Cabinets play a major role in your kitchen’s overall look and feel. Over time, however, they can become dated or show signs of wear and tear.
While full replacement costs more, San Jose cabinet refinishing offers a budget-friendly alternative. But what does this process entail, and how long will it take? Here are some answers to these common FAQs.
Cost
Refinishing cabinets is a more budget-friendly option than refacing or replacing them. In fact, it can cost 30-50% less. A major benefit is that you preserve the integrity of your well-built cabinets and give them a refreshed look. It’s the perfect solution for a modern update that doesn’t require a significant financial investment.
The average cabinet refinishing job costs around $4,000. The exact price will vary depending on your home, the amount of work required, and what type of finish you choose. It’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple pros before you decide to proceed with any project. In addition, you can save money by refinishing your cabinets yourself instead of hiring professionals.
You can also save money by choosing a high-quality paint that resists dirt, grime, and chipping. This will prolong the life of your new finish and help you avoid costly repairs in the future. In addition, be sure to use proper prep techniques like sanding and cleaning before applying the final coat of finish. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives to clean your cabinets, as they can strip the finish and cause discoloration.
Another benefit of refinishing is the design flexibility it offers. You can choose a wide variety of colors and finishes to match your style. For example, you can go from a dark wood to a bright white or experiment with bold shades. You can also achieve a rustic or traditional appearance that mimics a natural wood finish.
Refinishing is a much faster process than cabinet replacement, which can take weeks or even months to complete. It’s also less invasive and requires minimal disruption to your daily routine. The only exception is when you’re sanding and staining your cabinets, which can create a lot of dust and debris.
If you’re worried about the environmental impact of a full cabinet replacement, refinishing is a great option. It can reduce the number of materials that end up in landfills, while still providing a visually appealing update to your kitchen or bathroom. It’s also an excellent choice for cabinets that have minor damage, like scratches or stains, that aren’t severe enough to warrant a full replacement.
Durability
Cabinet refinishing involves staining or painting over existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts, changing the appearance of your cabinets without replacing them. This is a cost-effective option for homeowners who want to refresh their kitchen with a new color scheme, but don’t need or desire a full remodel.
The longevity of refinishing depends on the quality of products used, environmental conditions, and regular maintenance. Professional-grade stains and paints offer higher durability than standard DIY options, resisting moisture and grease better over time. They also resist swelling and fading better in humid environments. In addition, homeowners can help extend the life of their finish by routinely cleaning their cabinets with a mild soap solution and promptly wiping away spills or grease spots.
If your cabinets are well-maintained, refinishing can last up to ten years before needing another update. However, because natural wood is more susceptible to absorbing grease and water marks than painted surfaces, it will need re-coating sooner. Homeowners who prefer the look of natural wood may find this is a trade-off worth making.
While refinishing can change the look of your cabinets, it doesn’t address larger issues with the layout or functionality of your kitchen. If you have a dated layout or poor cabinet placement, replacing your cabinet doors and drawer fronts via refacing could be a more suitable solution.
Replacing your cabinets involves tearing out all of the old ones and installing brand-new cabinetry, which is a much more invasive project than simply refinishing or painting your existing cabinetry. It can take weeks or months to complete a full replacement, making the space inoperable for the majority of that time and turning your home into a construction zone.
Refinishing, on the other hand, is less invasive and can be completed within days or a week. During this time, you’ll still need to make arrangements for food prep and clean up, but the disruption is far less severe than with a complete kitchen remodel. The shorter turnaround time makes refinishing an attractive option for homeowners who want a quick visual change without the hassle of an extensive renovation.
Timeline
Cabinet refinishing is a less labor-intensive upgrade than refacing, but it’s still a major home improvement project. Unlike a kitchen remodel that can take weeks of construction, refinishing requires fewer interruptions and allows you to maintain full functionality while upgrading your home’s look.
The timeline for cabinet refinishing will depend on the type of finish you choose and whether any repairs are necessary. For example, if you want to change from dark to light paint or restyle your doors to different profiles, you’ll need to do more prep that can add up to extra days in the project. Achieving a smooth, even coat of paint or stain takes multiple layers, and drying time between each step is critical to durability.
Refinishing teams remove cabinet doors and drawer fronts, labeling each for proper reinstallation, then clean the surfaces to remove grease and cooking residue that prevents paint adhesion. They may also need to fill in dents, cracks, and deep scratches to make sure the cabinets are structurally sound. Once the surfaces are in good condition, they can be sanded and ready for the new finish.
Painting involves multiple steps, including sanding between each coat, priming, and taping the edges of walls and cabinets to protect them. It also requires careful application with a sprayer or brush, and drying times can take longer than expected due to humidity and temperature. For a flawless finish, professionals use high-quality products like urethane or enamel that resist fingerprints and moisture better than traditional wall paint.
If you’re planning to refinish your cabinet doors, choose a timeline that works well with your personal and family schedules. It’s best to avoid scheduling your refinishing project during a busy season or a hectic time in your life, as this can lead to frustration and stress.
Depending on your preferences, you might be able to complete a cabinet refinishing project in as few as five to ten days. Refinishing projects typically require four to seven working days on-site, and reassembling your cabinetry can take an additional two to three weeks at the shop to ensure perfect results.
Expected Results
Refinishing your cabinets involves sanding down the existing surface and applying a new coat of paint or stain. It’s a process that can be performed by a professional contractor or DIYer, but it requires significant preparation. The type of material your cabinet doors are made from determines the refinishing method you choose. Wood cabinets, for example, may require a special type of sander to achieve a smooth finish. Laminate, on the other hand, is not porous and will not absorb stain. Before you start, consult with your project lead to discuss what results you expect.
Keep in mind that cabinet refinishing is a cosmetic change and does not address imperfections such as dents or scratches. It also doesn’t improve functionality or make your cabinets easier to open. However, it can deliver major visual impact at a fraction of the cost of a full kitchen remodel.
If your cabinet refinishing project involves painting your cabinets, be prepared for a messy job. The sanding and application of the solvent-borne lacquer can create a lot of dust and fumes that can linger for days. You will likely need to plan your meals outside of the house and stay out of the kitchen during this time, especially if you have young children or allergies.
A HEPA dustless vacuum, large window fans, and plastic wrap will help you avoid long-lasting fumes in your home. Be sure to ask your contractor about the use of a dustless sander, as this can save you a lot of mess. You should also avoid using harsh cleaning products on your newly refinished cabinets. These can damage the surface and cause it to dull or discolor over time.
Aside from refinishing your cabinet doors, you can also consider upgrading your hardware with soft-close hinges and new pulls. While these upgrades are not necessary for your cabinet refinishing project, they can add to the overall value of your kitchen and bathroom. A well-planned cabinet upgrades can deliver up to an 80% return at resale. This makes cabinet refinishing an excellent way to increase the value of your home without spending the money on a full kitchen remodel.