Cabinet refinishing is almost always more cost-effective than installing new ones and is a wise investment in many scenarios, including when:
- Existing Cabinets Are in Good Condition: If your cabinets are damaged or deteriorating, it may be more beneficial to go with a replacement.
- Environmental Sustainability Is a Priority: If protecting the environment is a priority, you may want to consider cabinet refinishing as a better practice to reduce waste by upcycling your existing cabinets.
- You Want Unique and Personalized Cabinets: Refinishing gives you choices between a wide variety of colors and finishes to achieve a look that is totally unique and matches your sense of style.
- Trying To Get a Better ROI: If you're preparing to sell your residence, cabinet refinishing is a relatively inexpensive way to boost its appeal to try and maximize ROI.
- You Are Pleased With the Current Layout and Operability: You're existing cabinets might already fit in well with your kitchen's layout and give ideal functionality.
- Minimal Disruption is Preferred: Cabinet refinishing results in minimal disruption to your lifestyle in contrast to a full cabinet replacement.
Property owners of Roy, Utah have related paying as much as 70% less when refinishing their cabinets compared to replacing them. Before deciding on cabinet refinishing, analyze your specific needs, budget, and the condition of your cabinets to know if this project is right for you.
While there aren't industry-mandated licenses specifically for cabinet refinishing contractors, there are some qualifications and indicators of expertise that you can look for when hiring someone to refinish your cabinets. Most professional contractors will prominently display any certifications in carpentry, woodworking, or a related skill on their Thumbtack page.
You will want to ask the contractor you are thinking about hiring for photos of cabinets they have refinished in the past, especially featuring results that look like the style you're trying to accomplish. Along with a portfolio, most professional contractors can highlight their experience and reputation with online client feedback.
A reliable expert should provide a detailed written estimate of the job before it commences, outlining the scope of work, materials, and all associated costs. Contractors need to have exceptional communication skills and a readiness to answer any questions and concerns regarding budget, time, and quality throughout the refinishing project. You should also ask for warranties or guarantees with the service, which is another factor that can show they have faith in the quality of their workmanship.
An expert taking care of your cabinet refinishing project will follow an established process for speed and proven results. There are typically several steps used to transform the look of existing cabinets, for example:
- Evaluation and Preparation: Cabinets should be first assessed to ensure they are in proper condition for refinishing. If so, all hardware will be disassembled, like handles, knobs, and hinges, and all cabinet surfaces will be cleaned of dirt, grease, or other residue.
- Repair and Fill: Some small issues, like cracks, dents, and similar blemishes in the wood can be repaired or filled before being blended in when staining or painting.
- Painting or Staining: Your choice of paint, stain, or finishing method will be applied in smooth, even coats to accomplish the style you've envisioned. The drying and curing process is crucial to ensuring a high-quality result, and may need several hours to complete.
- Reassembly: After your paint or stain has dried, all parts can be put back on and cabinets completely reassembled for use. A quality inspection will ensure the final results meets your standards, which includes a final cleanup of the full work area.
It's important to keep in mind that the specific refinishing process can vary based on things like the kind of cabinets and the chosen finish. Furthermore, contractors may employ detailed techniques, such as distressing or glazing, to accomplish specific stylistic effects, which will require a longer amount of time. Be sure to speak directly with anyone you employ to ensure they have the skill to bring your vision to life.
Cabinet refinishing is an especially beneficial home improvement project that plenty of people find worthwhile. Refinishing cabinets rather than totally replacing them is a smart practice to limit your impact to the environment by giving used furniture a longer lifespan rather than contribute to landfills. The process of producing new cabinets also depletes forests and expels chemicals into the atmosphere, both of which are significantly diminished when people choose to repurpose existing furniture rather than throw it out. A few other amazing perks of choosing cabinet refinishing include:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Purchasing and installing new kitchen cabinets can be very expensive, but refinishing current cabinets will allow you to refresh their look relatively affordably.
- Breathe New Life Into Your Kitchen: Cabinet refinishing can dramatically change the style of your kitchen through relatively small amounts of work and money.
- Minimal Disruption To Your Life: Cabinet refinishing is considered a relatively fast and easy method to change their style versus installing new ones. Because you're reusing existing cabinets that have already been installed, you'll avoid the chaos of having new cabinets manufactured and the demolition and reconstruction of your kitchen walls and layout to ensure they fit.
- Professional Results: You can expect professional results when you allow a qualified contractor to carry out your cabinet refinishing project. The right technique and experience is critical to make sure your cabinets appear as you planned, including close attention to necessary steps of preparing the surfaces and permitting the paint or stain to dry before reassembly.