Adding New Cabinets to a Refacing Project

We get this question a lot. Is it possible to add new cabinets while doing a refacing project? We add cabinets to many of our projects. Sometimes customers want us to install all new upper cabinets to their project because they have enough room to install taller boxes. The base cabinets are often in great shape or have a nice solid surface countertop that the customer does not want to replace. We also install a new cabinet when the customer buys a larger refrigerator and needs additional height for the appliance to fit correctly. There are times when the customer may want an island installed. In most cases, we can add some new cabinets to a refacing project to add storage space or whatever application may be needed to make the kitchen more functional. The nice thing is our cabinet box supplier does not charge us hardly anything more for a non-standard size, so that we can get custom-size boxes for little or no extra charge.

Benefits of Cabinet Refacing: SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE

The cabinet refacing process is really a very simple one. Instead of removing your existing cabinets, we simply remove your old doors and drawer fronts. We then cover/reface your existing cabinet boxes with either ¼ solid wood, veneer or thermofoil.

We then install the new doors and drawer fronts that match the newly refaced cabinet boxes. We can also install other options, such as new drawer boxes and roll-out shelves.

Some of the Major Benefits to Refacing Kitchen Cabinets are:

Cost is usually 50% to 60% less than a complete kitchen tear-out.
Superior quality of the doors and drawer fronts when compared to builder-grade cabinets.
The installation for refacing cabinets usually takes 3-5 days, and new kitchen remodels usually take weeks or months to complete.
Less mess and aggravation. In most cases, you can still use your kitchen during the refacing process.
Less plumbing and electrical work are needed.
Have the option of keeping your existing countertop.
Can add some new cabinetry if needed

Cabinet refacing is considered a green option to complete kitchen remodeling. It is estimated that 90% of homeowners keep the same basic layout of their kitchens. This makes refacing a more eco-friendly option because less waste is sent to landfills. In most cases, we can modify your existing cabinets to allow for some changes, such as different appliances.

Options for refacing are very similar to that of new cabinets. The selection of door styles, wood species, stain colors, glazing, crown molding, and hardware is nearly endless. You can have the kitchen of your dreams.

ReFronting is a mini reface and a lower-cost option that can be completed usually in one day. Only the doors and drawer fronts are replaced when re-fronting, and the existing cabinet boxes are not changed. This option works well with white, antique white, or almond cabinets. It may also be used to update stained wood cabinets, as long as a perfect match is not required. In most cases, the difference between the existing cabinet box and the new doors is hardly noticeable.

Going Green In The Kitchen?

It’s not just a trend; it’s the right thing to do – consider how your remodeling project impacts the environment. If you can save natural resources, eliminate pumping more toxins in the air, or reduce landfill, you are not only contributing on a global scope; you are making your own home more healthy and pollutant free. And it will look just as stylish and modern.

There are various things to consider when trying to “go green” in your kitchen remodel project. One of the first items to ponder is your cabinetry, often one of the most unhealthy components in a kitchen. Pressed boards and plywood are usually covered with glue to fuse laminate or veneer surfaces. The glue regularly contains formaldehyde, which gives off toxic fumes.

If your cabinets are in generally good condition, look into cabinet refacing. This option saves the cabinet box, which is refaced, and environmentally-friendly doors can replace the originals. The selection of styles and materials is almost unlimited. You will have contributed on another level by keeping most of the old cabinets, reducing disposal, sparing trees, and shrinking the effects of pollution from manufacturing.

To avoid the “glue pollutants”, explore options in solid wood, metal, recycled glass, end-grain bamboo, recycled paper, sustainable wood, and recycled aluminum. If you use wood, be sure to get assurance from your contractor that it was acquired legally and does not contain unhealthy substances.

For your countertops, there is also an abundance of choices. Green design should be focused not only on beauty but durability. With that in mind, make sure your chosen material can stand up against everyday spills, like mustard, coffee, and red wine. Many are made from recycled materials and look spectacular.

Ditch bottled water and install a sound water filtration system. Did you know the government standards for tap water are more stringent than bottled water?

When choosing new appliances, don’t think you have to give up style if you go green. Of course, be sure the old one can’t be fixed, but if it does, go for a new one with the Energy Star rating.

