Yes, you absolutely can reface your kitchen cabinets yourself, and it is often a great way to update your kitchen without the high cost of a full replacement. This cabinet refacing guide will walk you through the whole process. Cabinet refacing gives your kitchen a fresh look using your existing cabinet boxes. It is a popular choice for homeowners seeking an aesthetic upgrade with less disruption. We will explore different methods, tools, and tips to ensure a smooth project.
Deciphering Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement
Before starting, it is helpful to know what you are getting into. Cabinet refacing vs painting is a common point of discussion. Painting covers the old finish but leaves the existing door and drawer fronts as they are. Refacing involves applying new materials over the cabinet boxes and installing brand-new doors and drawer fronts.
| Feature | Cabinet Refacing | Cabinet Painting |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | New exterior look, new doors/drawer fronts | New color on existing surfaces |
| Durability | Higher, especially with quality materials | Depends heavily on prep and paint quality |
| Cost | Moderate | Low to moderate |
| Time | Longer due to material application | Shorter overall time |
| Look | Can mimic new cabinetry | Still looks like old cabinets, just a new color |
Preparing for Your Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Project
Good prep work saves time and money later. Do not skip these early steps. They set the stage for success in your DIY cabinet refinishing adventure.
Clearing Out the Kitchen
First, empty everything from your cabinets. Take out all food, dishes, and small appliances. Remove all shelves and drawer organizers. You need clear access to the cabinet boxes themselves.
Protecting Your Space
Refacing creates dust and debris. Lay down drop cloths everywhere. Cover floors, countertops, and nearby appliances. Use plastic sheeting to seal off the kitchen entrance from the rest of your house. This keeps dust from spreading.
Cleaning the Cabinets Thoroughly
Old grease and grime must go. Use a strong degreaser. Scrub every surface of the existing cabinet boxes. Rinse well with clean water. Let everything dry completely. Any residue left behind will stop the new material from sticking properly.
Removing Old Doors and Drawer Fronts
Carefully remove all existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Label them clearly. Mark where each door belongs. Take off all hinges, handles, and knobs. Keep all screws in labeled bags. This keeps the hardware organized.
Step-by-Step: The Cabinet Refacing Process
Refacing generally involves covering the existing wood or particleboard boxes with a durable, new surface material. This process is key to successful kitchen cabinet resurfacing techniques.
Step 1: Repairing and Preparing the Cabinet Boxes
Look closely at the existing cabinet boxes. Are there any cracks, holes, or damaged areas?
- Fill Holes: Use wood filler or putty to fill any old screw holes or dings.
- Sand Lightly: Lightly sand the surfaces you plan to cover. This gives the new adhesive a better grip. Wipe away all sanding dust.
Step 2: Choosing and Applying the Surface Material
This is the most crucial part of refacing. The material you choose determines the final look and longevity. Common choices include wood veneer, laminate, or specialized rigid materials.
Selecting the Best Cabinet Refacing Materials
The best cabinet refacing materials balance cost, durability, and appearance.
- Wood Veneer: Thin slices of real wood. Looks like solid wood. Can be stained or painted.
- Laminate (High-Pressure Laminate or HPL): Very durable plastic surface. Comes in many colors and textures. Excellent resistance to scratches and heat.
- Thermofoil: A vinyl film heated and vacuum-pressed onto MDF doors. Offers a seamless look.
Laminate Cabinet Refacing
Laminate cabinet refacing is popular for modern or busy kitchens. It is very tough.
- Measure Precisely: Measure the exterior surfaces of the cabinet boxes—the face frames, tops, and bottoms if you are covering those too. Add a small extra amount for trimming.
- Cut the Laminate: Cut the laminate sheets slightly larger than your measurements.
- Apply Adhesive: Use a strong contact cement recommended for your specific laminate. Apply the adhesive evenly to both the cabinet surface and the back of the laminate sheet.
- Adhere Carefully: This requires patience. Line up one edge perfectly. Slowly press the laminate onto the cabinet surface. Use a rolling tool or J-roller to press out all air bubbles. Work slowly from the center out.
