Cabinet refinishing is a popular and cost-effective way to update your kitchen or bathroom without the expense and hassle of a full remodel. Refinishing involves striping off the old finish, sanding the surface, and applying a new coat of paint, stain, or varnish. However, there is plenty more things you should know about cabinet refinishing.
Here are 20 Things You Need to Know About Cabinet Refinishing:
1. Types of Cabinets
There are three main types of cabinets: wood, laminate, and metal. Wood cabinets are the most common, while laminate and metal are less common but still popular options. Each type of cabinet requires a slightly different approach to refinishing.
2. DIY vs. Professional
Refinishing cabinets can be a DIY project, but it’s important to understand that it’s time-consuming and labor-intensive. Hiring a professional to refinish your cabinets can save you time and ensure a high-quality finish.
3. Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts while leaving the cabinet boxes in place. This is less invasive and less expensive than refinishing the entire cabinet, but it still gives you a fresh new look.
4. Cost
The cost of cabinet refinishing varies depending on your kitchen or bathroom size and the type of cabinets you have. But, on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 for a professional refinishing job.
5. Time Frame
Refinishing cabinets can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the job size and whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional.
6. Preparation
Preparation is key to a successful refinishing job. This involves removing all cabinet hardware, cleaning the surfaces thoroughly, and sanding down the old finish to ensure a smooth surface for the new finish.
7. Safety Precautions
Refinishing cabinets involves working with chemicals and tools that can be dangerous if not used properly. Be sure to wear gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect yourself from fumes and dust.
8. Sanding
Sanding is an important step in the refinishing process. It helps to remove the old finish and smooth out any imperfections in the wood. Be sure to sand in the direction of the grain to avoid scratching the surface.
9. Staining
Staining is a popular option for refinishing wood cabinets. It adds color and depth to the wood grain, allowing it to show through. Be sure to apply the stain evenly and wipe off any excess to avoid blotches.
10. Painting
Painting is another option for refinishing cabinets. It’s a great way to update the look of your cabinets and give them a fresh new color. Use high-quality paint and apply it evenly to avoid drips and runs.
11. Varnishing
Varnishing is a protective coating applied to cabinets after staining or painting. It helps to protect the surface from scratches, stains, and water damage. Apply the varnish evenly and let it dry completely before using the cabinets.
12. Hardware
Replacing the hardware on your cabinets can also give them a fresh new look. This can include knobs, handles, and hinges. Be sure to choose hardware that complements the style and color of your cabinets.
13. Style
Refinishing your cabinets is a great opportunity to update your kitchen or bathroom style. Depending on your personal taste, you can choose a modern, sleek look or a more traditional, rustic look.
14. Maintenance
Refinished cabinets require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. This includes wiping them down regularly with a damp cloth and avoiding harsh cleaning products that can damage the finish.
15. Durability
The durability of refinished cabinets depends on the quality of the materials used and the level of care they receive. High-quality finishes and regular maintenance can help ensure your cabinets last for years.
16. Environmental Impact
Refinishing your cabinets is a more environmentally friendly option than replacing them. It reduces waste and helps to conserve natural resources.
17. Matching Existing Finishes
If you’re refinishing only some of your cabinets, it’s important to match the new finish to the existing finish as closely as possible. This can be challenging, but a professional refinishing company can help ensure a seamless transition.
18. Color Matching
Color matching is also important if you’re refinishing your cabinets to match your existing décor. Be sure to choose a color that complements your countertops, backsplash, and flooring.
19. Customization
Refinishing your cabinets also allows you to customize them to your specific needs. This can include adding shelving, drawers, or other storage solutions.
20. Return on Investment (ROI)
Refinishing your cabinets can provide a good return on investment in several ways:
- Cost Savings: Refinishing your cabinets can be a cost-effective way to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh, updated look without the expense of a full renovation or replacement. HomeAdvisor says the average cost of cabinet refinishing ranges from $1,800 to $2,200, compared to $4,000 to $8,500 for cabinet replacement.
- Increased Home Value: Refinishing your cabinets can increase the value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, minor kitchen remodels that include cabinet refinishing have an average ROI of 81.1%.
