Cabinet Refacing Sacramento offers the look of new cabinets for a fraction of the cost of a complete kitchen or bathroom remodel. This simple renovation keeps existing cabinets in place while replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
Cabinet refacing uses rigid thermofoil or medium-density fiberboard to cover the existing face frames and sides of exposed cabinet boxes. There are several benefits of this popular remodeling solution:
Cost-Effective
Cabinet refacing is an affordable option for homeowners looking to refresh their bathroom cabinets without spending the money or time of a complete remodel. This process involves applying a new veneer or cover to existing cabinet boxes, and replacing door and drawer fronts to match the refaced frames. This results in a brand-new look and feel for the space at a fraction of the cost of a complete remodel or custom cabinet replacement. It also allows for the flexibility of adding upgrades like soft-close hinges and crown molding later, as budget and priorities allow.
The overall average cabinet refacing cost is influenced by many factors, including the material used and the labor required to install it. Choosing a contractor with a reputation for quality installation also helps reduce costs, as does timing your project strategically to take advantage of seasonal sales on upgrade materials. Similarly, negotiating package deals with your contractor to include multiple upgrades can save you money in the long run.
Whether or not to hire professionals for the work is a big decision that impacts overall costs, as well as the final results. Beware of surprisingly low quotes, as these may be indicative of cut corners or a rushed job that could lead to future issues. Ultimately, the decision to hire pros is usually worth it in the long run because they offer greater peace of mind, a quicker turnaround, and a quality finish that will last much longer than a DIY approach.
It’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish and be realistic about your skills. While refacing is an achievable home improvement project for most people, it’s still a large undertaking and should be treated with care. An inexperienced installer can create a botched job that will require costly repairs and can make your bathroom look worse than it did before.
The benefits of refacing your bathroom cabinets are endless, but you should know what to expect before starting the project. A professional will be able to walk you through the steps, help you avoid expensive mistakes, and provide you with an accurate estimate before beginning work.
Time-Saving
Cabinet refacing is considerably faster than a full replacement because it doesn’t require removing the existing cabinets or modifying their structural framework. It’s also less expensive than a major renovation because it involves fewer materials. However, it’s still a significant project that demands thorough planning and professional skills.
A refacing contractor will evaluate the existing bathroom cabinet structure and look for signs of water damage or warping. Then, they’ll inspect the hinges and drawer slides to determine whether or not they work properly. If the existing hardware is in good condition, refacing might be a better option than a complete replacement.
During the preparation stage, your contractor will clean the surfaces to ensure they’re free of grease and grime. Then, they’ll lightly sand the surface to create a rough texture that improves adhesion for the new veneer. Once the surface is prepped, your contractor will apply the new vinyl “skins” to the exposed surfaces of the cabinet boxes, giving them a whole new look. The skins are available in many colors and finishes, so you can choose one that matches your bathroom design aesthetic.
Once the refacing is finished, your contractor will install the new cabinet doors and hardware. They’ll take care to carefully remove and replace the existing hardware, making sure they don’t damage or scratch the newly refaced cabinets.
Then, they’ll install the new hinges and drawer pulls to match your new refacing. Lastly, they’ll install the new handles or knobs to finish off the look.
The entire process of refacing is much quicker than a full replacement, which means you’ll spend less time working on your bathroom renovation and get to enjoy your refreshed space sooner. It’s also a more environmentally friendly choice, as you’re not throwing away your old cabinet vanity and wasting raw materials. Additionally, refacing allows you to use more durable materials like solid wood and rigid thermofoil that resist moisture and daily wear. You can even find wood alternatives that are specially treated to withstand bathroom environments and offer the same great look for less.
Eco-Friendly
Over time, moisture and daily use can take a toll on cabinetry. While a full renovation is an ideal solution for structural issues, many homeowners are looking for an affordable alternative that allows them to visually update their bathroom cabinets. Refacing is the perfect option, as it eliminates the expense of complete replacement while reducing waste and resource consumption.
When it comes to bathroom cabinet refacing, choosing the right materials is key to maintaining a durable, beautiful finish. Moisture-resistant finishes are essential in this environment, where humidity can cause the wood to warp or crack. There are a variety of cabinet finishes available, from modern high-gloss laminates to more traditional natural wood veneers. When paired with moisture-resistant hardware, your new cabinetry will look stylish and fresh for years to come.
Choosing the right color is another important element to consider. Soft grays and warm whites create a relaxing vibe, while darker shades can add a more luxurious aesthetic. You can also opt for a more bold look, like dark blues or greens, which offer a dramatic contrast against the light colors of your bathroom furnishings.
Finally, the cabinet door and drawer front profiles and hardware can make or break your bathroom design. Slab doors are popular for their clean lines, while shaker profiles add timeless versatility to any aesthetic. Choose handles and knobs that are both functional and stylish, and able to withstand the frequent exposure to moisture in your bathroom.
In addition to the visual impact of cabinet refacing, this eco-friendly home remodeling technique is good for the planet. By reusing existing cabinet boxes, it reduces the demand for resources and lessens landfill waste. Additionally, refacing uses fewer materials than full remodels and takes up much less space, which results in a smaller carbon footprint.
While refacing is an environmentally-friendly choice, it’s not a suitable option for all types of bathroom cabinets. If your cabinets are severely damaged, refacing isn’t the best choice and may require a complete replacement. Similarly, if your bathroom layout isn’t functional or doesn’t work well with the rest of the room, you’ll likely need to opt for a complete renovation.
Customizable
Cabinet refacing is customizable and can give your bathroom cabinets a whole new look without a complete remodel. You can use different materials for the cabinet face frames and sides, as well as doors, depending on the design you want. This can give your bathroom a modern, traditional, or contemporary look. You can also replace the cabinet hardware, such as hinges and handles, to match your new look.
You can also refinish the existing cabinets instead of refacing them. This is a less expensive option, but it requires sanding down the cabinets and staining or repainting them. The disadvantage of this is that it takes much longer, and it may not be possible if your existing cabinets are damaged or don’t fit well.
When you’re ready to reface your bathroom cabinets, make sure to measure carefully so that you can order the correct-sized cabinet doors and drawer fronts. You’ll also need to clean the face frames and other surfaces of the cabinets thoroughly before you start refacing them to ensure that the veneer or paint adheres properly. A degreaser is usually a good choice to remove oils and other residues from the cabinet boxes and face frames. If you do this correctly, your cabinet refacing project will be a success and give your bathroom a fresh, updated look.