If your cabinets are a bit on the old site, you may want to consider Cabinet Refacing Bay Area. While it is not a sure bet, cabinet refacing can revitalize older homes and give them a facelift without going completely into the renovation. You might be wondering how exactly cabinet refacing works. Here’s how.
First, it’s important to understand that cabinet refacing isn’t the same as a complete kitchen design project. The process involves stripping the cabinetry down to the bare wood or steel, then repainting in matching designs and finishes. This ensures that no spaces are left that you will have to fill in later if you should change your mind. Cabinet refacing is a relatively inexpensive, effective middle ground between simply painting the existing cabinets repeatedly and totally replacing whole kitchen design cabinets.
Another option available to you is a veneer over existing cabinet frames. The veneer is actually applied over a solid piece of plywood or metal. The veneer is peeled away once it is attached to the plywood or metal base, and a smooth, solid layer of veneer is then installed. This option’s advantage is that it creates a clean, modern look that doesn’t resemble the old look of old cabinet frames. However, plywood or metal may be more appropriate for areas where there is considerable variation in the wall and floor areas’ size.
Cabinet refacing isn’t the only option available to you. Other techniques are becoming popular with home remodeling projects in addition to traditional kitchen cabinet resurfacing and veneer applications. For example, many kitchen builders now offer custom wood cabinet refacing, which involves removing existing cabinetry and installing a completely unique wood frame and cabinet. This is a fairly complex process, but it can also result in significant savings for the homeowner.
A popular option for homeowners interested in refinishing older cabinetry is called laminating. Basically, instead of applying a surface coat to cabinets with a special coating, as is done with refinishing, laminating involves applying an elastomeric coating to the inside of the cabinet doors using a special tool. After it has dried, you would then sand the outside of the doors and apply another laminating elastomeric coat. This process leaves your cabinets in good condition and ready for use. It is a straightforward process that provides excellent results with very little labor required.
Although refinishing or laminating cabinets may seem like a simpler process, they both have inherent risks. The biggest risk involved with refaces, especially for the do-it-yourselfer, is that the process may not provide the finish level that you would want. If you plan to replace the existing cabinets with new ones, you will likely need to remove them and cut all of their hardware before starting the installation process. For this reason, homeowners should be absolutely certain that they are ready to commit to this project before even starting. Refinishing also tends to leave small gaps or “ruts” in the cabinet’s surface, which may allow moisture to penetrate. Again, if you are installing new cabinets in an area with high moisture content, it is essential to ensure that the surface has been properly treated to prevent damage.
Another concern about replacing older cabinets is that the installation process itself can be quite messy. There are many tools required for this process, and it can be difficult to set up all the necessary equipment for a professional job. Also, although you may be able to successfully sand the doors to their new finish, you may not install the cabinet doors properly due to the difficulty in seeing the detail on the new doors. Many people try to sand the doors themselves to ensure that they are properly fit, but if you do not have the proper tools or know how to use them, it may end up costing you more money in the long run.
Cabinet refacers are a great option for those considering refinishing their kitchens but do not want to change out the entire cabinetry. If the existing hardware is in good shape and does not need replacement, a cabinet replacement is a great option. If you choose to have the doors replaced, there are a few things that you can do to improve the overall appearance of the cabinets without replacing the hardware. You can have unfinished pine or particle-board drawer fronts installed, rather than the standard particle board or laminate selections.