Cabinet Refacing vs. Resurfacing: Which Is Which?
Consider cabinet refacing as part of your next kitchen remodeling project, especially if your kitchen cabinets are starting to look their age. At Dreamstyle Remodeling, we are often asked if we do cabinet resurfacing, which is completely different from refacing, so we’d like to share with you the differences between the two and why cabinet refacing is the better option.
In this post, you’ll first learn the technical differences between cabinet resurfacing and refacing. Then, you’ll also get an idea which one is the best course of action for your kitchen remodeling project.
Cabinet Resurfacing vs. Refacing
Cabinet resurfacing involves removing the existing finish using chemical peels, sanding and scraping while using the original parts. Not only is this process time-consuming, it is, at best, a cosmetic improvement. It won’t fix structural and functionality issues like warped doors or faulty hardware. It’s also difficult to complete on cabinets with ornate designs.
Cabinet resurfacing, however, is the ideal course of action if you’re only addressing physical issues on the cabinet. These include scratches, dents and faded colors. For these problems, you don’t necessarily have to reface the entire structure, especially if all the major components barring the surface are still in good condition.
Cabinet refacing, on the other hand, involves completely removing everything except the cabinet frames, which are often the sturdiest part of kitchen cabinets. Many homeowners are used to certain movements when working in the kitchen in relation to the kitchen countertops. If you work the same way, you’ll want to keep the cabinet layout as it is. Once we have the frames prepared, a new, durable, thick veneer will be bonded over it, after which we install brand-new cabinet doors and drawer fronts and hardware.
For the best cabinet refacing, we suggest you seek the help of a professional remodeler like us. While this process isn’t as time-consuming as resurfacing, it’s still complex work and even the smallest mistakes can affect your cabinet in the long run.
Benefits of Refacing
Refacing is like getting new cabinets. Whereas resurfacing basically 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 that you want. You can also expand your cabinets’ functionality with new hinges, drawer glides and handles.
The cabinet finishes are factory-applied, which dramatically reduces the installation time and eliminates the need to deal with paint fumes. As a result, cabinet refacing is the best course of action if you want to completely improve the cabinet in all aspects, from utility to physical appearance.
The refacing process isn’t restricted to cabinets, though; you can reface kitchen countertops, too. The process differs slightly since what you’re refacing is just the surface, although in older countertops, this also includes replacing the worn-out parts underneath the marble or tile.
Cabinet refacing also corrects existing issues with your kitchen cabinets, such as misaligned doors and faulty hardware. This process, in particular, solves a rather common issue with cabinets: shrinking doors. The doors of your cabinet will “naturally” shrink in time as a result of moisture and changes in temperature. By refacing your kitchen countertops and cabinets, you essentially give your cabinet new life. You end up with practically new kitchen cabinets at a fraction of the cost of buying them.
For complete kitchen remodeling, cabinet refacing installation is just one of the many services we provide. Call Dreamstyle Remodeling today at (877) 721-1590 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-pressure, in-home consultation. We serve many areas in and near Albuquerque.
