Cabinet Refacing vs. Refinishing: When to choose one over the other

Closeup of Woman Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Are you tired of staring at those same old cabinets every day? Do you dream of a kitchen that’s sleek, modern, and totally transformed? Well, dream no more – it’s time to take action! But with so many options available, it can be tough to decide which route to take: cabinet refacing or refinishing?

Closeup of Person Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll break down each option, and give you the tools to make an informed decision that’s right for you and your kitchen. So let’s get started on the journey to your kitchen of your dreams – the only question is, which path will you take?

Cabinet refacing: The Total Transformation

Cabinet refacing is certainly a mouthful to say, but its definition may not be as grandiose. It’s essentially taking an existing kitchen or bathroom cabinet and changing the face of it. Think of it as furniture makeover.

Different materials such as veneers, laminates, melamines, and even natural wood can be used. It’s much more cost effective than replacing the entire cabinet and can give the whole room a new look without dishing out thousands of dollars for brand-new cabinets. The end result? A stylish kitchen or bathroom without bankrupting your wallet!

Advantages Of Cabinet Refacing

Inexpensive – In comparison to replacing your cabinets with a brand new set, refacing them can save you up to half of the original cost! Cabinet refacing is an excellent way to spruce up any area in your home while saving money. Most importantly, it gives all of the cabinetry in your kitchen (or other part of the house) a fresh and appealing look without significantly altering its layout – perfect for when you want an updated aesthetic but don’t have time or resources for full renovations.

Renovated Interior for modern trendy white kitchen

Long lasting – When it comes to cabinet doors, who would have thought that if you care for them correctly they could last up to an almost unimaginable 30 years? That’s right- a good set of new cabinet doors can stick around with you much longer than their aged counterparts. And, although the thought of devoting time and energy to refinishing your cabinetry may seem like more effort than it’s worth, in the long run you’ll reap the rewards of having a polished, upgraded look for up to three decades.

Customization options – when it comes to the type of veneer and hardware you choose. This means that you can really make the finished product your own and create a unique look for your kitchen. You can choose from a variety of veneer options, such as wood, laminate, or even glass, and select hardware in the style and finish of your choice.

Adds value to the home –  Refinishing your cabinets can also add value to your kitchen and home. Not only will it give the space a refreshed look, but it can also potentially increase the value of your home if you decide to sell—which is always a bonus!

Cabinet Refinishing: The Quicker Fix

Cabinet refinishing is the ultimate kitchen renovation hack. Picture this: the same cabinets you love, but with a sparkling new look!

If you’re looking for a complete design overhaul, repairing damaged cabinets, and willing to invest more time and money, cabinet refinishing may be the way to go.

This spruce-up process involves sanding and painting or staining your existing cabinets to a smooth, modern finish that instantly revamps your space with minimal effort and expense. The best part about this trend is that it can be customized for any décor—you can mix and match colors, choose from various shades of stain and paint, and more—so your kitchen will remain distinctively yours.

Cabinet refinishing is no doubt an entertaining project, but it’s also a clever way to make old cabinetry feel like new!

Advantages Of Cabinet Refinishing

Cost – it’s typically a more budget-friendly option compared to completely replacing and refacing your cabinets. This is because you’re essentially just updating the exterior of your existing cabinets, rather than starting from scratch with new cabinets.

Time – it’s generally a quicker process compared to replacing your cabinets. This is because it doesn’t involve the time and labor of removing and installing entirely new cabinets. Depending on the extent of the work being done, cabinet refacing can often be completed within a few days to a week, whereas a full cabinet replacement can take several weeks or even months.

Happy young woman remaking wooden cabinet in her new flat. Concept of reusing materials and

Personalised touch – Through refinishing your cabinets, you have countless possibilities when it comes to colours and finishes. You can choose a hue that complements the kitchen’s overall theme or opt for something more unique such as glazing, glossing, stressing, or antiquing! So don’t feel limited with what came from the manufacturer—you now have room to express yourself through design and colour.

The Verdict: When To Choose Cabinet Refinishing Over Refacing?

There are a few key factors to consider when deciding whether to choose cabinet refinishing over cabinet refacing for your kitchen renovation project.

  1. Design: If you’re looking for a complete design overhaul and want to completely change the look of your kitchen cabinets, cabinet refacing may be the better option. Whereas refinishing may have limited options.
  2. Damaged Cabinets: If your cabinets are damaged, whether it be from scratches, dents, water damage, or other issues, cabinet refinishing may not be a good option.
  3. Budget: Cabinet refacing is typically more expensive than cabinet refinishing. If you have a more limited budget, cabinet refinishing may be a more cost-effective option.
  4. Timeframe: Cabinet refacing generally takes more time to complete than cabinet refinishing, as it requires removing the cabinets from the space, preparing them for refinishing, and then reinstalling them once the new finish has been applied.
Woman carpenter using an electric sander in a workshop or factory

The decision between cabinet refinishing and cabinet refacing will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a complete design overhaul, repairing damaged cabinets, and willing to invest more time and money, cabinet refinishing may be the way to go.

Final Thoughts

Still torn between refacing and refinishing your kitchen cabinets? Give us a call and we can talk about the best option for you! We’ve all been there at one point, weighing the pros and cons of each decision, so let us help you decide what’s best for your kitchen renovation project.

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“Outstanding quality work by your carpenters. We couldn’t be happier with our new benchtops.”
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Marianna T
Helensvale