Kitchen cabinet resurfacing is a procedure by which old, tired cabinet doors and drawer bottoms are entirely replaced with new, high-end drawer fronts and drawers. Kitchen cabinet refacing is an excellent home improvement option for many homeowners whose kitchen design is fabulous but wants a fresh look. Kitchen cabinet resurfacing saves the homeowner money, time, and effort and increases the property’s resale value. A quality kitchen cabinet refacing with modern or contemporary kitchen cabinetry can be comparable to adding new cabinets on a minimal budget.
One of the first things to consider when considering kitchen cabinet resurfacing is the quality of the wood used in the cabinets’ construction and lamination. The key to getting a quality result is to choose a company that uses solid, high-quality hardwoods like redwood or cedar. If the wood is made from lower quality woods, the resurfacing project will be less successful. Cabinet refacing with matching kitchen cabinets is not the same as purchasing a complete kitchen makeover and replacing cabinet doors, hinges, and drawer bottoms; a good cabinet refacing will simply restore the appearance of older cabinets without a complete remodel.
In some cases, the cabinets in a residence have been in use for many years without receiving any type of refinishing. In such cases, the homeowner might benefit from simply purchasing new kitchen cabinets and hardware. Cabinet refaces will not only provide the homeowner with a new appearance but also add years of additional life to the unit. Another possibility for successful kitchen cabinet resurfacing is to match existing cabinetry hardware with the new cabinet front surfaces. The use of similar colors and textures will help bring the appearance of older cabinets up to date. When matching kitchen cabinets with hardware, it is important to look for hardware that uses modern glues and dies as well as strong, solid hardware that will last for many years.
There are several factors to consider when determining whether to repair or replace kitchen cabinets. The first step in the kitchen cabinet refacing process is determining whether or not the cabinets require repair or replacement. This can be determined by looking at the current condition of the cabinetry. Areas that may need refinishing include: the drawer slides, knobs, door jams, door handles, and tongue-and-groove joints where the cabinets join at the corners.
In most cases, it will be necessary to replace all of these parts. However, in some situations, the cabinetry may only need to be refaced in one area. In these cases, simply using new kitchen cabinets that are identical in style and design as the originals will do the job. Another option to consider is to add a layer of surface top coat over old cabinetry. This will help restore the original finish to its new appearance and improve the overall appearance of the kitchen.
After considering these two options, the next step of the kitchen cabinet resurfacing process involves removing the existing cupboards. In some cases, this can be done with a simple screwdriver. In other cases, specialized equipment is needed to remove the damaged or broken cupboards, which is accomplished using a variety of tools, including claw hammers, chisels, a sander, and electric floor strippers.
Once all of the damaged or broken cupboards have been removed, it is time to consider the kitchen cabinet resurfacing itself. The first step in this process is applying a thin layer of wood veneer to the affected areas. The reason for doing this is to protect the wood underneath from moisture. Another reason for applying a thin veneer layer is to help seal the wood once it has been stained or painted. If the cabinet resurfacing was a do-it-yourself project, a wood putty formula may be used to help with the seal. If professional assistance is needed, a wood preservative, such as Proxan, may be used to help ensure the longevity of the new veneer.
One final step of kitchen cabinet resurfacing involves preparing the cupboard doors for the final refinishing. In most cases, this can be accomplished using wood glue or wood filler. Many people choose to purchase the ready-to-use glue because it eliminates the need for sanding. Before refacing kitchen cabinet doors, it is important to note that the doors will often need to be painted or stained in order to match the new veneers.
