Re-face or Re-place?

KITCHEN CABINETS
     Should I re-place or re-face my existing kitchen cabinets? I've been asked this question numerous times. In most cases, re-facing is a costly and timely mistake. 

     The reason most people want to upgrade their kitchen cabinets is because they're old, not very functional, and lack many of the new features of today's cabinetry. Older cabinets had fixed shelves that required shelf paper to protect the particle board, and very few of the options that are now readily available such as pull-outs, melamine interiors, adjustable shelves, and lazy susans. As well, many older cabinets tended to be built in place with little or no consideration to interior functionality. Making the exterior look good is, in my opinion, no more than a band-aid solution. You haven't solved many of the basic problems associated with the old kitchen. You still have wasted spaces, corners that you can't get into and drawers that can't hold your stuff.


     The demand for modern, efficient kitchen cabinets is driven by our changing lifestyles and products. There is a tendency towards larger, brighter kitchen spaces that can be used for a variety of functions such as craft making, informal family gatherings, and hobbies. It's not uncommon for two or three people to be using today's kitchen at the same time. The kitchen and family room have become the center of activity in many households. Many of the new accessories that are available also demand design considerations. Pasta and bread makers, espresso coffee machines, toasters and coffee makers require very specific spaces. Dishwashers, refrigerators, and new stove designs often cannot be accommodated in the twenty year old kitchen. Re-facing existing cabinets does not always address the basic issues; design and functionality. Cabinet placement and interior spaces aren't changed and often these issues are the real problem.

     The most expensive part of a kitchen cabinet renovation project are the cabinet exterior surfaces, the doors and counter tops. Cabinet interiors or carcasses only account for approximately 30 percent of the cost. You'll end up spending 70 percent to 80 percent of a complete kitchen cabinet renovation project for re-facing. Is it really worth the cost? You may be better off waiting until your budget can afford a complete upgrade and re-design. With a complete kitchen renovation, cabinets can be placed to suit your lifestyle and interior spaces can be designed to accommodate the latest appliances. The result will be a complete solution, not limited by existing cabinetry.

     Finally the issue of quality should be addressed. For the most part, many kitchen cabinet re-facing companies are honest and well intentioned. However, as most woodworkers know, it's very difficult to apply an upgrade to existing cabinets. Most re-facers contact cement laminates or veneers to the cabinet boxes and face frame members. Working with already finished surfaces presents many problems when attaching the laminates. The old finish must be thoroughly cleaned of grease, dirt and loose paint, otherwise the bond will fail. Also be aware that a new finish must be applied. Will it be sprayed or brushed? A sprayed finish is the only acceptable answer but can be very messy and dangerous. Will they use a flammable lacquer? How many coats? How long will you have to vacate the house? How does the contractor manage over spray? or spills? De-lamination is sometimes a problem and the cause of many call backs after the re-facing work is complete.

     The sales pitch with many re-facing companies is based on upgrading the cabinet hardware. Modern European hidden hinges are often part of the upgrade process. While the hinges are no doubt a excellent choice, their installation on existing cabinetry is sometimes questionable. Often, the installer must adapt the cabinet mounting plates to stiles that were not designed for these hinges and the result is a poorly secured door.


RETURN INVESTMENT
     Cost is one of the most important issues when contemplating any renovation project and kitchens are no exception. However, a high quality kitchen renovation project can return almost all of your investment when the home is sold. You must decide how much you want to invest, how long you plan to live in the home, and how extensive must the renovations be to meet your needs. Will a simple re-facing project meet your expectations and are the existing cabinet interiors up to date? Is your cabinet layout situated for optimum kitchen use?

CONTRACTING THE PROJECT
     If you decide that a cabinet re-facing project is right for you, there are some things you should do before you select a contractor to do the job.

     Contracting the project out to one of the re-facing companies should involve a couple of basic steps. Initially, get at least two quotes and each contractor's explanation of the work they intend on performing. Have all the details written in an estimate with costs and material/hardware specifications. Remember, when comparing estimates make sure that all the contractors quote on similar services. (Compare apples to apples.) Most importantly, ask for the names of past clients and call to verify the quality of work, particularly projects that have been completed six months to a year ago. Always go see an example of their work. Don't rely on pictures or other people's opinions. Find out what the contractor's guarantee is. Is it in writing?

Be sure to find out when the job will begin and when it will be completed. Remember, you won't have a kitchen during this time. You may hear that re-facing kitchen cabinets is a good option for your home; however, check out all the positive and negative aspects associated with this type of work before spending your money. It can be a very expensive project, and if the end result doesn't satisfy your needs, then you have made a very expensive mistake.


BEST VALUE
     Prestige Kitchens used to do cabinet re-facing. We no longer provide this service because we believe that in most cases, it's really not a good value or a wise choice. Instead, we've worked hard at making new custom cabinetry affordable, a good value, and a great investment. We are Prince Edward Island's choice for quality custom cabinetry.

Give us a call. We'll turn your dream into a reality, not a nightmare.