Gas versus Electric – if you choose gas, remember the lower the BTU, the more energy efficient. If electricity is your choice, the most efficient stoves use induction elements which use less than half the energy of standard coil elements. Ceramic-glass surfaces are also a good choice. Both of these transfer the heat more quickly to the pan.

If you have questions about green cabinet refacing, we are here to help. Contact us by email or give us a call at 303-452-6467.

While Cabinet Refacing, Modernize Your Kitchen

If you’ve dreamed of a smooth, uncluttered look for your kitchen design, it’s time to put that dream into action. There are many ways to incorporate some total kitchen style during a cabinet refacing project.

Check Overall Kitchen Design
To create a contemporary kitchen, all or most of the major elements of your kitchen design should adhere to that style. While many create eclectic mixes of modern and traditional styling, that approach will not work if the goal is a truly contemporary kitchen design. Instead, look for contemporary styles of the following elements:

Kitchen cabinets
Countertop
Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen Flooring
Wall tile
Cabinet hardware

Kitchen Cabinets Set the Tone
The kitchen cabinet style you select will go a long way toward creating a contemporary kitchen design. When planning a cabinet refacing project, look for cabinet doors and drawers with the following features:

Flat fronts and limited detailing
No crown molding
Sleek materials (such as laminate)

Spice Up Kitchen Design With Modern Appliances
Nothing says contemporary like stainless steel appliances. Look for a sleek side-by-side refrigerator and commercial range to blend with your refaced cabinets. Also, look for these characteristics:

Thin stainless steel appliance door handles
Limited detailing on appliance doors and knobs
Shiny stainless steel appliances (as opposed to more subtle matte finishes)

Contemporary Kitchen Countertop Styles
Many contemporary kitchen designs feature edgy countertop surfaces, such as:

Stainless steel – to blend with stainless steel appliances. Carry the metal look on the backsplash for a dramatic look.
Concrete – this rough, hard surface has an urban look. Look for natural, honed concrete or a painted surface for an added touch.
Granite countertops – a perennial favorite in many kitchen designs. Try sharp black for a contemporary look.

Kitchen Cabinet Hardware is Finishing Touch
The cabinet knobs and pulls you select should add the finishing touch to your contemporary kitchen design. Try adding styles that have minimal detailing and a sleek, edgy look. Among the options are stainless steel, thin pulls, and crisp, round knobs in aluminum.

When planning a cabinet refacing project, look for ways to change your kitchen design. If you’ve always wanted a dramatic, contemporary kitchen design, look for ways to incorporate the style into your new kitchen design.

Cabinet Making In An Arid Climate

According to Wikipedia, cabinet making is “the practice of using various woodworking skills to create cabinets, shelving and furniture. Cabinet making involves techniques such as creating appropriate joints, dados, bevels, chamfers and shelving systems, the use of finishing tools, such as routers, to create decorative edgings, and so on.”

But, there’s more to it. The wood you select for your cabinet making project may seem like a straightforward choice. However, wood may be affected by the environment you live in, so it may be worth your time to do a little research. For example, a Denver cabinet maker has to consider that the Mile High City has an elevation of 5280 feet, has a semi-arid climate and four distinct seasons. The summers are hot and dry, with little precipitation, and the winters vary from mild to cold in Denver.

The choice of wood for a Denver cabinet maker is paramount. Even with proper care, cabinets made of wood will be vulnerable to the effects of weather and if not chosen properly, may deteriorate over time. With the weather conditions in mind, materials for cabinets should be carefully selected. Woods like teak, cypress and bamboo are excellent choices for Denver as these woods can easily handle the weather, and water is never a problem for them. They still need to be protected, of course, and a good maintenance schedule would include teak oil or something similar.

Another option for cabinets in the Denver scene, is stainless steel. You will never have to worry about rust or warping. Nowadays, even plastic cabinets look fabulous and are available in different colors. Or they can be painted or stained to look similar to wood cabinets. Cabinets made of plastic won’t rot, warp or deteriorate with changing weather. The downside is that stainless steel and plastic cabinets might look a bit too industrial for an indoor kitchen and may be best considered as an attractive outdoor option.

