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Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet Refacing
By Dianne L. Ward, Professional Decorator, Editor of Home-Remodeling-Ideas.net

In modern times people aim at achieving optimum use of time and money and at the same time getting things that suit their convenience. Replacement is not always the best solution for old and dreary looking cabinets. Refacing could often be a better option, as it simply involves the installation of an upper sheet that covers the old cabinet and makes it look as good as new.

Cabinet refacing can be done in both simple and elaborate methods. Simply removing the old coat and placing a new one, of vinyl, wood or some other material, instead, can do it. If the frames are in a bad state you may even want to change them. You may feel that the doors are not appropriate or are in a bad condition. Another way that you can undertake cabinet refacing is by placing new doors. Painting a cabinet, either by removing the old paint or by directly applying the primer and the paint, is yet another method of refacing a cabinet.

While choosing the material and the design of the cabinet refacing you need to consider a few things. You should first determine the kind of look that you would like your cabinet to have. It could be anything ranging from traditional to contemporary. You should also remember that the look of the cabinet should complement the look of the room where it is installed. Wood will give an archaic look to the cabinets. Again you have a vast variety to choose from in case of wood as well. Adding metallic accessories can add a touch of sophistication too. The maintenance of the cabinets is also an important factor. Vinyl laminations look modern and at the same time make cleaning easy. You could be quite innovative when choosing the design.

If you want you can undertake the job of cabinet refacing on your own. However, a professional carpenter will give you better product and will save your time and efforts. You may ask the hired person to show you samples of his previous works. Find out his charges for installing ready made refacing as well as tailor made ones. Make sure you do not accept a quote that is not within the limits of your budget. Find out the time he will take in order to complete the entire task and also the various preparation works he needs to be done. Clarify about the guarantee that he will offer for the cabinet refacing.

Cabinet refacing can be quite a simple task if it is done systematically. With a little amount of skill and care a non-professional can also attempt to do it. The following tips should be kept in mind while undertaking the task of cabinet refacing:

Empty the cabinets.
Remove the doors, countertops and drawers and in case new doors are required you should order them well in advance.
The old coat needs to be removed and the cabinets cleaned.
Any kind of broken or damage areas that need to be redone should be repaired at this stage.
After the above process is over you should start with the cabinet refacing job. The new laminate or coat must be affixed now with the help of good adhesives.
The rough edges should be smoothened, extra material trimmed and the final touches given.
Reinstall the doors, countertops and drawers that had been removed at the beginning of the entire process. Make sure the alignment is maintained accurately in order to retain the look.
The final step involves the application of any kind of custom molding.

You can take professional advice for a more thorough work.