When Should a Homeowner Refinish Kitchen Cabinets?

Kitchen remodeling is one of the most exciting upgrades possible for a home improvement project. However, many people don’t have the time or money for such a lavish undertaking.

As an alternative, cabinet refinishing offers exciting possibilities.

Refinishing kitchen cabinets will give the kitchen a whole new look without the cost of a complete remodel. It offers excellent options to the homeowner, and because cabinets take up a considerable amount of visual real estate in a kitchen situation, refinishing them will have a tremendous impact.

Here are some of the reasons to refinish or reface your kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them:

You like the design of the current cabinets

Some homeowners love the layout of their cabinets, but the drawers and cabinet faces are damaged, scratched, dinged, or otherwise compromised. Repair and refinishing them will give them a whole new look. Refinishing means the original cabinets are kept, but renewed by the refinishing process. The homeowner can usually stick with the old hardware or change it out.

It’s time for a color change

If a homeowner generally likes their cabinets but is ready for a color change, refinishing is a great option. Some cabinets, like lacquered cabinets, can’t be refinished and will have to be refaced, but it’s still a better option than replacement. A color change will have a profound effect on the entire kitchen and can be one which will complement existing flooring, countertops, or other elements of the kitchen a homeowner would like to highlight.

To save some money and save some trees.

Refinishing or refacing is an economically prudent measure, but it’s also a sustainable option. Cabinets take a lot of wood, much of which isn’t visible, but comprises sides, shelves, and backs of the cabinets. Even cabinet facing represents quite a bit of wood, so it’s easy to see how replacing the entire cabinet can run into some serious square footage of new material which is often unnecessary.

Talking to a pro

A professional wood refinisher is the best way for a homeowner to get expert ideas, tips, and suggestions. Wood experts have the tools and skills to help a homeowner navigate through the possibilities as well as avoiding potential pitfalls. By talking over cabinet refinishing, a homeowner is more able to make informed decisions and can benefit from the pro’s awareness of the newest trends in the industry. Because a wood pro works with the material, it makes him a far better source of information than the employee at the paint store.

The Wood Doctor is the leader in wood restoration, refinishing and refacing in the Portland area. Call 503-560-5220 for a project consultation.