Before closing, let’s take a look at cabinet refacing. Sometimes new cabinets are the only option, especially if your existing ones are not structurally sound. But assuming they qualify for refacing, it is certainly an alternative worth exploring. See our article Reface of Replace?

And yes, if you choose wood as your refacing material, all of the above guidelines still apply. But refacing makes your cabinets LOOK like NEW and does not require you to remove the existing cabinet cases. Only the old doors and drawer fronts are removed and then the existing cabinet boxes are refaced with either wood, veneer or thermo foil.

The major benefits of refacing over making new cabinets is that they do not require the entire kitchen to be remodeled, the project will cost about one third the price, it can usually be complete in just a few days, and good quality materials can be used for making the doors and drawer fronts. Your kitchen is entirely operational during the entire process of refacing, unless plumbing or electrical work is required. You can even add new cabinetry if required during the refacing project.

If your cabinets aren’t in good condition and are not eligible for refacing, new cabinets are your only option. If you live in Denver, hire a cabinet maker who knows what he’s doing and understands the importance of wood selection in a semi-arid climate.

Whichever process works for your particular situation, a good contractor will deliver an end result that will make you proud.

Cabinet Refacing In 8 Easy Steps

If cabinet refacing is on your mind for your kitchen cupboards, a good contractor will describe the process for you in detail. But it never hurts to have a little information ahead of time. Here’s how it works.

1. The Cabinets Are Emptied
This seems like the easy part, but it can be a real mess if you don’t do it with some panache from the get go. Just before you start, line up plenty of boxes to hold everything and separate the items by shelf. When it’s time to put them back, it will be a breeze. Besides, there’s nothing more irritating than to start cramming unrelated items together and have a package of baking powder spill onto the dinner china because you didn’t have enough boxes for the baking supplies.

2. Your Kitchen Is Protected
Because the kitchen cabinet boxes will be covered with a new surface, there may be dust, sawdust or stray dust bunnies floating around. To avert damage or mess, your stove and counters should be protected with plastic or drop cloths. Tools might inadvertently slip and fall so a good cover up will shield surfaces from scratches. Your fridge may butt up against cabinets; if so, it should be moved into another location.

3. Cabinet Doors and Hardware Are Removed
Cabinet hardware includes pulls, hinges, drawer runners and knobs. As it is removed, it should be separated and labeled. It makes the final steps go quickly and reduces tons of frustration.

4. Cabinet Box Is Refaced
Ideally you’ve found a contractor who demands quality. If so, the inner surface of your cabinets will be lined with 1/4″ solid wood, veneer or thermofoil, making them secure, stylish, and looking like new.

NOTE: Some individuals prefer to stain or paint the interior of the cabinet. That’s OK if you aren’t that particular about the finished product. But keep in mind, it’s messy, a little unprofessional, and the end result is simply just a cover-up. If you want a high quality look, the box is just as critical as the doors. Hire a contractor who cares as much about the interior as the door panels.

A few of the rewards include:

Cabinets will look brand new
Significantly broader range of alternatives in wood species and glazing
Larger choice of decorative door panels
Cabinets are more functional
Hinges are hidden
Custom look – you can do anything that can be done with new cabinets – crown molding, decorative panels, etc.

5. Preparation For Hardware Installation
Thorough and precise measuring and marking for hardware installation ensures a pleasing visual placement and eliminates plenty of exasperation for misplaced marks and unbalanced placement.

6. Installation Of Hardware New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
While the hardware can be fitted after the cabinet doors and drawers are replaced, it is often prudent to install it first as it is a lot easier to get it placed accurately.

7. Installation Of Kitchen Cabinet Doors
When the new doors and drawer fronts are replaced to their correct location, they are examined for proper closing and symmetry.

8. Finishing Touches On Newly Refaced Kitchen Cabinets
If any pulls or knobs have not been added, this is the time.

That’s it! Cabinet refacing is one of the hottest and most affordable ways to spruce up your kitchen. You will be amazed to see the modern and updated look it gives to your space. A professional, who knows how crucial it is to be meticulous in the execution of the process, will deliver one of the most impressive improvements you can do your home.

