Achieve a dramatic kitchen makeover without the hassle and expense of comprehensive remodeling with cabinet refacing. Cabinet Refacing Sacramento replaces the cabinet “skins” and adds new door styles.
Thermofoil and acrylic are popular choices for cabinet refacing because of their durability. However, these materials require a gentle cleaner and caution with heat.
Cabinet refacing is a great option for homeowners who are looking to upgrade their kitchen, but don’t want the hassle of replacing all of their cabinets. It also makes a lot of financial sense, because installing new cabinets can cost up to 50% more than refacing. Plus, it’s dust free and takes about 4-5 days to complete, while a full replacement can take several weeks and require the temporary removal of appliances and shutting off of utilities.
Solid wood is one of the most popular options for refacing cabinets because it provides beauty and warmth to your kitchen. It is very durable and can last a long time with proper maintenance. However, it is more expensive than other refacing materials.
The other most common choice for refacing is wood veneers. This material is applied to the face frames (the vertical members of the cabinet box called stiles and horizontal members called rails) and sides of the cabinets. It can be made to look like any type of wood you would like, and can even mimic solid-wood doors.
This option is a bit more affordable than solid-wood, but it isn’t as durable or authentic-looking. It is also more prone to moisture damage than solid-wood, so it requires extra care when maintaining.
Laminate is a good option for homeowners who are on a budget, as it is relatively inexpensive and extremely durable. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns, which means you can create a custom look that is uniquely yours. Laminate is also moisture, stain, and scratch resistant.
Medium-density fiberboard is another popular choice for refacing cabinets. It’s similar to laminate in that it is an engineered product with wood particles blended together with resin or glue and pressed under high heat and pressure. Like solid-wood, it is available in a variety of styles and finishes, making it easy for you to find a look that fits your kitchen’s design.
Wood refacing is a fairly complicated project, and it’s best left to a professional. It’s important to use the right tools and techniques to ensure a smooth installation that will protect your investment and add value to your home.
Laminate
Achieve a modern, stylish look with cabinet refacing made from durable laminate. This material is bonded to medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particle board for an affordable and easy-to-clean surface that can mimic the look of painted or stained wood or natural stone. This cabinet refacing option is long-lasting and resists stains, scratches, and heat damage much better than wood or paint. Laminate is also resistant to moisture, making it a good choice for high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
A variety of finishes and textures are available to suit your style, from high-gloss for a polished aesthetic to matte for a sophisticated, elegant look. For example, a light gray cabinet with a marble pattern offers the elegance of real marble with the durability and affordability of laminate. Or, a black matte finish is the perfect choice for a bold, sophisticated design statement that’s both timeless and contemporary.
During the cabinet refacing process, your contractor will remove existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts before preparing the surfaces for the new finish. Then, they’ll clean and sand the cabinet boxes to ensure the smooth surface required for laminate application. After the laminate is applied, it’s cut to size and finished with edge banding for a seamless transformation.
One benefit of refacing your cabinets with laminate is that the process can be completed in less time than installing a new set of cabinets. This means you can enjoy a refreshed, updated look within days rather than weeks or months. Additionally, laminate is far more affordable than a full kitchen remodel while providing low-maintenance style that lasts much longer than painted cabinets.
Another benefit of laminate is that it is highly customizable. You can choose from a wide range of colors and patterns to create a unique look that suits your home. Unlike wood, however, laminate doesn’t react to moisture and can withstand temperatures up to 180°F. Moreover, while painting can be touched up or repaired as needed, scratches in laminate are easily repaired by simply replacing the damaged sheet of veneer.
Wood Veneer
Wood veneer is a real wood surface applied to substrate materials like particleboard or MDF. This process retains the grain and pattern of natural wood and allows designers to create unique finishes. It is also much more affordable than solid wood, making it a cost-effective option for many projects.
Unlike solid wood, wood veneer is less likely to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes, resulting in warping or bowing. It is also less prone to moisture damage, which makes it more durable and suitable for high-moisture environments like bathrooms. Additionally, wood veneer can be curved to fit the contour of a wall or other object.
Veneer is created by cutting a piece of hardwood or softwood into thin sheets. These leaves are then glued to other material to create various wood products, including furniture and cabinetry. In general, there are four types of wood veneer: uncolored, open pore, closed pore and stained. Uncolored or unfinished veneers showcase the natural beauty of the wood, while staining offers a variety of color options. Closed or open pore veneers feature small holes that are filled, giving the wood a smooth and glossy finish. Stained wood features a rich, vibrant finish that can be used in both traditional and modern styles.
Backed wood veneers are a more durable form of wood veneer that is enhanced by adding another material to the surface, such as paper, poly/resin back or phenolic. The backing helps to strengthen the veneer and improve its durability, allowing it to be bonded to flat or curved surfaces. During the manufacturing process, the backing is usually match-cut to ensure a consistent appearance.
While there are many benefits to using wood veneer, it is important to keep in mind that it requires more maintenance than solid wood. It must be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth and kept out of direct sunlight to prevent warping. Despite the added care, wood veneer is a great choice for anyone wanting the look of natural wood in their home without the associated cost or maintenance.
When choosing a supplier for your wood veneer, it is important to find one that follows FSC standards to ensure sustainability. The type of wood used for veneer is also very important. It may be difficult to source rare or exotic species of solid wood, but veneer is an excellent alternative. It can be produced from faster-growing woods and reduce waste in the solid wood industry.
Acrylic
A sloppy DIY job can leave your cabinets with a rough and uneven surface that not only marrs their beauty but also makes them less durable than they could be. The result is a surface that’s more vulnerable to damage from heat, scratches, and moisture than it otherwise would be. To avoid such pitfalls, it’s best to find an expert cabinet refacing service like N-Hance that can perform this task at a professional level.
The cabinet refacing process begins with removing all existing doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Then, your contractor can begin installing new hinges and moldings on the cabinet boxes. They will then install custom-made new doors and drawer fronts, based on your design choices in consultation with a cabinet expert. Depending on the material you choose, you may also opt for new hardware in a style that complements your chosen color or pattern.
If you want your kitchen to have a more sleek, modern appearance, acrylic-faced cabinet doors are an ideal choice. These doors are available in a range of colors and textures to suit your interior design preferences, and they are resistant to moisture. Whether you’re aiming for a monochrome look or something more vibrant, acrylic can help your kitchen stand out and enhance your home’s value.
Another cabinet refacing option that can create a more elegant and sophisticated aesthetic is natural wood. This material is a natural stress reliever and can create a rustic charm in your kitchen. It also complements other finishes, such as brushed metal and glass, to add contrast and depth to the space.
When refacing with solid wood, the surface requires regular cleaning with a mild cleanser to keep it looking good and smelling fresh. You’ll also want to take precautions against heat and humidity, as this can cause the wood to warp or even crack.
When it comes to refacing with laminate, your care routine is a little different. While it is easy to maintain, the laminate must be kept clean of grease, dust, and food spills to prevent them from building up. Regular use of a gentle soap solution and a soft cloth will keep it in top shape. With proper maintenance, you can expect your refaced cabinets to last for 15 to 20 years.