You’ve done everything you can think of to improve the appearance of your kitchen.
You repainted the walls, retiled the floor, and updated your appliances. You even replaced the outdated chandelier with an up-to-date ceiling light.
But those old, ugly cabinets just drag everything down.
Something needs to be done with the cabinets if your plan to liven up your kitchen is going to come to fruition. But which is better, refinishing or refacing cabinets?
In this article, you will learn about the many considerations each option involves so that the money you invest in sprucing up your kitchen will be money well spent.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Difference Between Cabinet Refacing and Refinishing?
- What Is Better Refinishing or Refacing Cabinets?
- Refinishing vs. Resurfacing Cabinets: What’s the Cost Difference?
- 3 Reasons To Consider Refinishing Your Cabinets
- 3 Reasons To Consider Refacing Your Cabinets
- Two Brothers Painting: Experienced Cabinetry Refinishers in Portland, OR
What Is the Difference Between Cabinet Refacing and Refinishing?
You might be considering replacing your cabinets entirely, but did you know there are less drastic (and less expensive) measures that can be taken that will still give you the change you are hoping for?
Consider refacing or refinishing the cabinets you have as more affordable and sustainable options. Unless you wish to change the layout of your kitchen, these options are appropriate ways to improve the aesthetic aspect of the entire room.
Perhaps you are familiar with the terms but are wondering, “What is the difference between refacing and refinishing cabinets?” Which is better? Let’s take a look at both options, so you can make an informed decision.
The team at Two Brothers Painting has a combined 150 years of interior and exterior painting and refinishing experience. They offer quality work and will respond promptly regarding undertaking a project in your home.
What Is Cabinet Refacing?
Refacing is the process in which old cabinet doors and drawers are replaced and veneers are attached to the cabinet frames. It is performed by the cabinet manufacturer or company.
The procedure involves these steps:
- Tear out the face frames, doors, and drawer fronts.
- Degrease and lightly sand the surface of the existing cabinet boxes.
- Cover the cabinet boxes and sides with the new color, style, and material.
- Add new door hinges, if necessary.
- Replace the old doors and drawer fronts with new ones.
- Add new cabinet fixtures (i.e. handles, knobs, drawer pulls).
A professional usually takes 2–4 days to complete this job. On your own, it will probably take at least a week.
There are several options for surface materials for refacing cabinets, including:
- Wood veneer: On the higher end in terms of cost, this gives the appearance of real wood
- Plastic laminate: A budget-friendly option with many colors to choose from, though not as many styles
- Rigid Thermofoil: Also called RTF, this is another budget-friendly choice with reasonable durability, but sensitive to heat and may chip at corners
- Solid wood and plywood: The most expensive option, with the highest quality and durability
What Is Cabinet Resurfacing?
Cabinet resurfacing is another name for cabinet refacing.
This process involves replacing the existing cabinet framework with new laminate or wood veneer material. All cabinet doors and drawer fronts are replaced, but you keep your current cabinet frames.
In this article, we use the term refacing.
What Is Cabinet Refinishing?
Refinishing means applying a new finish to the surface of the cabinets.
Refinishing, even though it involves less modification, requires more prep work. Cabinet refinishing involves the following steps:
- Thoroughly remove any grease or debris. A product that works for even the toughest grease spots is trisodium phosphate.
- Sand to remove the existing finish. This is a critical step that ensures that the new stain/paint will have a good surface to grip. If you skip sanding, the new finish cannot adhere to the surface of the cabinets and will easily chip later on.
- Prime the cabinets and lightly sand again.
- Apply two coats of the new color or stain.
If you do not have experience refinishing your cabinets, it is better to leave this project to a professional who can ensure your kitchen is properly prepped to keep all your appliances and floor safe.
Contact Two Brothers Painting today to schedule an appointment for an estimate of the cost of refinishing your kitchen cabinets.
What Is Better – Refinishing or Refacing Cabinets?
The choice of either refinishing or refacing depends on:
- Personal preference
- Aesthetics
- Budget
- The condition of the cabinets
Refinishing is appropriate only for cabinets that are in good condition. If you are happy with the current style but just want a different color, refinishing is sufficient.
Refacing is generally recommended if your current cabinets are in poor condition, since refinishing does not correct structural problems like:
- Water damage
- Warping
- Broken frames
- Faulty drawer tracks
- Inadequate shelving
Refinishing vs. Refacing Cabinets: What’s the Cost Difference?