- Trim Edges: Once fully adhered, use a sharp utility knife or a router with a flush-trim bit to trim the excess material flush with the cabinet edges.
Thermofoil Cabinet Refacing
Thermofoil cabinet refacing requires specialized equipment, often making this part better suited for professionals, especially for curved surfaces. However, if you are just applying thermofoil to flat panels, you can use a strong spray adhesive and careful application, though results vary greatly from a professional vacuum press.
Step 3: Covering the Inside Face Frame
The face frame is the visible edge of the cabinet box when the doors are closed. This needs a perfect fit.
- You can use thinner wood strips or pre-cut laminate strips to cover these edges.
- Measure the exact width of the face frame.
- Cut your material to this width.
- Glue and secure these strips precisely. Use painter’s tape or small clamps to hold them tight while the glue dries.
Step 4: Addressing the Sides (If Necessary)
If your cabinet sides are visible from the kitchen aisle (like end cabinets), you should cover them too.
- If the sides are plain plywood, you can cover them with wood veneer or thin plywood panels that match your new doors.
- This step blends the old box structure into the new look.
Getting New Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts
Refacing requires new doors and drawer fronts to complete the transformation. You have two main choices here: using the existing door frames or ordering entirely new ones.
Option A: Refacing Existing Door Frames (Overlay Style)
If your existing doors have flat panels, you can sometimes glue new material directly onto the old door fronts. This is a form of resurfacing. You need to ensure the thickness change doesn’t stop the doors from closing properly.
Many modern kitchens use overlay cabinet doors. This means the new door completely covers the face frame of the cabinet box.
- Full Overlay: The door covers almost the entire face frame. Requires minimal space between doors.
- Partial Overlay: The door covers only part of the face frame. More common in older cabinets.
When refacing, you usually order new doors built to match your existing overlay style and thickness requirements.
Option B: Ordering New Doors and Drawer Fronts
For the best results, ordering new doors and drawer fronts is recommended. You need to provide precise measurements.
Measuring for New Doors
Accurate measurement is vital. Mistakes here mean expensive replacements.
- Measure the Opening: Measure the height and width of the cabinet opening (the space inside the face frame).
- Determine Overlay: Decide if you want a full or partial overlay. Look at your current layout to decide how much you want the new door to overlap the frame.
- Calculate Final Door Size:
- Example for Full Overlay: If your opening is 12 inches wide and you want a 1/2 inch overlay on each side, your new door width will be 12″ + 0.5″ + 0.5″ = 13 inches wide.
If you are unsure about the math, most door suppliers offer measurement guides or even consultation services. The cabinet door replacement cost varies greatly based on material (solid wood, MDF, etc.) and style (Shaker, slab, raised panel).
Installing New Hardware and Doors
Once the boxes are covered and the new doors arrive, it is time for assembly.
Preparing the New Doors
If you ordered unfinished doors, now is the time to paint or stain them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best finish.
Installing Hinges
Hinges must be installed correctly for doors to hang straight.
- Concealed Hinges (European Hinges): These are hidden inside the cabinet. They require drilling precise cup holes into the back of the door. Modern hinges allow for easy side-to-side, up-and-down, and in-and-out adjustments.
- Surface-Mount Hinges: These attach directly to the inside of the cabinet face frame. They are simpler to install but less adjustable.
If you used European hinges, install them onto the new doors first.
Mounting the Doors
- Attach the hinge plates (if using European style) to the inside of the cabinet face frame.
- Line up the hinges on the door with the plates on the box.
- Screw the doors onto the plates. Do not tighten completely yet.
Adjusting Doors for a Perfect Alignment
This is where patience pays off. Doors must look straight and have even gaps (reveals) between them.
- Gap Adjustment: Use the side-to-side adjustment screws on the hinge to move the doors left or right until the gaps are even across the kitchen.
- Height Adjustment: Use the up/down screws to ensure all doors line up vertically.
- Depth Adjustment: Use the in/out screws to ensure the doors sit flush with the newly surfaced cabinet frame.
Installing New Drawer Fronts and Hardware
Attach the new drawer fronts to the existing drawer boxes. Make sure they are centered perfectly before securing them fully. Finally, drill holes and screw on your new knobs or pulls.