Choices In Cabinet Refacing Materials

Over time, with wear and tear, even the finest cabinets will lose their glow. If you are thinking of giving your cabinets an overhaul, but having second thoughts about the high cost of replacing them, cabinet refacing is an excellent option. You will get the new look – the exact look you want – without shelling out a lot of money. You can actually do it yourself, or, better yet, look for a company that specializes in the process of cabinet refacing.

But before you dive in, take a deep breath, because there is a plethora of options to consider when choosing the type of materials that appeal to your senses. Besides appearance, there is price, durability, maintainence and installation of the available materials.

Let’s take a look at the various materials that are commonly used in cabinet refacing today. Wood veneer, plastic laminates and rigid thermofoils are among the most commonly selected cabinet refacing materials.

The most affordable (and least durable) among cabinet refacing supplies are plastic or vinyl laminate. If you are planning to use one of these as your kitchen refacing material, do not expect it to last for a long time. It does not have an authentic appearance and nobody will be fooled into thinking it is something other than an imitation of the original design.

Although most expensive, (but MUCH LESS expensive than new cabinets) wood veneer is a popular choice for kitchen cabinet refacing material. It looks realistic and is available in popular woods such as birch, oak, cherry, walnut, and mahogany. There are many, many more choices, so you are sure to find one that fits your taste and/or design. It is beautiful and natural and will give you many years of satisfaction.

The newest, and most durable of the 3 cabinet refacing materials is called rigid thermofoils or RTF. It is made of a fiberboard substance and is coated with pressure molded vinyl foil. It has unique qualities and can imitate the look of real wood tones, granite or even marble. RTF provides a seamless look, can be easily cleaned, is resistant to moisture and mold, and is less resistant to heat. It is available in a broad variety of textures and designs.

Once you start your cabinet project, you will probably notice other items associated with the cabinets that are looking drab or dated and may need replacing. A trip to the mall may be in order for kitchen supplies like knobs, pulls, hinges and drawer tracks. With so many varieties on the market today that will compliment your veneer, your only challenge will be deciding which one of the many options to select. If you are looking for something really dramatic, you can choose moldings and trims that add all sorts of custom character to your cabinets. Moldings and trims can take you in many directions from French provincial trims, to crown molding with ropes or dentil molding, a series of closely spaced, rectangular blocks that are brought together to form a unique look.

Of course you can get your cabinet refacing supplies at home improvement stores where you can gather advice of professionals, or if you are a do-it-yourself type, there are plenty of resources online. Just remember when selecting your materials to consider cost, appearance, durability, maintenance and installation. And don’t forget the deep breath – there’s a lot to take in.

Cabinet Refacing For The 21st Century

Have you ever made this comment, “Times have changed”? Often we make that statement when we’re confronted with teenagers with tongue rings and tattoos, and whose primary method of communication is text messaging. But if no occasion arises for us to observe how “times have changed”, we sometimes get stuck thinking things are the same.

Usually these are things we don’t use or need very often. For example, when did you last buy a new coffee pot? It isn’t something you really need to keep up with, as coffee pots look good, make great tasting coffee and run just fine for many years. So you may not be aware that one of the top selling coffee pots today makes just a single cup of coffee – and you have to buy a special little container full of coffee to make it work!

Times have changed!

Once upon a time, refacing your kitchen cabinets was a cheap fix, a cover-up job, a way to get by for awhile. And if you were aware of that in the past, you may still think that is the case. But…

Times have changed! Now, a smart, modern and quality decision to reface kitchen cabinets is made by homeowners every day.

So just what has changed?

Here are 5 “changes” that will bring your perspective into the present.

IN THE PAST: You ended up with the same old doors, boxes and drawers.

NOW: Your cabinet boxes and drawers are relined with beautiful new materials. The doors are replaced and your old cabinet boxes and drawers become a base.

IN THE PAST: It was a messy job.

NOW: A good contractor will use all the resources available to make it as painless as possible, like using sturdy plastic to cover items that are not part of the process.

IN THE PAST: Your choices of woods, styles and colors were extremely limited.

NOW: Your choices are nearly endless.

IN THE PAST: Hinges and refacing materials were inferior so you might end up with veneers that peeled, or hinges that were stiff and unsightly.

NOW: Materials are high quality and beautifully constructed resulting in spectacular kitchen transformations.

