What is Kitchen Cabinet Refacing?
Kitchen cabinet refacing is like giving your kitchen a complete makeover without the mess and expense of starting from scratch. We keep your existing cabinet boxes in place and replace the visible parts - doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Then we apply matching wood veneer or finish to the cabinet frames so everything looks brand new.
"Many homeowners don't realize their cabinets are built to last 50 years or more," explains Bob Coulston, owner of Coulston Construction. "If the bones are good, why tear them out? Refacing gives you that new kitchen look for about half the cost. It's one of the smartest investments you can make in your home."
The process transforms your kitchen in just a few days instead of weeks. You get to choose from hundreds of door styles and finishes to create exactly the look you want. Whether you prefer classic wood tones or trendy painted finishes, cabinet refacing delivers beautiful results that last.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Full Replacement: Making the Right Choice
Deciding between refacing and replacement comes down to your cabinet condition, budget, and goals. If your cabinets are solid and you like your kitchen layout, refacing is usually the smart choice. You'll save thousands of dollars and avoid weeks of construction dust and disruption.
Full cabinet replacement makes sense when you want to change your kitchen layout or your existing cabinets are falling apart. But for most Kansas City homeowners with quality cabinets from the 1980s or later, refacing delivers stunning results. You can even upgrade to soft-close hinges and drawer slides during the refacing process.
As the best cabinet refacing contractor in Kansas City with hundreds of 5-star reviews, Coulston Construction has helped thousands of homeowners make this decision. Our 4th generation family business with over 30 employees has decades of experience transforming kitchens. We'll assess your cabinets honestly and recommend the best solution for your situation. Many clients combine refacing with new countertops or a tile backsplash for a complete kitchen transformation.
| Factor | Cabinet Refacing | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 50-70% less expensive | Full cabinet cost |
| Timeline | 3-5 days | 2-3 weeks |
| Disruption | Minimal mess | Major construction |
| Layout Changes | Keep existing layout | Complete redesign possible |
| Best For | Good cabinets, new look | Poor cabinets or layout change |
Our Professional Cabinet Refacing Process
We've refined our cabinet refacing process over decades to deliver flawless results every time. It starts with a detailed consultation where we assess your cabinets and show you door samples, finishes, and hardware options. We take precise measurements to ensure your new doors and drawer fronts fit perfectly.
On installation day, we carefully remove your old doors and hardware. The cabinet frames get thoroughly cleaned and any minor repairs are completed. We then apply new veneer or finish to match your chosen door style. This step is crucial for achieving that seamless, factory-fresh appearance.
Your new doors and drawer fronts are installed with precision. Every hinge is adjusted for smooth operation and consistent gaps. New hardware adds the finishing touch. We clean up completely, leaving you with a stunning kitchen transformation. The entire process typically takes just 3-5 days.
Some contractors rush through refacing, but we take the time to do it right. That attention to detail is why we're known as the premier cabinet refacing specialists in Kansas City.
Popular Door Styles and Finish Options
Today's cabinet doors come in styles to match any taste. Shaker style doors remain the top choice in Kansas City homes for their clean lines that work with both traditional and modern kitchens. These versatile doors look great painted or stained.
For a more traditional look, raised panel doors add elegance and dimension. They're perfect for classic homes in neighborhoods like Mission Hills or Brookside. Modern kitchens often feature flat panel doors for a sleek, minimalist appearance. Glass insert doors let you display beautiful dishes while adding visual interest.
Finish options are nearly endless. White and gray painted finishes dominate current trends, but natural wood stains like cherry and oak never go out of style. Two-tone kitchens combining different finishes on upper and lower cabinets create stunning visual impact. We can match any color or create custom finishes to achieve your perfect look.
Most Popular Door Styles in Kansas City:
- Shaker style - Clean, versatile lines
- Raised panel - Traditional elegance
- Flat panel - Modern, minimalist
- Glass insert - Display beautiful dishes
- Beadboard - Cottage charm
- Cathedral - Curved, sophisticated
Glass insert doors add elegance and display space to refaced cabinets
Understanding Cabinet Refacing Costs and Savings
Cabinet refacing offers incredible value for Kansas City homeowners. You get a completely new kitchen look for about half the cost of replacement. Most refacing projects range from $8,000 to $15,000, while new cabinets typically cost $20,000 to $40,000 or more.
The exact cost depends on your kitchen size, door style, and finish choices. Simple flat panel doors with basic finishes cost less than elaborate raised panel doors with premium glazed finishes. Hardware upgrades like soft-close hinges add to the cost but greatly improve daily function. Even with all the upgrades, refacing still costs far less than replacement.
Beyond the upfront savings, refacing is environmentally friendly since you're reusing existing materials. It's also much faster than replacement, meaning less time without a functional kitchen. Many homeowners use their savings to upgrade other kitchen elements like appliances or flooring, creating a completely transformed space for less than the cost of new cabinets alone.
Is Your Kitchen a Good Candidate for Refacing?
Not every kitchen is right for refacing, but most are excellent candidates. The key is having structurally sound cabinet boxes. Solid wood or quality plywood cabinets built after 1980 typically reface beautifully. If your doors are outdated but the cabinets themselves are sturdy, refacing is perfect.
Check your cabinets by opening doors and drawers. Do they operate smoothly? Are the boxes square and firmly attached to the walls? Is the interior in good condition? If you answer yes to these questions, refacing will work great. Water damage, sagging shelves, or cheap particle board construction might require replacement instead.
You should also be happy with your current layout since refacing keeps cabinets in their existing locations. However, we can add crown molding, decorative panels, and other enhancements to elevate the overall look.
Signs Your Cabinets Are Good Candidates for Refacing:
- Cabinet boxes are solid and sturdy
- Current layout works well for your needs
- Doors and drawers operate smoothly
- Cabinet frames are square and level
- You want to update style, not function
- Budget is a key consideration
What to Expect During Your Cabinet Refacing Project
Cabinet refacing is surprisingly fast and clean compared to full kitchen remodeling. Most projects complete in just 3-5 days. Day one involves removing old doors and preparing cabinet frames. Days two and three focus on applying new finishes and installing doors. Final adjustments happen on the last day.
The best part? You can use your kitchen throughout most of the project. Your sink, stove, and refrigerator stay functional. We protect your countertops and floors while working. There's minimal dust since we're not doing demolition. Most clients are amazed at how clean and organized we keep everything.
Weather doesn't affect indoor refacing work, so projects stay on schedule. Larger kitchens or those with special features might take an extra day. We provide a detailed timeline during consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
Caring for Your Newly Refaced Cabinets
Quality refaced cabinets last 15-20 years or more with proper care. The key is starting with professional installation and high-grade materials. Our cabinet doors and finishes are designed to handle daily kitchen use, moisture, and temperature changes common in Kansas City homes.
Daily care is simple. Wipe cabinets with a soft, damp cloth and mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage finishes. Clean spills quickly, especially near the sink and stove. Use felt pads on items that might scratch surfaces.
Modern cabinet finishes resist stains and moisture better than older options. The high-quality paints and stains we use are specifically formulated for kitchen environments. With basic care, your refaced cabinets will look beautiful for years to come. We provide detailed care instructions and stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties.
Professional refacing includes finishing touches like crown molding for a complete transformation
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