Cabinet Refacing Explained

by Allison Beatty
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

Changes in the Minneapolis housing market have prompted many home sellers to spruce up their kitchens in hopes of making it easier to sell a home in a softening market. Other homeowners have decided to just fix up their kitchens, make their homes more comfortable, and stay put until the market improves. One project that makes a big difference is cabinet refacing. Here's how the project works.

Cabinet Refacing Defined

Cabinet refacing involves removing your kitchen cabinet doors and drawers and resurfacing them with wood, laminate, or veneer. This process is much less expensive than replacing your cabinets, yet still provides a fresh, updated look.

You can further enhance the cabinetry by covering surrounding cabinet framework with the same new surface. The cabinet refacing company also can install:

• New drawer glides
• Cabinet hardware
• Any new appliances, countertops or sinks, as requested

Cabinet Refacing Benefits

The beauty of cabinet refacing is that it is quick and inexpensive. Most kitchen cabinets can be revamped within three days, depending on the scope of other projects requested. Plus, there are plenty of styles and cabinet coverings to choose from. Among the popular options are:

• Maple wood
• White laminate
• Oak veneer

Cabinet Refacing Requires Skills

Cabinet refacing involves several steps and considerable home improvement skills. Look for a cabinet refacing company that has been in business in Minneapolis for several years. The company should be based in Minneapolis and have plenty of references. Spend some time visiting a few homes in your neighborhood so you can see the work and talk to the home owners.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer. She has been a writer of home improvement columns for 15 years. Her articles have appeared in numerous national newspapers and magazines, and on home improvement web sites.