure you'll be able to remove whatever product you use without damaging the cabinet material.
If you are considering painting kitchen cupboards or vinyl wrapping them, we strongly recommend you lean towards the former. The spray paint we use (we can't vouch for other people's) dries hard and is exceptionally durable.