The average
kitchen remodel costs
between $12,561 and $33,977. A large portion of that
budget usually goes toward cabinetry, which can cost between $60 to $1,200 per linear foot,
depending on the type you choose.
While you might assume your cabinets need to be replaced,
refinishing, refacing or resurfacing are economical options to consider if you
like the current layout of your kitchen.
Refinishing is the best choice when you like the layout and
style of your current cabinets but want to change the finish or color. Benefits
include:
- The
affordable price
- The
ability to keep all parts of your existing cabinetry
The type of finish you want is important to consider if
you’re thinking about refinishing. If you’re trying to go from a stained wood
to an opaque color or darker stain, this is easy to accomplish by sanding or
chemically stripping the existing finish from the wood and applying a new stain
or paint.
Going from a solid color to a stain usually isn’t possible.
Solid colored cabinets aren’t made of stainable material, as expensive
stain-grade wood typically isn’t used under opaque color. Painted cabinets are
usually made of medium density fiberboard (MDF), which can’t be stained to
mimic real wood.
Oak cabinets are the only real wood cabinets that don’t look
great painted. The grain tends to show through, so it is best to stain them. If
your cabinets are made of thermofoil or laminate, it is not possible to
refinish them. These materials cannot be stripped or sanded, and it is
difficult to get paint to stick to them.
Refacing, also called resurfacing, is best when you like the
layout of your kitchen, but you want to change the style of your cabinetry or
cover up blemishes in the material. Refacing is a multi-step process where you:
- Resurface
the existing framework
- Keep
existing boxes
- Replace
cabinet doors and drawer fronts
- Veneer
cabinet boxes to match the new doors and drawers
You can also replace cabinet side panels, moldings and face
frames so everything matches. This will cover up any imperfections and let you
change the door style, wood and color for an updated look. You can personalize
your cabinets further by installing new hardware or crown molding.
Refacing will give you that new kitchen feel at a fraction
of the cost of replacing your cabinets.
Proper prep work is not to be overlooked. If any parts of
your cabinets are damaged, splintering or broken, now is the time to fully
replace or repair them.
Materials come in a variety of quality levels. If your
cabinets are often in direct sunlight or you’re redoing an outdoor kitchen, it
is a good idea to consider higher-grade materials. These will increase the
longevity of your remodel.
Whether you are planning on refinishing or refacing your
cabinets, consider updating the hardware to complete the look. This is
typically the least expensive part of the project. When deciding on hardware,
consider functionality in addition to appearance. Typically, the more
decorative the hardware, the more expensive and less functional it is.
While replacing or refacing your cabinets can drastically
change the look of your kitchen, these projects carry a high price tag. At
Arizona’s Best Family Painting, we offer cabinet
refinishing services
that give your kitchen the upgrade you’re looking for
without breaking the bank.
If your cabinets have seen better days, call the professionals
at Arizona’s Best Family Painting at (602) 606-2200 to get your FREE estimate!
