Cabinet Refacing: The Recommended Kitchen Update – Part 3: Different Cabinet Refacing Options and Tips

Cabinet refacing is an affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh look, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise style to enjoy savings. Traditional wood veneers are there but refacing materials in various patterns, colors and textures are also available for you to take advantage of.

Popular Options

• Rigid thermofoil. One of the most popular refacing materials around is rigid thermofoil or RTF. It has two main components: fiberboard and plastic covering. Despite being lightweight compared to most materials used in home improvement, it is durable, making it a popular choice for refacing cabinet doors.

• Plastic laminate. This material has a number of applications around the home and for good reason: it is available in almost every color or pattern around, much more affordable than other refacing materials, and very easy to install.

• Wood. Compared to other refacing materials, wood is heavier but this heft allows it to offer better durability on the overall. Some of the common types of wood used for refacing include maple, cherry and oak.

A Few Tips

Regardless of the material you choose, keep in mind the following to ensure you make the most out of your cabinet refacing project:

• Work only with a licensed contractor to ensure the quality of your refaced cabinets.

• Be mindful of your warranty coverage. Hiring a licensed contractor reduces the likelihood of mishaps but it is better to be ready for anything.

• Take note of all instructions your contractor will give you, like giving veneers enough time to adhere properly before using your kitchen cabinet.

• Don’t be sucked in by the cheapest deals. It’s always nice to save on costs but the most affordable will not always be the best for you. Talk to your contractor about any budget concerns you might have so they can help you figure out what will work for you best. Remember that you get what you pay for.

• Choose new cabinet faces that will complement the overall theme of your kitchen.

This wraps up three-part blog on cabinet refacing. Hopefully it provided you with the information you need to make the right choices. Good luck on your kitchen improvement project!