- Improved Aesthetics: Refinishing your cabinets can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom, providing a fresh, updated look that can improve the overall aesthetics of your space. This can be especially important if your cabinets are outdated or worn, as refinishing can make them look new again.
- Customization: Refinishing your cabinets can also provide an opportunity for customization, allowing you to choose a color or finish that complements your existing decor. This can be particularly appealing if you want a unique, personalized touch in your space.
- Longevity: Refinishing your cabinets can also increase their longevity, as the new finish can protect them from wear and tear and prevent damage from spills, moisture, and other hazards. This can extend the life of your cabinets, saving you money in the long run by avoiding the need for costly replacements.
Refinishing your cabinets can provide a good return on investment by saving you money, increasing the value of your home, improving aesthetics, providing customization options, and increasing the longevity of your cabinets.
Cabinet refinishing is also a great way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom without the expense and hassle of a full remodel. It’s important to choose the right approach for your specific cabinets, whether that’s DIY or professional, and to take the time to prepare the surfaces properly.
Why Should You Hire a Professional?
Refinishing your kitchen or bathroom cabinets is a significant undertaking that can provide a fresh new look for your space. However, the risks of DIY cabinet refinishing should be carefully considered before embarking on the project.
The best thing you can do to refinish your kitchen or bathroom cabinets is to hire a professional to take care of the entire project. However, if you decide to make this a DIY project, you are facing some risks, such as:
- Damage to Cabinets: Refinishing cabinets involves using chemicals and tools that can be damaging if not used properly. Even a small mistake can cause damage to the cabinets that may be expensive or impossible to repair. For example, using the wrong type of sandpaper can cause deep scratches or gouges that require extensive repairs or replacements.
- Inadequate Preparation: Proper preparation is critical for a successful refinishing job. If the cabinets are not cleaned and sanded properly, the new finish may not adhere correctly, leading to an unsatisfactory finish that looks uneven, bubbly, or peels off over time. This can be especially problematic for high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
- Poor Quality Finish: Achieving a high-quality finish on your cabinets requires experience and expertise. A professional refinisher has the knowledge and experience to choose the right materials and apply them evenly, producing a smooth and durable finish. DIY refinishing may result in an uneven finish, has drips or streaks, or may not last as long as a professionally done job. Poor-quality finishes can be unsightly and make your cabinets look worse than before.
- Time-Consuming: Refinishing cabinets is a time-consuming process that can take weeks or even months to complete, depending on the scope of the project and your experience. DIY projects can be particularly time-consuming, especially if you are juggling work, family commitments, or other responsibilities. This can be frustrating, especially if your kitchen or bathroom is out of commission during the refinishing process.
- Health Risks: Refinishing cabinets involves using chemicals and fumes that can be harmful if not used in a well-ventilated area or with proper protective gear. Some chemicals used in refinishing cabinets can cause skin or eye irritation, respiratory problems, or serious health issues like cancer. A professional refinisher knows how to work with these chemicals safely. A DIY project could put you and your family at risk of inhaling harmful fumes or exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Costly Mistakes: DIY projects are prone to mistakes, which can be expensive and frustrating to fix. For example, if you accidentally paint a door shut or spill chemicals on the floor, you may need to hire a professional to fix the problem, which can add to the project’s overall cost.
- Voiding Warranties: If you have purchased new cabinets or appliances recently, refinishing them yourself could void the warranty. Many manufacturers require that you use a professional to refinish their products to maintain the warranty, so it’s essential to check your warranty terms before beginning any DIY project.
While DIY cabinet refinishing can be a cost-effective way to update your kitchen or bathroom, it comes with significant risks. Hiring a professional refinisher can ensure the job is done correctly, resulting in a high-quality finish. It can also save you time, money, and potentially costly mistakes. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional, but it’s important to consider the risks involved before making a decision.
Let Allen Brothers Cabinet Painting Make Your Cabinet Refinishing Dreams Come True!
Allen Brothers Cabinet Painting has been providing quality work in areas around Utah, such as Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, West Jordan, and Bluffdale (just to name a few). Don’t hesitate to give us a call or text us at (801) 231-6428, and let us help you spruce up your kitchen cabinets today.
