Cabinet refacing will save you up to 50 - 60% of the cost of a complete kitchen tear out. It's usually completed in less than a week! Here's how it works.
If cabinet refacing is on your mind for your kitchen cupboards, a good contractor will describe the process for you in detail. But it never hurts to have a little information ahead of time. Here's how it works.
1. The Cabinets Are Emptied
This sounds like the easy part, but it can be a real pain if you don't do it with some panache from the get go. Just before you start, line up plenty of boxes to hold everything and separate the items by shelf. When it's time to put them back, it will be a breeze. Furthermore, there's nothing more frustrating than to start cramming unrelated things together and have a container of baking powder spill onto your supper china because you didn't have plenty of boxes for the baking supplies.
2. Your Kitchen Is Protected
Since the kitchen cabinet boxes will be covered with a new surface, there may be dust, sawdust or stray dust bunnies floating around. To prevent damage or mess, your stove and counter tops should be protected with plastic or drop cloths. Tools might possibly by accident slip and fall so a good cover up will safeguard areas from scratches. Your fridge may butt up against cupboards; if so, it should be moved into another vicinity.
3. Cabinet Doors and Hardware Are Removed
Cabinet hardware includes pulls, hinges, drawer runners and knobs. As it is removed, it should be separated and tagged. It makes the final steps go easily and reduces tons of inconvenience.
4. Cabinet Box Is Refaced
Hopefully you've decided on a contractor who demands quality. If so, the interior of your cupboards will be lined with 1/4" solid wood, veneer or thermofoil, making them secure, classy, and looking like new.
NOTE: Some people choose to stain or paint the inner surface of the cabinet. That's Ok if you aren't that particular about the ultimate product. But keep in mind, it's messy, somewhat unprofessional and the end result is in essence a cover-up. If you want a outstanding look, the box is just as important as the doors. Employ a contractor who cares as much about the interior as the door panels.
A few of the benefits include:
5. Preparation For Hardware Installation
Careful and precise measuring and marking for hardware installation assures a pleasing visual placement and eliminates plenty of exasperation for misplaced marks and unbalanced positioning.
6. Installation Of Hardware New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
While the hardware can be installed after the cabinet doors and drawers are replaced, it is often recommended to install it first as it is less complicated to get it placed accurately.
7. Installation Of Kitchen Cabinet Doors
After the new doors and drawer fronts are replaced to their correct location, they are checked out for proper closing and symmetry.
8. Finishing Touches On Newly Refaced Kitchen Cabinets
If any pulls or knobs have not been added, this is the time.
That's it! Cabinet refacing is one of the hottest and most affordable ways to spruce up your kitchen. You will be amazed to see the modern and updated look it adds to your space. A pro, who understands how critical it is to be meticulous in his execution of the process, will provide one of the most remarkable improvements you can do your home.
