Over the years, HomeTech Services have remodeled a ton of kitchens, and the most common question they get from clients is; can you replace our kitchen cabinets without necessarily removing our countertop? The answer is simple they say:
The most common and affordable option is to refinish (reface) your existing cabinets instead of replacing them. Replacing cabinets means you would have to remove your existing countertops, which can lead to other issues such as damage, incorrect size, breaking, or damaging walls or even plumbing.
Why Is Cabinet Refacing (Refinishing) Your Best Option?
Refacing your kitchen cabinets is like giving a much-needed facelift to an aging room. It’s the best option when considering replacing old and outdated cabinets because it offers both cost savings and efficient results.
First, refacing can be done quickly compared to a full cabinet replacement, making it more economical since you don’t need to extend the project timeline. This means that you’re not paying for longer labor hours or for any additional materials that would require the removal of the existing countertop.
You also won’t have to worry about putting in new flooring or changing electric outlets due to structural changes made by installing new cabinetry.
Plus, when refinishing the surfaces of your existing cabinetry, you get to keep aspects such as wood grain patterns and door styles while still being able to update color palettes and hardware fixtures – all without having to invest in completely new materials.
Refacing is truly the best way to breathe life into an older space without breaking the bank.
Is It Cheaper To Resurface Or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
Refacing or replacing cabinets when you’re considering a full kitchen remodel can be a tricky decision. It’s like deciding between fixing up an old car and buying a new one – you need to consider the cost of both options, as well as how much time it will take.
Recently, I had to make this decision myself: after years of wear and tear in our family home, my parents decided that their kitchen needed an upgrade. We deliberated for weeks over whether we should replace the cabinets entirely or just have them refaced.
In the end, cabinet refacing was the cheaper option for us – but why?
When it comes to weighing resurfacing against replacement, here are three key factors to consider:
- Cost
Refinishing is usually more affordable than replacing all your cabinets due to lower labor costs and less material involved.
- Timeframe
Resurfacing typically takes about two days compared with one week for full replacements.
- Quality
If done correctly, refinishing can yield results close to what you would get from brand-new cabinetry at a fraction of the cost.
What Does The Cabinet Refinishing Process Look Like?
The cabinet refinishing process can involve anything from sanding, staining, or painting surfaces to replacing hardware and adding decorative touches. Depending on what materials you’re using for the job, it could take anywhere from several hours to days to complete the transformation.
The process of resurfacing is simple enough and straightforward, honestly. HomeTech Services also shared with us how you can prepare your kitchen for an upgrade.
First, you have to start by removing old doors and drawer fronts. You may also have to remove some trim or molding that you may want to repaint. Assuming the veneer is not in good shape, you’ll have to remove it and prep everything to add new ones.
Now, you can either replace the old cabinet doors and drawer fronts, or you can choose to reuse them. If you reuse them, you’ll have to sand them down and apply primer, paint, stain finish, or new veneer strips, as mentioned above.
You will also have to paint the inside of your cabinet frames to match whichever color you’ve chosen for the refacing.
The last and final step is to reinstall your newly updated doors and drawer fronts and touchup where needed.
This process gives worn-out cabinets a fresh new look without having to buy completely new ones!
The best part is that depending on the type of finish used, these upgrades could last anywhere from 5-10 years – making it a great investment in terms of lasting value and savings in comparison to total replacement.
With all this information taken into account, it’s easy to see why so many homeowners opt for cabinet refacing rather than replacing their entire set when looking for an affordable yet high-quality solution.
Can You Remove Stone Countertops Like Granite Or Quartz And Reinstall Them?
It is possible to remove stone countertops and reinstall them, but I don’t recommend it. It is a difficult process that should be done by a professional with experience in handling and installing stone countertops.
Natural stone countertops are extremely heavy, weighing around 20 pounds per square foot of granite or around 15 pounds per square foot of quartz material.
Some stone countertops also have seams. These are not easy to break apart once glued, and you run the risk of chipping the top edges when breaking them. Something that will have to be repaired regardless and will be noticeable when reinstalled.
I’m telling you this so that you know what to expect if you decide to go this route.
This isn’t something that just anyone can do – it requires special tools and expertise, so make sure you hire an experienced professional if you’re considering taking on this project yourself!
Recap What Cabinet Refacing Is And Its Benefits!
Nice! You made it this far. Let’s recap a few things.
When it comes to refreshing your kitchen, cabinet refacing is a great option that allows you to change the look without taking out the countertops. It can help bring new life into an outdated kitchen while also saving you time and money.
Another great benefit of refacing cabinets without replacing countertops is that it gives you the opportunity to get creative with your design choices. From adding color accents, changing up handles and hinges, or even experimenting with different textures.
Cabinet refacing is truly a cost-effective way to update any kitchen space – no matter how big or small – giving it an entirely new look and feel at a fraction of the price. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to revamp your kitchen quickly, cabinet refacing may be just what you need!
