Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets can be considered as one of the most crucial elements in any kitchen. And why not? They unquestionably take up a large space as compared to all other kitchen elements and it requires quite a large sum of money to have a set of new ones installed. But before you go on spending your precious dollars, why not take a closer look at your kitchen cabinets? They might just need some refinishing or refacing jobs to make them look like new! Consider these options and see if you can squeeze out some more functional years from your existing cabinets for a fraction of the cost!

Consider Refinishing Your Cabinets

If you decide that your kitchen cabinets are still structurally sound, you can consider updating their look by merely refinishing them. Some of the most common options include doing some simple painting and staining jobs, undertaking complicated glazing procedures or employing a more elaborate wood-grained and marbleized faux finishing project.

Refinishing projects can be considered as the most affordable solution for this problem but it can be backbreaking and is extremely messy. Be prepared to shell out at least $50 per cabinet door if you wish to pay someone to do the job for you.

Is Refacing the Right Option for You?

Refacing can be the best way to go if your kitchen cabinets are in need of a facelift but are otherwise plumb, square and sturdy. Refacing your cabinets will give them a long-term lift and you can even make them match your new countertops. This, however, is not applicable if you have metal cabinets or if your cabinets are otherwise flimsy or sagging. This is not a good option also if you are planning on moving the cabinets someplace else.

The process is swift and can be completed in a matter of days. First, the cabinets are covered with new “skins”. These skins can range anywhere from white thermofoil and brightly covered laminates to 3/16 inch thick solid wood veneers. Soon after, new doors, drawer faces and hardware are added to complete the new look. For this type of project, allot at least $150 to $300 per cabinet door (cost of materials and installation included) to be sure that you are on the safe side.

You’ll Know It’s Time for a Replacement When…

If your kitchen cabinets are already failing or when major layout alterations are called for, you definitely have to save for purchasing a set of new ones. Do your interior design research well to make sure that you get the perfect set of cabinets that will match the interiors of your kitchen perfectly. It would be wise to make up your mind on the design, the material and the finish that you prefer so that you would not get inundated with all the choices available in the market today!

If you are planning to replace your old kitchen cabinets with stock cabinets, expect your kitchen to be out of commission for a few days. Allow a longer time (say, a few weeks time) if you are having custom-made cabinets installed. How much do you need to prepare when you are undertaking such projects? $300 and up per door opening (materials and installation cost included) will pretty much cover the cost!

So, you see, updating the look of your kitchen does not need to put a lot of strain in your budget!