The kitchen cabinet industry is booming. In fact, around 61% of American homeowners are investing in updated kitchen cabinets.
A kitchen renovation can be expensive and overwhelming. There are a lot of factors to consider.
The good news is you can improve your outdated kitchen cabinets without purchasing brand-new ones.
You may be wondering how and we are here to tell you. This guide is going to explain how to reface kitchen cabinets so you can enjoy your culinary oasis.
What Is It
The kitchen is often considered to be the heart of the home and the cabinets play a vital role in not only the functionality of the space but also the aesthetic.
It’s normal for your kitchen to need a refresh. After all, your cabinets will sustain a lot of wear and tear.
The process of refacing a cabinet is simply updating the exterior appearance. It typically involves replacing the veneer and the hardware.
Evaluate Your Cabinets
Before making your final decision about refacing your cabinets, you’ll need to evaluate them.
Are your cabinets structurally sound? Is the layout of your kitchen functional?
If the answer is yes to both of those questions, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Gather Inspo
You’ll then need to look at magazines and online websites and decide what you want your cabinets to look like. You can even use social media to find inspiration.
Take your time deciding on a color scheme, style, and materials you want to use. There are a lot of options to choose from and taking your time will reduce some stress.
During this stage, there is no pressure. You aren’t on a timeline yet, you’re simply looking at designs you like.
This is a long-term decision. You don’t want to choose a material or color and change your mind about a few months later.
When it comes to the material, wood veneers and laminate are popular options.
Purchase Materials and Tools
You’ll need to purchase your tools and materials. You’ll likely have some of these items but double-check before starting the project.
The last thing you want is to have to stop in the middle of your renovation to run to the store for an item you don’t have.
Safety goggles and gloves
Veneer or laminate sheets
New hardware (handles, knobs, etc.)
Wood glue and adhesive
Screwdriver and hardware removal tools
Sandpaper
Saw or utility knife
Roller or brush to apply adhesive
Remove Old Hardware and Doors
To reface your cabinets, you need to remove them completely. You can use the screwdriver to take the doors and old hardware off.
You’ll want to be careful and gentle when you’re removing the doors. You’re refacing them, but you don’t want them to become damaged during the process.
If you plan to reuse the hardware, be sure to place them in a safe place. There are typically small screws and parts that can easily be lost. You don’t want to have to stop the project to look for the hardware pieces.
Prep the Cabinet Surfaces
The next step when you’re learning how to reface kitchen cabinets is preparing the cabinets. This part is extremely important. If you rush through this portion of the project your updated kitchen cabinets won’t look as good.
You’ll use sandpaper to lightly sand the surface. The goal is to create a surface that the new finish can bond to easily.
Then take a cloth or clean off the leftover dust.
Apply Veneer or Laminate
When that is done, you’ll cut the veneer or laminate sheets to fit the cabinets. You’ll want to use a saw or utility cutters for this step.
You’ll then apply a thin layer of wood glue to the cabinet frames. Place the sheets on the kitchen cabinets and smooth them out.
It’s vital that you do this very carefully, as you don’t want any bubbles or wrinkles.
If there’s an excess of material, you can trim it off to make it look uniform.
Install New Doors and Hardware
After the glue has dried, you’ll be ready to install the doors. Make sure the hinges line up correctly and everything is level. Before moving on, you’ll want to check that the cabinet is still functional.
Do the doors open and close smoothly? If so, you’re ready to attach the new hardware.
Handles, knobs, and pulls come in a variety of different shapes, designs, colors, and finishes.
It may take some time, but you’ll find ones that match your newly renovated cabinets.
Final Touch Ups
Lastly, check each cabinet to ensure it’s perfect. This is your chance to fix issues or touch up any areas that don’t look right.
If everything looks as you want it to, you can sit back and enjoy your new space. You’ve just completed your kitchen upgrades without the hassle of an entire renovation.
How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets Guide
Learning how to reface kitchen cabinets is an option for you. It’s more cost-effective and easier than replacing the whole thing.
You can change the entire aesthetic of your kitchen by following the steps above. It’s important that you take your time and don’t rush through the project. Paying attention to the quality of the materials and details will make a big difference.
Your revitalized kitchen will become a source of pride and enjoyment for years to come.
For help with your renovation, contact our team here. We have several professionals that can help bring your vision to life.