What Is The Difference Between Cabinet Refacing and Cabinet Refinishing?
Table of Contents
If you’re looking to update your kitchen cabinets without undergoing a complete renovation, you’ve likely come across two popular options: cabinet refacing and cabinet refinishing. But what’s the difference between the two, and how do you know which is the right choice for your home?
Both home improvement services keep your existing cabinet layout and box structure in place. However, the key difference is whether your cabinet doors and drawer fronts are replaced entirely or kept in place and refreshed. Let’s explore the difference between cabinet refinishing and cabinet refacing to help you make an informed decision.
What is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is an excellent option for homeowners who want a significant style update without completely replacing their kitchen cabinets. It focuses on replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while leaving the box and layout structure intact. This service offers homeowners the chance to gain a fresh, modern look while maintaining the kitchen’s original layout and cabinet box framework.
Here’s a closer look at what cabinet refacing involves:
- The old cabinet doors and drawer fronts are replaced with new, custom-designed ones.
- New hardware, such as handles and hinges, can be selected to match your updated doors.
- The existing cabinet boxes remain, and their visible surfaces are either repainted, stained, or covered with a veneer to match the new doors.
Cabinet refacing is ideal for homeowners who want a new style or design for their kitchen but don’t need to change the layout. It’s a cost-effective way to achieve a modern look while keeping your kitchen functional during the renovation.
What is Cabinet Refinishing?
While cabinet refacing focuses on updating the appearance of your cabinets without replacing any external components. If you’re happy with your kitchen’s current style and design but want to update the look with a fresh coat of paint or stain, refinishing is the perfect solution. It’s an even more affordable option that breathes new life into your cabinets while maintaining the original components.
Refinishing your cabinets involves a detailed process of cleaning, sanding, and applying a fresh coat of paint or stain. The goal is to remove the old, worn-out finish and replace it with a new one, giving the cabinets a fresh, updated look.
Here’s how cabinet refinishing works:
- Deep cleaning of the existing cabinet doors and surfaces to remove grime and old finishes.
- Sanding down the current finish to prepare the wood for a new paint or stain.
- Repainting or staining the existing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and boxes to refresh their look.
While cabinet refinishing doesn’t offer the opportunity to replace your doors and drawers, the style or design of your cabinet doors, it’s an excellent option if you’re happy with your current kitchen layout and want to update the color or finish.
Differences Between Cabinet Refacing and Cabinet Refinishing
Although both services can dramatically improve the look of your kitchen, it’s essential to understand the main differences between cabinet refacing and cabinet refinishing. Both methods update your cabinets while keeping the original structure in place, but each offers different benefits depending on your renovation needs.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two services:
Component Replacement
- Cabinet Refacing: Involves replacing the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware with new components. The existing boxes remain, but the external appearance of your cabinets is transformed with new materials.
- Cabinet Refinishing: Keeps your current cabinet doors and surfaces intact. The doors are repainted or stained rather than replaced.
Cost
- Cabinet Refacing: This tends to be more expensive than refinishing because new doors, drawers, and hardware are included.
- Cabinet Refinishing: Typically more affordable since no components are replaced, just refreshed.
Style & Design Flexibility
- Cabinet Refacing: Provides more design flexibility, as you can choose entirely new door styles, colors, and finishes.
- Cabinet Refinishing: Limits you to the existing cabinet doors and structure but offers the opportunity to refresh the current design with new colors or stains.
Update Your Cabinets With Pro Finish Craftsmen
The difference between cabinet refacing and cabinet refinishing comes down to whether you want to replace or refresh your cabinet doors. Cabinet refacing allows for the replacement of your doors, drawers, and hardware, offering more flexibility in design. On the other hand, cabinet refinishing keeps your existing cabinet components intact, focusing on updating their appearance with a new coat of paint or stain.
Both services retain your current cabinet layout and structure, making them ideal for homeowners who want a kitchen update without a complete overhaul. No matter which service you choose, Pro Finish Craftsmen can help you achieve your vision.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore the best option for your kitchen!