Alexander Vitorino • Jun 08, 2019
Refaced Kitchen

Reface or Replace?

When thinking about making some style changes to your kitchen, you may be considering replacing your cabinets but
before ripping out your current kitchen cabinets and getting into a long remodel project you may want to consider refacing or refinishing your current cabinets. Refacing and refinishing are more economical alternatives to replacing your cabinets, especially if you’re already happy with the layout of your kitchen the way it is.

So what’s the difference between refacing cabinets, and refinishing?

Cabinet refacing is an increasingly popular consideration for homeowners, it is not uncommon for homeowners to want to salvage their existing kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Cabinet Refacing by definition means “to renew, to restore, to repair the face or surface of your cabinets”, so nothing is done to any part of the cabinets except the face and sides of the existing cabinet boxes. The inside is not altered, including the inside portion of the face frame, or the top or undersides of the cabinets. Refacing cabinets is a process in which the existing cabinet doors, hinges, drawer fronts, all moldings and trim are removed, and then the cabinet framework is sanded and prepared to be resurfaced with laminate or real wood veneer material in your choice of specie and stain or solid tone color. The existing cabinet boxes are kept, but all the cabinet doors, hinges, and drawers fronts are replaced. It is also possible to replace all of the old drawer boxes and hardware with new dovetail solid wood drawer boxes and updated, full-extension, soft close hardware. Other options include installing new crown molding and new decorative door and drawer hardware. Adding new cabinets to the existing layout and installing modern day accessories such as lazy suzans and pull-outs is also possible when refacing your cabinets.

    Cabinet refinishing means all existing cabinet components such as doors, hinges, drawer fronts, moldings are kept, the only thing that changes is the color, often completed via hand sanding or by chemically stripping the existing finish from the wood, then applying a new paint or stain. Installing new drawer boxes, and accessories such aslazy suzans and pull-outs is possible when refinishing your cabinets.

      When deciding which is the right choice for you there are a few things to keep in mind. If you’re considering refinishing but your cabinets are made of laminate or thermofoil, it is not an option because these materials cannot be sanded or stripped and it’s nearly impossible for the paint to stick.If you have wood cabinets you can refinish or reface. If you’re content with your current kitchen’s layout, but dislike your cabinet's current style you may want to consider refacing the kitchen cabinets. If budget is your main consideration, refinishing is often the cheaper option. Estimates have shown that refinishing cabinets costs about two-thirds the cost of refacing, meanwhile refacing is about 50 percent the cost of installing new cabinets. One of the main money-saving factors is that you don’t have to replace your countertop or flooring, also no changes need to be made to your existing electrical, plumbing, natural gas or lighting (although changes can be made depending on how major they are.

      A typical refacing candidate has cabinets that are in good shape structurally, have already had a new countertop installed recently, are happy with the current kitchen layout, and are looking to change the style of the kitchen by choosing a different door style and moldings, specie and stain color.

      We at Ideal Home Improvement hope this helps you in your decision process.

      Cabinet Refacing or Resurfacing?

      By Alexander Vitorino • 26 Apr, 2020
      Cabinet Resurfacing vs. Refacing Cabinet resurfacing also known as cabinet refinishing involves removing the existing finish using a combination of chemicals, sanding and scraping all the existing cabinet parts. This process is time-consuming and at best the end result will be just a cosmetic improvement. It will not fix structural and functionality issues like warped doors, faulty door hinges and drawer glides. Cabinet resurfacing however, is the way to go if your intention is to only address physical issues such as scratches, dents and faded colors, to fix these problems you do not necessarily have to reface the entire kitchen, 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. Once the cabinet face frames and sides are prepped, a new durable real wood veneer will be bonded over it, brand new doors with soft close hinges, drawer fronts, moldings such as crown and light rail are installed, in some cases new dovetail drawer boxes with easy close glides are also installed. Also, with refacing you have the option to add cabinets to the existing layout, that old trash compactor that you have not used for years can be replaced with a base cabinet, always wanted a farmhouse sink? Well that can also be done during the refacing process, the list goes on, your choices are unlimited. We at Ideal Home Improvement, do not finish our refacing materials, all cabinet components finishes are factory-applied, which dramatically reduces the installation time and eliminates the need to deal with fumes in your home during installation, not mission the fact that you will get top notch, durable, beautifully finished kitchen that will last for many years to come. Visit our supplier www.walzcraft.com and browse through their impressive lineup of doors and finish choices, be prepared to be amazed. To Recap: Cabinet refacing is like getting brand new kitchen and resurfacing basically freshens up your existing 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. Contact us for more information about kitchen cabinet refacing, we will be happy to amuser your questions. Call 978-314-7882 or go to www.idealcabinetrefacing.com and fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-pressure in-home consultation. We serve many areas in MA and NH.

      Kitchen Backsplash

      By Alexander Vitorino • 01 Feb, 2020
      A backsplash is the finishing touch on a kitchen remodel which adds huge visual impact in a kitchen. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong way to go about it, hopefully this post will help you to feel more confident in making a selection. First and foremost, it is important to take a step back and look at your kitchen as one whole statement. Rather than focusing on the color of your cabinets or countertop and trying to find a tile to coordinate, as long as you choose a tile that coordinates with the palette of colors in your kitchen, you really can’t go wrong. It’s truly about going with your gut and choosing what looks best to you. While subway tile is still a bit trendy, it’s a classic style that works with any design style. In going with either a glass tile or a smaller matte version you get something a little different than the norm thought it’s still timeless. Here is a link that will help you decide on the perfect backsplash, have fun it! https://www.pinterest.com/katiegambell/kitchen-backsplash-ideas/

      Is your kitchen ready for the holidays?

      By Alexander Vitorino • 09 Nov, 2019
      As the holidays approach, your kitchen will become the center of your home. Between Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas, you’ll be spending most of your time in your kitchen spreading the holiday cheer, hosting your friends and family, preparing delicious food and sharing warm conversations. Many homeowners whose kitchens are taking center stage for the holidays are considering remodeling or updating them. You’re probably thinking that time is running out but don’t worry, there’s no need for a full remodel, all you need to refresh your kitchen is a few efficient tips and tricks to help you create that perfect entertaining space, for a fraction of the price. Replacing cabinets can get expensive, but if they’re in good shape, a little facelift is all they really need to look like new. Try a fresh coat of paint, replace hardware, installing a new faucet, installing a tile backsplash or have your cabinets refaced for a grand makeover. This process will take less then a week to complete before the holidays and the results will be stunning. Just a few changes can really impact your space and make it merry and bright just in time for the holidays!
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