Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs Painting – What Is the Best To Update the Kitchen?
Are your kitchen cabinets stuck in a time warp, leaving your entire space feeling dated and uninspired? You’re not alone. The struggle is real, and the options can be non-obvious. If the kitchen cabinets are structurally sound and the layout works well for you, then it is absolutely possible to resurface or refinish them without spending extra.
Many homeowners face the dilemma of having outdated cabinets but aren’t sure how to breathe new life into them. It’s like staring at a blank canvas, knowing it needs a makeover but unsure where to start. You may resurface kitchen cabinets or repaint them for a comprehensive transformation.
In this blog, we’re diving headfirst into this common homeowner conundrum—exploring the pain points of those staring at lacklustre kitchen cabinets and navigating the choices between to paint or reface kitchen cabinets or refinishing them. We’ll unravel the details, delve into the considerations, and help you weigh your options effectively.
Refacing Cabinets Meaning
Kitchen cabinet refacing and painting are both ways to spruce up your cabinets, but they tackle the job in different ways.Let’s start with cabinet painting. Cabinet painting is also referred to as kitchen cabinet resurfacing.
Resurfacing kitchen cupboards is a broader term that encompasses various methods of refreshing cabinet surfaces. This can include techniques like refinishing, where the existing finish is removed, and a new one is applied (such as painting or staining). It might also involve applying veneers or laminates solely to the visible areas of the cabinets to change their appearance without replacing the doors and drawer fronts. This one’s pretty straightforward—it’s like giving your cabinets a new coat of paint. You can totally change the color or just refresh the existing one. It’s a good option if your cabinets are in decent shape and you’re mainly looking for a cosmetic update. Plus, it’s usually the more budget-friendly choice compared to refacing.
Now, refacing also known as kitchen cabinet redooring is a bit more involved. Instead of just slapping on some paint, it involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, while keeping the cabinet structure as is. You can also add veneers or do laminate cabinet refacing to match the new doors. It’s a more comprehensive makeover and can give your kitchen a completely different look without changing the layout.
When should you reface kitchen cabinets?
Refacing cabinets can be a fantastic option when you’re looking for a significant change in your kitchen’s aesthetic but want to retain the current layout and structure. Here are a few scenarios when considering cabinet refacing makes sense
1. Existing cabinets in good condition
If your cabinet boxes are sturdy and in good shape but the doors or surface appearance is outdated or worn, refacing allows you to give them a fresh, modern look without replacing the entire setup.
2. Desire for a style makeover
When you’re eager for a drastic change in your kitchen’s appearance—whether it’s transitioning from traditional to modern, or vice versa—refacing can provide that transformative shift without the cost and hassle of a full remodel.
3. Budget constraints
Refacing tends to be more cost-effective than completely replacing cabinets. If you’re looking for a way to revamp your kitchen without breaking the bank, refacing offers a significant visual upgrade at a fraction of the cost of new cabinets.
4. Preserving layout and functionality
If you’re content with your kitchen’s current layout and functionality and only wish to update the look, refacing keeps the existing cabinet configuration intact while giving you a refreshed appearance.
5. Time considerations
Refacing generally takes less time than a full cabinet replacement or remodel. So, if you’re aiming for a quicker renovation with less disruption to your daily routine, refacing could be a more suitable option.
What is refinishing kitchen cabinets?
Refinishing your kitchen cabinets is a transformative process that involves refreshing the surface appearance of your cupboards or cabinet doors through various techniques like repainting, restaining, or applying a new finish. When you’re considering kitchen cabinet refinishing, it’s like giving your cooking space a whole new vibe without the expense of a complete replacement.
To begin refinishing cupboards, the first step often involves thorough cleaning and preparing the surfaces to ensure the new finish adheres properly. You might choose to repaint kitchen cabinets to introduce a different color scheme, breathing fresh life into your culinary haven. Alternatively, restaining kitchen cabinets can retain the natural wood look while revitalizing their appearance.
The beauty of kitchen cabinet door refinishing lies in the ability to tailor the finish to your desired aesthetic, whether it’s a bold, modern color or a timeless, classic stain. This process allows you to maintain the integrity of your existing cabinets while giving them a stunning makeover.
Difference between refacing and refinishing kitchen cabinets
When deciding between refacing kitchen cabinets and painting or refinishing, there are crucial distinctions to consider in terms of both process and outcome. Refacing cabinets involves replacing the doors and sometimes applying veneers or laminates to the cabinet boxes, essentially giving them a whole new look. On the flip side, painting or refinishing your kitchen cupboards involves altering the surface appearance through techniques like repainting or resurfacing, while keeping the existing structure intact.
While refinishing kitchen cabinets focuses on updating the outer layer, refacing cabinets goes deeper by altering the visible parts significantly. The decision between the two often boils down to whether you aim to simply refresh the look with a new finish or opt for a more transformative change by replacing elements.
A crucial factor in the cost of painting kitchen cabinets vs refacing is the extent of the changes desired. Painting tends to be more budget-friendly as it involves surface modifications, whereas cabinets refaced involves more materials and labor, potentially increasing the overall cost.
Ultimately, the choice between paint cabinets or replace doors hinges on your preferences, the condition of your existing cabinets, and the level of transformation you’re aiming for in your kitchen space.
