Should you consider cabinet refinishing or refurbishing? 
Consumers are often confused about cabinet refinishing versus cabinet refurbishing. Both options are less-costly alternatives to new or custom cabinets. Let’s start with some simple definitions:
Cabinet Refinishing
Kitchen cabinet refinishing means that you keep all components of your existing cabinetry and simply change the color or finish, usually by hand sanding or chemically stripping the existing finish from the wood, and then applying new paint or stain. This option can give your home a significantly improved look at a fraction of the cost of new or custom cabinets. At the bottom of this page, you’ll see a before and after example of a refinished cabinet door.
Cabinet Refurbishing
Refurbishing cabinets involves replacing the surface (or “face”) of the cabinets. Refurbishing cabinets describes the process where the existing cabinet framework is covered with laminate or veneer material. You keep your existing cabinet framework, but all the doors and drawer fronts are replaced with new ones. Optionally, you can also replace the side panels, frames, and moldings so they all match. This method hides blemishes while allowing you to change the wood, color, or door style for a new look.
Deciding which
When deciding between kitchen cabinet refinishing or refurbishing your cabinets, keep these points in mind: if your cabinets are made of laminate (or thermofoil), refinishing may not be a viable option due to the fact that this material can’t be
sanded or stripped, and it can be difficult for paint to adhere. If you have wood cabinets you can either refinish or refurbish (reface). If budget is your main consideration, refinishing is usually less costly. Estimates show that refinishing cabinets can be done for a fraction of the cost of refurbishing.
Call Lincoln Woodworking today to see if cabinet refinishing or refurbishing is right for you.
