One of the best benefits about wood is that it is able to be refinished many times to make the product look as it did when new, and this benefit applies to wood cabinets, too. How many times one can refinish cabinets is dependent on a few factors, including the strength of the wood, the materials used, and how well the cabinets have been maintained. How long your refinished cabinets will last before the process needs to be done again is dependent on how often they are used and what sort of maintenance you conduct. A professional cabinet refinishing project can last anywhere between five and ten years or longer, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Cabinet refinishing is almost always less expensive than buying new ones and is a wise investment in many scenarios, including when:

• Current Cabinets Are in Good Condition: When your cabinets are damaged or deteriorating, it might be more worthwhile to go with a replacement.
• Living "Green" Is a Priority: If protecting the environment is a priority, you may want to think about cabinet refinishing as an ideal practice to reduce waste by refreshing your existing cabinetry.
• You Want Unique and Personalized Cabinets: Refinishing gives you choices between a large range of colors and finishes to bring to life a look that is totally unique and suits your tastes.
• Trying To Achieve a Better ROI: If you're preparing to sell your house, cabinet refinishing can be a relatively inexpensive way to enhance your property's value and maximize ROI.
• You Are Pleased With the Current Layout and Operability: You're existing cabinets may already work well with your kitchen's design and provide ideal functionality.
• Avoiding Disruption is Preferred: Cabinet refinishing involves less disruption to your lifestyle compared to a complete cabinet replacement.

Residents in Boston, MA have reported spending nearly 70% less when refinishing their cabinets compared to replacing them. Before choosing cabinet refinishing, weigh your specific needs, budget, and the current state of your cabinets to understand if this project is best for you.

Though there aren't industry-mandated licenses designed for cabinet refinishing professionals, there are some qualifications and indicators of skill that you can look for when hiring someone to refinish your cabinets. Most professional contractors will highlight any certifications in carpentry, woodworking, or a related skill on their Thumbtack page.

You will want to ask the contractor you are considering hiring for a portfolio with pictures of cabinets they have refinished in the past, especially for results that look like the style you're trying to accomplish. Besides a picture gallery, most professional contractors will demonstrate their experience and reliability with online client feedback.

A dependable expert can give a detailed written estimate of the job before it commences, outlining the scope of work, materials, and all associated costs. Contractors need to possess adequate communication skills and be able to address any questions and concerns regarding cost, time, and quality throughout the refinishing project. You should also inquire about any warranties or guarantees from a contractor, which is another factor that can demonstrate they have confidence in the quality of their craftsmanship.

An expert taking care of your cabinet refinishing task will adhere to an established process for speed and excellent results. There are typically many steps taken to transform the appearance of existing cabinets, including:

• Evaluation and Preparation: Cabinets are first assessed to make sure they are in proper condition to be refinished. If they are, all hardware will be disassembled, like handles, knobs, and hinges, and the surfaces will be cleaned of dirt, grease, or other contaminants.
• Repair and Fill: Some small issues, such as scratches, dents, and similar imperfections in the wood will be repaired or filled before being blended in with staining or painting.
• Painting or Staining: Whatever you choose for paint, stain, or finishing technique will be applied in smooth, even coats to get the look you've envisioned. The drying and curing phase will be critical to imparting a professional outcome, and may require a few hours to complete.
• Reassembly: After your paint or stain completely cures, all gear will be reattached and cabinets fully reassembled for use. Performing a quality inspection will guarantee the final results meets your expectations, which includes a final cleanup of the complete work area.

It's useful to keep in mind that the specific refinishing project will vary based on things like the type of cabinets and the chosen finish. Furthermore, professionals may employ detailed methods, such as distressing or glazing, to accomplish specific aesthetic effects, which will require a longer process with more steps. Be sure to communicate clearly with any contractor you hire to guarantee they can bring your vision to life.