Introduction
Refacing kitchen cabinets can provide a budget-friendly way to give your kitchen a fresh, updated look without the high cost of a full remodel. With some strategic refacing, you can transform the heart of your home into a bright, beautiful space that looks like new. In this kitchen of the week, we’ll take a look at how refaced cabinets helped to completely revitalize this kitchen on a budget.
Evaluate Your Existing Cabinets
Before deciding to reface your cabinets, take some time to evaluate their current condition. Check for signs of structural damage or deterioration that would require more extensive repairs or full replacement. If the boxes and frames of your cabinets are in good shape overall, then refacing could be a great option.
Consider which parts of the cabinets show the most wear. Do the doors and drawer fronts look dated or dingy? Are the finishes and hardware looking tired? Focusing refacing efforts on these highly visible components can give you the most dramatic impact for your dollar.
Also look at the cabinet layout and configuration. Will refacing alone achieve the look and functionality you want, or would adjustments like adding cabinets or changing layout be needed? Refacing can provide a perfect affordable solution when the cabinet bones are solid but the aesthetic needs an upgrade.
Choose Your New Cabinet Style
One of the best aspects of refacing is that you can select new cabinet door styles and finishes to create your dream kitchen look. Whether your taste runs traditional or contemporary, you’ll have countless options to match your vision.
For this kitchen, the homeowners opted for a clean-lined recessed panel style in a crisp white finish. The simple shaker-style design and bright white color helped the refaced cabinets feel fresh and contemporary.
Along with the door style, think about finishes and hardware. Matte, durable thermofoil finishes are a great budget-friendly option. Eye-catching hardware in black, brass, or nickel can give even the simplest cabinets a custom look.
Hiring a Professional is Advised
While major remodeling tasks like installing new cabinets are usually best left to professionals, refacing cabinets is a DIY-friendly project if you’re pretty handy.
However, hiring a professional refacing company has some distinct advantages. Experienced companies have specialized skills for measuring, custom fitting, and expertly installing new reface components. They also have access to a wider selection of cabinet door styles, finishes, and hardware.
Professional installation gives an integrated custom look that can be tricky for DIYers to achieve. And with their experience refacing hundreds of kitchens, companies can typically complete the project much faster than a DIY attempt. For many homeowners, paying a bit more for a pro job is worthwhile.
Choose Quality Materials
When researching refacing options, look for high-quality materials that will provide lasting beauty. Thermofoil and wood veneer finishes may cost a bit more than basic vinyl or laminate, but they are more durable choices that emulate luxury finishes like stained wood or painted enamel.
Quality hardware adds to the custom look as well. Details like soft-close hinges also improve functionality and are worth the small additional investment.
While refacing aims for big style at a lower cost, taking some care to choose better materials will extend the lifespan of your “new” cabinets. Prioritizing quality over cutting corners pays off in the long run.
Lighting Completes the Look
Along with the refaced cabinets, this kitchen got a lighting makeover as well. The previous overhead fluorescent fixture was swapped out for trendy pendant lights over the center island. Stylish new lighting helped to finish the bright, contemporary look.
When undertaking a kitchen refresh, don’t overlook the impact that new lighting can provide. LED recessed cans give sparkling task lighting. Eye-catching fixtures turn the kitchen into a decor statement. And dimmable lights create just the right ambiance.
With the right lighting plan, even budget-friendly refaced cabinets look custom and high-end. Proper kitchen lighting should always be part of a kitchen remodel, big or small.
Refacing is an Affordable Kitchen Upgrade
For homeowners looking to reinvigorate their kitchens on a budget, refacing offers beauty, style and enhanced functionality without the price tag of full-on remodeling. As this lovely kitchen shows, the transformations can be truly stunning.
With strategic upgrades like refacing tired cabinets, adding new lighting, and switching out drab countertops, it’s possible to give your kitchen a magazine-worthy makeover at a fraction of the cost of full-scale demolition and rebuilding. Refacing provides budget-friendly results that still feel custom and luxurious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Refacing Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget
What are the benefits of refacing kitchen cabinets?
Some key benefits of refacing kitchen cabinets include:
- More affordable than full replacement
- Faster project timeline compared to new cabinets
- Wide range of style/finish options to customize look
- Eco-friendly – retains existing cabinet boxes
- Less messy project than full remodel
Does refacing cabinets update the look?
Yes, refacing can absolutely update the look of your kitchen. Replacing doors, drawer fronts and hardware allows you to achieve virtually any style from modern to traditional. New finishes like white, gray and wood tones give a fresh look.
Can I change the cabinet layout when refacing?
Refacing generally keeps the existing cabinet footprint. Some minor modifications like adding filler panels or trim are possible. For more extensive layout changes like adding/moving cabinets, full cabinet replacement is better.
What’s the typical cost to reface kitchen cabinets?
On average, expect to pay $100-$300 per linear foot to reface cabinets professionally, including materials and labor. Costs vary based on factors like location, kitchen size, door styles and finishes.
Is it worth it to reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound, refacing is generally the more budget-friendly option. Replacement makes sense if you need (or want) to change footprint or cabinets are unsalvageable. Consider costs, layout, hassle, and results.
How do I choose a good company for refacing?
Look for an experienced company with proven examples of past work. Check reviews and credentials. Get multiple quotes. Ask about timelines, materials, warranties. Confirm they handle full process from design to professional install.
Does refacing kitchen cabinets update the overall look?
Yes, refacing just the cabinet doors, drawer fronts and hardware provides visual impact by allowing you to change color/style. Updating countertops, backsplash, lighting etc. as part of the project can give a further refreshed look.
Can you paint instead of reface cabinets?
Painting is an option, but will likely chip over time. Refacing provides a durable alternative to paint with options like thermofoil that emulate luxurious painted cabinetry. Professional spray finishing also gives a more seamless look than DIY painting.
Conclusion
Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to mean a prohibitively expensive full remodel. With strategic refacing of cabinets and other targeted upgrades, you can give this important living space a fresh new look that feels custom-designed. As this bright, beautiful kitchen shows, refacing tired cabinets can make a world of difference in creating a contemporary kitchen you’ll love entertaining in for years to come.
