DESIGN: CABINET REFACING
The Pros and Cons of Refacing Cabinets When the Budget Is Tight AS BUDGETS HAVE TIGHTENED OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, CABINET REFACING HAS BEGUN TO GROW IN POPULARITY.
KATE HAUBRICH
N ot long ago, the idea of refacing a cabinet seemed almost like a custom project—something to be pursued only if you were looking for a unique style or color you couldn’t find in standard cabinets. But as budgets tightened, the appeal of refacing grew. On average, refacing can cost about half of what standard boxed cabinets cost. What was once seen as a tedious project is now seen as a “cheat code” to completing a quality kitchen renovation on a dime. But there are still some caveats to consider before you cancel that cabinet order; refacing doesn’t work for every project.
WHAT IS REFACING? Simply put, “refacing” is replacing the cabinet door and drawer fronts. The replacement doors and drawers are custom-made to order so they match the exact sizes you need. The sky is the limit for the colors, shapes, and styles you can order. Refacing kits even include matching paint in case you need to match your cabinet color to the next color you choose for the fronts. For example, if you’re going from a white cabinet to sage green doors and drawers, you’ll want to paint the face frame to match.
There are a few things to consider before you start a refacing project. The most important thing to review is the condi- tion of the existing cabinet carcasses. If there’s been any water damage, then refacing is an immediate no. Likewise, if your cabinets are cheaply made with a material such as particle board, they’re probably not worth refacing. The ideal situation for refacing is to have a great wooden cabinet (even if it’s more than 20 years old!) with an old-fashioned look and feel that you can give a facelift. Also consider the other features of your renovation. If you’re ripping up all the flooring, and removing the countertops, keep the cabinet carcasses in mind.
PROS AND CONS If refacing is so great, why doesn’t everyone do it?
10 | think realty magazine :: may - june 2024
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