Refinishing cabinets can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 ($4 to $25 per square foot), including labor and materials. Refacing cabinets runs between about $4,500 and $10,540 ($150 to $450 per linear square foot), depending on what materials are used.
If you decide that refinishing is the best option for you, Two Brothers Painting would be happy to help.
Contact us today for your free estimate!
3 Reasons To Consider Refinishing Your Cabinets
#1: You Like Your Existing Cabinets
If you like the style of your cabinet doors, then you’ll probably want to keep them and just apply a new finish.
Perhaps the paint is chipping or the cabinets look faded. The old paint or finish can be stripped off, the surface smoothed and sanded, and a new finish applied, making your cabinets look brand new.
If you do opt for refinishing, you’ll likely want to choose a darker stain or paint than the color of the existing finish, since it is generally not possible to go from a darker to a lighter stain or color.
#2: Your Cabinets Are in Good Shape
Refinishing can cover up blemishes, scratches, and dings that can significantly dull the cabinet’s appearance.
If your existing cabinets have minimal problems, there is no need to reface or replace them. Some problems that indicate you need more than just a new finish include:
- Warping doors
- Dents and/or gouges
- Water damage
If none of these apply to your cabinets, a new finish may be all you need.
#3: You’re on a Budget
As a homeowner, you have many expenses involved in the upkeep of your home, including maintenance, lawn care, and renovations, just to name a few.
If you’re wanting to update your cabinets, refinishing is generally the cheapest option.
The cost of cabinet refinishing is roughly half the cost of refacing and one-third the cost of replacing.
3 Reasons To Consider Refacing Your Cabinets
#1: The Existing Surface Material Is Thermofoil Or Laminate
Refinishing your cabinets will not be an option if the existing surface material is rigid thermofoil or laminate.
RTF is often used as an alternate covering for cabinets. While it mimics the appearance of wood, it is prone to splitting, and a new finish should not be put on top of it.
Paint and stain do not adhere as well to RTF or laminate as they do to wood. The top layers of wood can be sanded away to receive fresh paint or stain. Wood is also porous and is therefore a good substrate for painting or staining.
If your cabinets are covered with RTF or laminate and you want to make a change, they will need to be refaced.
#2: You Want a Whole New Look
Whereas refinishing freshens up your cabinets, refacing gives you completely new components.
Since the cabinet fronts and doors will be replaced, you have the freedom to choose any new door design, finish, and material. You can also expand your cabinets’ functionality with new hinges, drawer glides, and handles.
If you decide to reface your cabinets, you can choose from many different styles. Here are some of the most popular:
- Traditional: Raised-panel construction accented with decorative molding
- Shaker-style: Simple, rectilinear frames; a middle ground between traditional and minimalist decor
- Beadboard: Wood paneling with vertical grooves and small ridges between each plank; gives added detail to Shaker-style cabinets
- Flat-front: For a contemporary kitchen, flat fronts look sleek and clean
- Glass-front: This is ideal for displaying fine dishware in upper cabinets
- Rustic: In cottage-style kitchens or kitchens with industrial accents, rustic cabinets can add character
#3: It’s Like Having Brand New Cabinets
Refaced cabinet doors have a longevity of up to 50 years — much longer than if you simply refinish them. Exactly how long they last depends on several factors, including:
- Materials used: Solid wood lasts longer than veneers or laminates
- Cooking exposure: Including heat, smoke, and condensation
- Maintenance: How often you clean off dust, dirt, and grease
- Basic handling: Don’t handle them while you have knives or other abrasive materials in hand
Who performs the work is also a huge factor in the longevity of refaced cabinets. Refacing is typically not a DIY project. You’ll want someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in cabinet refacing to undertake this project for you.
Two Brothers Painting: Experienced Cabinetry Refinishers in Portland, OR
Two Brothers Painting, though based in Beaverton, will travel to any of the surrounding areas to assist you with your home projects. If you decide that refinishing is your best option, Two Brothers is happy to help.
Customers testify to our quality work and professionalism. We’ve been given multiple awards for our outstanding service, including the title of best painting company in the Portland metro area and the Angie’s List Super Service Award for five consecutive years.
Contact Two Brothers today for your estimate!