Cabinet refinishing is an affordable way to transform your kitchen. It’s also 50-70% less expensive than replacement.
The cost of refinishing depends on the material you choose. Cheaper options like thermofoil offer a fresh look for less, while high-end solid wood offers durability and value. San Jose Cabinet Refinishing can recommend the best materials for your home.
Materials
Homeowners invest in a variety of projects to improve the aesthetics, functionality, and value of their indoor spaces. Cabinet refacing and refinishing are two cost-effective ways to overhaul the look of kitchen or bathroom cabinets without investing in a full replacement. The main difference between the two options is that refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while keeping the existing box structures in place. This results in lower labor costs, about 50% less on average compared to the cost of installing new cabinet boxes.
Refinishing involves sanding, cleaning and preparing the surface of existing cabinetry to accept new stain or paint. Materials used to refinish cabinets depend on the desired outcome and may include primer, sealer, topcoat, glaze, shellac, and stain. While painting is the most popular option, it can be difficult to achieve a flawless finish on cabinets that receive heavy use. Moreover, high-quality paints that resist chipping and peeling require extra effort to apply, making them more expensive than low-cost options.
The type of wood used for cabinetry impacts the final cost as well. Solid wood cabinets are the most expensive, but offer a premium look and durability. Other cabinet materials, like particle board wrapped in thermofoil veneer, are considerably less expensive, but can still provide a modern and updated look.
Choosing a stain versus paint for the new finish will also affect project costs. Staining requires sanding and prep work, which takes longer and is more expensive than applying a coat of paint. However, staining allows for more customization and can withstand years of regular use.
In addition to the aforementioned factors, the size of your Kitchen and the number of cabinet doors and drawers will impact refinishing costs. Contractors often price by the square foot, so larger Kitchens will cost more than smaller ones. For a more accurate estimate, ask professional contractors to provide itemized quotes for the entire job. This will help you avoid surprise costs and get the best value from your investment. You should also consider additional costs related to the project, such as dumpster rental for waste removal and any required permits.
Labor
Whether you hire an amateur or professional to do your cabinet refinishing project, labor will make up the biggest chunk of your costs. Refinishing professionals use power sanders and chemical strippers to get rid of the existing stain or paint on your cabinets, which takes a lot of work. They’ll also have to sand, scrape, and sand again to prepare the doors for a new finish. This will take significantly more time than simply painting over the old color, requiring several hours of work per cabinet door.
Refinishing costs will also vary depending on the complexity of your job. Light to dark color changes are relatively straightforward, but refinishing a cabinet door with lots of detailed edges or intricate patterns will take more time and require more sanding and sanding than a simple flat front door.
Another thing to consider is the type of materials used for your cabinets. Wood and MDF doors are well-suited for refinishing, but you may not be able to refinish your doors if they’re made from thermofoil or laminate. These types of materials don’t adhere to paint well, so refinishing them will be difficult at best.
Finally, it’s important to budget for the cost of local material / equipment delivery and service provider transportation to your site. Additionally, you’ll likely have to pay sales tax on all the materials and supplies you purchase for your cabinet refinishing project. You’ll also have to pay for any permit fees required by your local building department.
If you’re looking for a quick visual update that won’t break the bank, refinishing is a great option. It’s cheaper than refacing or installing new cabinetry, and it will still give you an impressive return on investment when it comes to increasing your home’s value. Keep in mind, though, that refinishing only works on the surfaces of your cabinets and won’t change the layout or improve structural integrity. For a more substantial transformation, you’ll need to remodel your kitchen.
Add-Ons
Cabinet refacing is a great way to update your kitchen without the cost of a full cabinet replacement. The process involves removing the existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts to apply a fresh veneer over the cabinet surfaces. Depending on the material, add-ons and hardware you choose, refacing can transform your cabinetry into modern, traditional or even farmhouse styles. Refacing also offers many environmental benefits compared to complete cabinet replacement. By utilizing the existing cabinet structure, you reduce waste by keeping materials out of landfills. It’s also more family-friendly because it is low in dust and odors, which makes it the ideal option for households with young children or pets.
A cabinet refacing project typically includes brand-new custom door and drawer fronts; matching real wood panel veneer applied to the existing cabinet box; premium hinges and hardware; new crown molding; and optional drawer upgrades and layout modifications like changing cabinet locations. The price of this upgrade varies significantly based on material selection, labor rates, and additional options.
While the price of refacing is less than a full cabinet replacement, it’s still a significant investment. Labor is the largest component of refacing costs, and you will likely need to pay for demolition, disposal and preparation of cabinet surfaces. This includes sanding, priming and cleaning to ensure a smooth, rock-hard finish.
In addition to lowering overall cabinet costs, refacing is faster and more convenient than replacing cabinets. This can be a valuable benefit if your time and budget are limited. This is because refacing can be completed in about three to five days, whereas a complete cabinet replacement might take months or longer.
Refacing is also a great choice for homeowners who want to improve their kitchen’s design and functionality, but don’t have the money to invest in an extensive remodel. Refacing is an ideal alternative for kitchens with outdated or damaged cabinetry, as it provides a stylish makeover at a fraction of the cost.
While the most cost-effective option, refacing can’t completely address structural or design issues. It is also constrained by the current cabinet arrangement, which may not provide the best space-saving solutions. This type of project also does not offer the design flexibility of a complete kitchen replacement, which can be customized to fit your unique aesthetic and functional needs.
Hardware
Cabinet refinishing is an environmentally friendly project because you’re utilizing existing materials instead of adding new ones to landfills. However, the process requires patience and care as you prepare your cabinets for a new coat of paint or stain. Prep work includes taping off countertops and floors, adding drop cloths, stripping existing finish, sanding and cleaning. This labor-intensive project is not for the faint of heart, but a professional can make it easier with a high-quality product and proper prep.
While refinishing provides a cost-friendly update, it doesn’t offer the transformative power of refacing. This full-scale project allows you to completely redesign your kitchen with modern finishes, door styles, and hardware options. However, you’ll likely need to install new countertops as well, which can add up quickly.
Refacing also boosts resale value by upping the look of your kitchen and offering more storage space. This makes it a smart long-term investment. Plus, it’s an ideal alternative if your cabinets are structurally damaged or outdated but in good shape.
When it comes to determining which option is right for you, consider the state of your cabinets and how they function in your daily life. A fresh coat of paint can handle years of holiday feasts and weekday chaos, but it will eventually start to show wear in high-use areas such as around handles and corners.
If your cabinets are nearing the end of their life, it’s a good idea to talk with a professional about refacing or replacement options. They can help you determine if your cabinets are salvageable and recommend the best solution for your home.
Barras Cabinet Refinishing offers free design consultations so you can see how your new cabinets will look before they’re finished. We can also discuss cabinet refacing options and help you decide on the perfect new finish for your space. Contact us today to get started! Our team can provide expert advice and a seamless, hassle-free renovation. We’ll even provide a quote so you know what to expect from the project. We look forward to helping you achieve your dream kitchen!