IN THE PAST: Tools were not precise, which could result in doors that didn’t quite close properly, or uneven installations.

NOW: Technology and research delivers precision tools and hardware that guarantee a perfect fit.

We at Home Improvements of Colorado deliver present day standards. We use all the tools and materials available on the market to assure that the refacing projects we install are of top quality and workmanship. Each job is inspected by Mark Hasty, the owner.

Subcontractors are not used for cabinet refacing, so each job is performed by a workman approved by Mark himself. After nearly 1000 refacing projects, they are proud to offer assurance that the experience and care they bring to each job is personal and outstanding.

Times have changed, and those at Home Improvements of Colorado have kept up.

Scary Stuff: How To Choose A Cabinet Refacing Contractor

Are Your Cabinets, Cupboards and Closets Embarrassing?

Did you know the single most important area in your house is the kitchen? It ‘s the spot where families cook together, friends gather, and cooks delight in conjuring up all sorts or scrumptious dishes. So shouldn’t it look absolutely state-of-the-art? Sure, you say, but the cabinets alone will cost thousands of dollars, and nowadays, who can afford that?

STOP! The solution is easy, affordable, can be done quickly, and, best of all, will make you proud!

Cabinet Refacing

If your cupboards are of solid construction, level and properly attached to the wall, you can have your kitchen looking urban chic in no time, and save yourself a lot of money by simply replacing the cupboard doors. This process, known as refacing, updates your kitchen cabinets in almost any style and color you can imagine.

Hire an expert and get the job done quickly, professionally and with minimal downtime.

Choosing The Right Cabinet Refacing Contractor.

Get online, scour the newspaper, and dig out the phone books to start. Look for small independent contractors with good credentials. They will have less overhead and will usually pass those savings along to their customers.
Make sure they service your area. You don’t want to spend a lot of time talking to someone, just to find out they travel to your location. Then call them and ask them the important questions on your list.
Ask about their license, any organizations they belong to, such as the Better Business Bureau and if they have testimonials from other customers. Check out their web site and make sure their phone number works.
Experience counts, so find out how long they’ve been in business. Not that short timers aren’t any good, but they will have to step up and convince you why their work is superior and why they can handle any challenges that might arise.
Finally, invite them to your home to look over your project and offer up solutions. Observe how they examine it, what kinds of alternative they give you, if they seem knowledgable about the patterns, styles that are current in the market and if they have samples to show you.

If you don’t feel comfortable at this stage, keep looking. Professionals return phone calls, answer your questions, even it means they have to do a little research. They are current with new products, looks and styles. And don’t ignore your instincts about the person – this is someone who will be in your home for a few intense days, and you want to get along with them.

Once the project is started, you will probably be breathing easy and enjoying your stylish new refaced cabinets in less than a week.

Saving The Kitchen You Love

If you love the arrangement of your kitchen, but think it’s looking a little tired, consider cabinet refacing. You don’t have to change a thing; your counters remain intact, the layout you love will still be there, and you won’t get lost looking for the coffee pot when you stumble down in the morning.

Refacing your cabinets is a fairly simple process with stunning results. It works something like this:

If your cabinet box is in good condition, it stays in place while the doors, drawer fronts and hardware are removed.
A good contractor will know what’s available on the market and will show you a wide selection of door styles, wood species, stain colors, glazing, crown molding and hardware.
Once you’ve made your selection, the contractor gets to work on the cabinet boxes. For a quality result, insist on having your cabines boxes lined with wood, veneer or thermofoil, not painted or stained. This gives your cabinets true quality and durability and the appearance is sleek and impressive.
He will then reface your doors, drawers and install the hardware you’ve chosen.
Since you’ve saved so much money – 50-60% of new cabinets – you might as well spring for a few additions that will make you life so much easier. Have him add roll-out shelves, modern fixture and eye-catching hardware.

Key to this process is finding the right contractor. You want one who has been in business for some time and who has excellent referrals. Beyond that, you want one who is up to date with current methods, materials and styles. Keep in mind that an good independent contractor will probably save you even more money. They have less overhead and fewer employees to support.

Cabinet refacing is an excellent alternative to a complete kitchen remodel. The finished product will be of no less quality, the look will turn heads, and your cabinets will be more durable.