Resurfacing Kitchen Cabinets

Costs
Durability
Maintenance
Pictures

Popular Kitchen Remodeling Topics
Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers
References

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Is your kitchen limping along in lackluster disrepair, just begging you for a makeover? Well, you can never go wrong by upgrading your kitchen, and there are many ways to go about it—like resurfacing your kitchen cabinets. Here’s how to get started.

Costs

The cost of resurfacing kitchen cabinets depends primarily on what the original cabinets are made out of. Thermofoil or plastic laminate cabinets, for instance, should cost from $1,000-$3,000 to resurface, while real wood veneer can cost $2,500-$6,000 to resurface. Get a price quote from a licensed contractor for more specific pricing.

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Pros

Resurfacing kitchen cabinets can be done at a fraction of the cost of replacing your whole cabinet set-up.

Completely changes the look and feel of any kitchen.

If your cabinets are in good condition, giving them a fresh face will boost the aesthetic and resale value of your home.

Cons

Resurfacing kitchen cabinets can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.

This job won’t fix any structural problems that your cabinets may have.

If you don’t like the original style or layout of your cabinets, then simply resurfacing them won’t help much.

Durability

As long as your original cabinetry is structurally sound, then resurfacing will not affect its durability in any way. However, you must take the proper steps to finish and seal your cabinets after resurfacing, or the paint, stain or other finish may peel, warp and fade over time.

Maintenance

Resurfaced kitchen cabinets require the same or similar maintenance as the original cabinets. Simply wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth to get rid of the normal dirt and grime. Use a cleaning solution of dishwashing detergent mixed with warm water to get rid of tougher stains. Avoid abrasive cleaners to keep the finish unharmed.

Common Questions and Answers

How do you determine if your cabinets should be replaced or resurfaced?

If your cabinets are structurally sound but simply look aged and worn, then resurfacing is a great option. If, on the other hand, your cabinets are seriously damaged, or you don’t like the layout and overall style, then you should consider replacing them.

What are the steps in resurfacing kitchen cabinets?

For the actual resurfacing, begin by removing all hardware, doors, and drawers. Take light sandpaper (around 150 grit) and lightly sand all surfaces. Be careful not to damage the grain. The idea is just to roughen the existing finish to allow for better adhesion of the new finish.

Next, either glue and attach the veneer panels, or apply the new paint or stain. After the new finish is in place, seal with a transparent seal to protect against dirt and grease accumulation. Replace the hardware, and you now have new cabinets for a fraction of the cost of replacing them.

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Resurfacing cabinetry, if done correctly, can help preserve your existing cabinets for years to come. Not only is resurfacing a more economical decision, but also a more eco-friendly approach. Instead of using more resources, you are reusing what you already have. Talk with a skilled kitchen cabinet craftsman about possible resurfacing of your kitchen cabinets.