As fun as it is, staying on top of trends can also be an overwhelming pastime. Between the hip eateries to tempt your palette and the latest fashion plates to hit your hips, it’s hardly easy to not be intrigued to try something new and refreshing. Changing the look and feel of your existing home is no exception. Given the kitchen is often the most lived in space of the home, it can also be where we tire of the look the fastest … and spend the most money remodeling. The good news—due to advances in re-facing technologies, many homeowners are exploring the idea of replacing the existing doors and drawers by using materials that can offer the look and feel of an entire new space for a fraction of the cost.
Reface and rejuvenate
The meaning of “re-facing” can carry with it several definitions. Often it can be mistakenly interchanged with ”re-finishing” but that is not the most ideal use of the term. In fact, it is more like a cabinet facelift to be descriptive in the cosmetic days we live in. So what are the steps that a homeowner should prepare for?
1.) All doors and drawer headers are removed and replaced while exposed frames and ends are resurfaced with a real hardwood veneer.
2.) Any portions of the cabinetry that will be veneered are sanded and cleaned to assure secure adhesion.
3.) The new pre-finished veneer sheet is fitted to precise measurements and is then carefully applied for lasting adhesion. The veneered edges are trimmed flush with the cabinet components and sanded as needed. Often these edges are covered with special moldings.
4.) The “new” doors and drawers are installed and drawer headers/boxes are replaced as needed. The final step in the process is mounting the molding and trim for a completely new and updated look to your kitchen and/or bath space.
DIY Don’t
As much as a do-it-yourself cabinet re-facing job can lend itself rewarding results, it can also quickly become a costly nightmare if you are left without the proper skills or equipment. A cabinet contractor will use the correct tools to remove or install cabinet doors, drawer fronts and replace hardware. Safety should always be at the forefront of any kitchen renovation. If your kitchen is older, you may have lead based painted cabinets that have dust particles that should be properly mitigated. Hiring a contractor with solid skill and familiarity with the materials and task at hand will most likely yield the best result not only for appearances but also for your checkbook by avoiding costly mistakes caused by lack of experience.
For more information or to set up a consultation on this product please contact Bob Liepse with The Affordable Companies. 317-575-9544 ext. 19.
