Kitchen cabinet refacing is an affordable and non-invasive approach to refreshing the look of any kitchen. If you’re not ready for a full renovation, consider replacing the cabinet drawers and door fronts with existing boxes and face frames. Professional cabinet refacing companies in Calgary can make your kitchen cabinets look brand new in a few simple steps.

Is Kitchen Cabinet Refacing A DIY Project?

While savvy and detailed homeowners can absolutely complete a kitchen cabinet refacing as a DIY project, professional work avoids costly mistakes and saves time. Additionally, quality cabinet refacing in Calgary comes with a restyling warranty covering all parts and labour and a warranty for warping, peeling, chipping, or fading.

Before hiring a professional cabinet refacing company, ask about their warranty policy and examples of their work to guarantee that you receive superior craftsmanship.

Steps for DIY Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Evaluate Your Needs

Cabinet refacing is a budget-friendly way to update your space without a full kitchen remodel. It involves replacing the veneer on visible surfaces while leaving the cabinet structure intact. Most people also upgrade their doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Use this guide to learn how to reface your kitchen cabinets yourself by applying a wood veneer.

Select and Order Materials

Once you determine that your kitchen cabinets can be refaced, select and order materials. Kitchen cabinet refacing is a two-part process: strengthening cabinet frames with 1/4-inch plywood and then overlaying them with either maintenance-free laminate or a wood veneer.

Prepare Cabinets

Remove all contents, doors, drawer fronts, and hardware from the cabinets. Clean the surfaces thoroughly, sand them lightly, and wipe them down with a tack cloth.

Make Plywood Panels

Measure and cut plywood panels to fit the exposed ends of the cabinets. Apply carpenter glue, affix the panels, and secure them with finish nails. Allow time to dry, then sand for a smooth surface.

Cut and Apply Veneer

Measure, cut, and apply the veneer to stiles (vertical pieces) first, followed by rails (horizontal pieces). Use a utility knife to clean cuts and apply the veneer smoothly to avoid air bubbles.

Finish Doors and Drawers

Clean, sand, and stain the cabinet doors and drawer fronts to match the new veneer. Apply multiple coats of polyurethane, sanding between each coat for a smooth finish.

Assemble Cabinets

Reattach the drawer fronts and install drawer pulls. Attach the doors using hinges, ensuring they are correctly aligned.

Cabinet Refacing Tips

Cabinet refacing can transform your kitchen on a budget. For a complete makeover, consider updating hardware, installing new countertops, adding storage solutions, and upgrading appliances.

Choosing Professional Installation

Hiring a professional company for kitchen cabinet refacing offers several advantages over attempting to do it yourself. One of the primary benefits is the expertise and experience that professionals bring to the table. These experts have extensive experience handling various projects and are skilled in measuring, cutting, and applying veneers or laminates accurately, ensuring a high-quality finish.

Time-saving is another significant advantage. Cabinet refacing is a time-consuming process that requires careful planning and execution. Professionals can complete the project more quickly and efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your newly updated kitchen sooner. Additionally, they have access to high-quality materials and products that may not be available to the general public. They can recommend the best options for your specific needs, ensuring the materials are durable and long-lasting.

Proper tools and equipment are essential for a successful cabinet refacing project. Professionals come equipped with all the necessary tools to complete the job efficiently and effectively. This ensures consistent and high-quality results, as their expertise in matching colours, aligning veneers, and finishing details can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your kitchen. Most professional cabinet refacing companies also offer warranties on their work, covering both labour and materials. Knowing that any issues or defects will be addressed promptly provides peace of mind.

Another area where professionals excel is handling complex issues that may arise during the project. They can deal with damaged or uneven surfaces, customize cabinets to fit specific spaces, and install intricate details with ease. Safety is also a crucial consideration, as refacing cabinets involves working with adhesives, cutting tools, and potentially hazardous materials.

Professionals are trained to handle these safely, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.

While DIY projects can sometimes save money, mistakes or the need to redo work can cost more in the long run. Professionals ensure the job is done right the first time, avoiding costly errors and providing a cost-effective solution. Hiring a professional company also reduces the stress and hassle of managing a home improvement project. You can rely on their expertise and enjoy the transformation without the associated frustrations and challenges.

Arrange A Consultation

The first step in the cabinet refacing process is to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with a kitchen restyling expert. Come equipped with your vision, ideas, and pictures of the desired look for your kitchen. An expert can enhance your ideas and offer accessories, finishings, and other materials that you may not be familiar with.

Design and Set A Date

Once you’ve done the fun part of choosing the colours, styles, finishes, and accessories of your cabinet refacing project, a professional cabinet refacing company will use specialized software to provide accurate pricing. After you’ve approved the plan and budget, be sure that the company you hire provides a detailed contract before carrying on.

A contract will ensure transparent communication and avoid any misinterpretations during the process. During this time, dates are determined for a detailed measure and installing your new kitchen cabinet refacing. Expect to put down a 50% deposit to have your project secured.

On-Site Measurement

The most important stage in the process is an in-person measurement. An expert will need access to all areas included in the project scope to ensure that the necessary products are ordered or made on time. This is a good time to make last-minute changes, as any requests during the installation process may incur additional charges.

Professional Installation

On the day of installation, your professional installers will arrive with:

  • All necessary tools and equipment
  • Cabinet doors and drawer fronts
  • Hinges, handles, hardware
  • Any additional accessories required

Specialized tools minimize the installation time, allowing you to see the finished product in just a few days.

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing From Custom Roll-Out Drawers

Cabinet refacing offers a budget-friendly way to update your kitchen while maintaining its current layout. If you prefer professional assistance, our kitchen cabinet refacing experts can handle every step of the process, typically completing the project within just 2 to 5 days in your home.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to explore your options and transform your kitchen with our expert cabinet refacing services.

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