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Q. What are the pros and cons of cabinet refinishing as opposed to refacing? |
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-suzanne white white,
north andover,
Massachusetts
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A. Hi Suzanne,
Think of refinishing as a means of bringing back the cabinet's original finish, and refacing as a chance to add a new "face" or external surface to the cabinet. If your focus is on restoration, you'll want to go with refinishing. On the other hand, if you are seeking an entirely new look and feel, you might consider refacing.
Some things to keep in mind about refinishing: take the time to thoroughly clean your cabinets before you begin the refinishing process. This will speed up the stripping of old varnishes; also, remember that once you refinish the wood you can add new hinges and pulls to update your newly-refinished cabinets. One more thing: be sure to invest in high quality brushes for applying stain and sealants -- a few dollars can make all the difference in the world in terms of how the stain and, later, the sealant spread.
If you think you'd prefer to reface your cabinets, be sure to consider all the color choices (for example, when it comes to laminate refacing the options in terms of color are almost endless) and how the color you choose will play out in your current kitchen design. Also, be sure to work with a reputable supplier who can guide you through the measuring process before you buy the refacing materials.
In my own experience, I've found that refinishing can be an enjoyable and economical DIY endeavor, while refacing is best left to the pros who have digital measuring equipment at their disposal. Have fun with it and best to you!
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Q. How do I know if I should replace my kitchen cabinets or reface them? |
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-Sarah Edwards,
Rockville,
MD
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A. It depends on the structure of your cabinets. If your cabinets are structurally sound then you may want to consider simply refacing them, which is more economical than replacing them. However, if the cabinets are aged, damaged, or present a risk to you or your family, then consider replacing them entirely. Either way, be sure to get estimates from at least three contractors and make sure that the estimates include parts AND labor!
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