When you’re in the middle of a kitchen remodel, you have to decide whether your cabinets need to be replaced or refreshed. New cabinets can cost a fortune, and even replacing just the doors can absorb as much as 40% of your total remodeling budget. Cabinet refinishing is a popular option to save money and improve the overall look of your cabinets. It involves painting or staining the existing cabinets to give them a fresh appearance. It is less expensive than replacing them and can be completed more quickly as well.
Depending on your cabinet material and style, you can select a color or finish that completely updates the look of your kitchen. Refinishing is also a great choice for those that need to cover up minor imperfections or blemishes on their cabinets, such as chips or scratches. However, refinishing isn’t as good for covering up major wear and tear, as the paint will eventually show through over time.
The other issue with refinishing is that it takes patience and skill. Choosing a Tampa cabinet refinishing professional ensures the job is done correctly. Skilled DIY homeowners can often refinish their own cabinets, but the process is lengthy and tedious. It requires careful application of stain and multiple coats of paint, as well as sanding between each application. There’s also the risk of creating unsightly brush marks, especially if you have wood grain pattern on your cabinet doors.
In addition, painted cabinets require regular maintenance and retouching. Since the color is so vibrant, it will attract dirt and grime, and can become chipped, scratched or scuffed over time. You’ll need to clean and retouch regularly, especially if you have kids or pets.
On the other hand, refacing allows you to change your cabinet doors and drawer fronts, while keeping your existing frame and cabinet boxes. You can change the wood, color, and style for a completely different look, while adding hardware or crown moulding to enhance the overall appearance. Cabinet refacing is also a good solution if you have existing doors that are warped. Warping is a common problem with solid wood cabinet doors, as the natural wood can expand and contract with temperature changes. The result is that the cabinet doors can start to crack or split at the seams.
Another benefit of refacing is that it can help reduce the amount of humidity in your home, which can make your cabinet wood more stable. Refacing can also increase the value of your home by giving it a more modern and updated appearance. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each project before you decide which option is right for you.