Comparing Costs: Professional Refacing vs. DIY
Many homeowners consider the professional cabinet resurfacing cost before tackling the job themselves. A full professional refacing job involves skilled labor for application, precise door ordering, and expert installation.
Factors Affecting Cost
- Material Choice: Laminate is generally cheaper than high-end wood veneers.
- Cabinet Box Condition: Boxes needing extensive repair cost more in labor.
- Door Style: Simple slab doors cost less than detailed Shaker or raised-panel doors. The cabinet door replacement cost makes up a significant portion of the total bill.
- Scope: Are you only refacing the perimeter cabinets, or the entire kitchen?
A DIY approach significantly cuts down on labor costs. However, you must factor in the cost of tools, adhesives, and purchasing materials in retail quantities, which can sometimes be less efficient than bulk contractor pricing. For high-end finishes like custom wood veneer, the difficulty of application often justifies hiring a professional.
Finishing Touches and Maintenance
Once everything is installed, take time to admire your work! Proper maintenance keeps your new finish looking great.
Cleaning the New Surfaces
Follow the cleaning instructions for the material you chose (laminate, veneer, etc.). Generally, mild soap and water work best. Avoid harsh abrasives or strong chemical cleaners that could damage the new surface.
Long-Term Care Tips
- Wipe up spills quickly, especially around sinks.
- Do not place very hot pans directly onto laminate surfaces.
- Periodically check hinge adjustments, as doors can shift slightly over time due to humidity.
Fathoming Different Refacing Styles
The method you choose often depends on your budget and the existing state of your cabinets.
DIY Cabinet Refinishing for Minor Updates
If your cabinet boxes are in excellent shape, but you just want a change of color, true DIY cabinet refinishing (which is technically painting or staining the existing doors and boxes) might be enough. This involves heavy sanding, priming, and high-quality cabinet paint application. It saves the cost of new doors but requires significant prep time.
When to Consider Thermofoil Cabinet Refacing
Thermofoil is excellent for achieving a very smooth, modern, painted look without the brush strokes associated with painting. It hides imperfections well. However, it does not repair structural damage and can sometimes peel or bubble if exposed to extreme, direct heat, like from a toaster oven placed too close to the cabinet door edge.
The Benefits of Laminate Cabinet Refacing
Laminate is nearly indestructible in a normal kitchen environment. If durability is your absolute top priority, laminate cabinet refacing is a winner. It provides a factory-made look and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does cabinet refacing usually take?
A: For a typical kitchen, a DIY refacing project can take one to two full weekends for preparation and applying the surface material to the boxes. Ordering and receiving new doors can take 3 to 8 weeks. Installation of doors and hardware usually takes one day. A professional crew can often complete the box resurfacing in 2 to 4 days.
Q: Can I reface cabinets with glass inserts?
A: If your existing doors have glass, refacing usually means replacing the entire door slab, as gluing veneer over glass is not feasible. You will order new doors with glass inserts to match your refaced boxes.
Q: Does refacing add value to my home?
A: Yes, kitchen updates always add value. Refacing is less costly than a full remodel but provides a significant visual impact, making the kitchen look modern and well-maintained.
Q: Can I use my old hinges if I reface the boxes?
A: It is highly recommended to purchase new hinges, especially if you are switching from partial overlay to full overlay doors. New hinges ensure the doors align perfectly with the new surface material and thickness. Even if you keep the overlay style, new hinges will operate more smoothly.
Q: What if my cabinet boxes are made of cardboard or very thin material?
A: Refacing works best on sturdy plywood or MDF boxes. If the boxes are made of thin pressboard or cardboard, they may not be strong enough to support the weight and hardware of new, heavier doors. In this case, cabinet replacement might be the only viable long-term solution.
Q: How does the thickness of the new surface affect drawer clearance?
A: This is critical. If you apply thick veneer or laminate to the outside of the drawer box, it reduces the space inside the cabinet opening. When ordering new drawer fronts, you must ensure the new fronts account for this added thickness so they slide past the cabinet frame without rubbing.