Don't Replace! Reface Your Worn Out Kitchen Cabinets

by Sonja Albrecht
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

The party starts in the kitchen. Have you ever noticed that guests gather inthe kitchen? It's the heart of a house. But what do you do about those old, wornout, faded kitchen cabinets?

Don't Replace-Reface Your Cabinets

Don't replace-Reface. Instead of remodeling the entire kitchen, or havingthe cabinets replaced-an expensive, time consuming project-put togethera whole new look by refacing cabinets and drawers. As long as you're happy withthe shape and layout of the kitchen, refacing your cabinets is a cost-effectiveand time-saving alternative to remodeling.

The Cabinet Refacing Process

Cabinet refacing is a process by which the old doors and drawers are removed,stripped, and inspected for damage. Repairs are made and the cabinets are refacedwith new surfaces-anything from wood to plastic laminate. Cabinet framesand outer surfaces are refaced to match. Cabinet interiors are cleaned and painted.

One of the advantages of hiring someone to reface your cabinets is being ableto consult with a designer who can help you pick a whole new look for your kitchen.In just a couple days your kitchen will look like new.

Cabinet Refacing Options

There are three basic options for materials used to reface cabinets-plasticlaminate, a rigid thermofoil material called RTF, and a wood RTF, which is theleast expensive and most popular because it's durable and can either be paintedor left natural.

Cabinet Refacing Saves Money

The cost of cabinet refacing usually runs around $1000 to $1500. That's a majorsavings over the $10,000 or more you could pay to replace your kitchen cabinetsor remodel your kitchen.

The kitchen is the heart of your home-you can keep it beautiful and giveit a whole new look by having your cabinets refaced.

About the Author
Emily Kerr has published over 425 articles on everything from new home construction to home maintenance to home remodeling. She intends to clean her own home, some day.