Posted: May 2009

Refacing your existing kitchen cabinets is a cost efficient way to remodel your kitchen. The process involves stripping the original finish, repairing the cavities, sanding away the imperfections and finally attaching a new layer of material to the surface of the existing cabinets.

The key advantage of refacing is that it can be performed on most types of cabinets, regardless of their current condition or original material.

Here are some of the material options in refacing your kitchen cabinets.

Laminate is one of the most popular kitchen surface materials due to its low cost, durability, and broad selection of colors and designs.  It is also low maintenance. Today’s laminate material come in designs that resemble natural material such as stone, marble, granite and even wood.

Melamine is an organic compound that is combined with formaldehyde to produce a melamine resin. As a synthetic polymer, melamine is fire resistant and heat tolerant. Melamine can be applied over medium density fiberboards to produce a clean and smooth surface for kitchen cabinets. Melamine sheets are available in a variety of colors and easy to maintain.  Melamine is one of the cheapest materials; however, it is not as durable.

Hardwood is known for its durability and beauty. Many homeowners consider the addition of hardwood to be a value addition to the home.  It ages extremely well and lends itself to staining as well as painting, creating many options for the homeowner.
There are many types of hardwood cabinets to choose from:

• Cherry wood is usually pinkish brown in colors, but also come in shades of gray, green or off white. Cherry wood has a medium to fine grain and is moderately hard and strong.
• Maple wood is available in lighter tan, cream, yellow or reddish brown colors. Maple wood has a close grain which may include curly variations and is a stronger variety of hardwood.
• Oak wood is available in white or reddish shades. Oak wood is open, heavy grains and is distinguishable by the knots in the wood. It is also known for its hardness and durability.
• Rubber wood is available in colors that range from brown to cream. Rubber wood has straight grain with definitive markings which create beautiful patterns. It is not as strong as other varieties of hardwoods.
• Alder wood is available in a wide variety of shades from white to tan and from reddish brown to brown.  Alder wood is preferred mainly for its uniform look which is marked by the absence of curls or variations.
• Birch wood comes in colors from cream to reddish brown. Birch wood has a light straight grain, which often has curly or wavy pattern also.

Veneer is a less expensive substitute for hard wood. It offers the beauty and elegance of hard wood. A veneer panel consists of a thin piece of wood which is glued on to the MDF or particle board surface. Veneer does not have the typical problems associated with hardwood such as warping. It is gaining popularity among homeowners due to its lower cost.

Stainless Steel has also become a popular choice among homeowners. Steel is known for its durability, flexibility and its hygienic qualities. An easy way to achieve the restaurant style professional kitchen is to add the stainless steel cabinets and countertops to your collection of stainless steel appliance. However, steel can be prone to denting and scratching. While steel is easy to clean, it stains easily by fingers prints and as a result may look unclean. To counter this problem, there are many finishes and patterns now available in the marketplace.

Glass cabinet doors have been around for years and are still going strong. There are many possibilities with glass cabinets as glass lends itself to etching, staining and a variety of other processes. Glass cabinets were traditionally used to display the formal dinnerware but glass is now used more liberally. The obvious benefit of glass cabinets is the ability to view what’s in the cabinet.  Glass is very easy to clean with common household cleaners and can be relatively durable. In addition glass is now available in a number of colors, textures, and styles.

Thermofoil cabinets are made using a combination of pressure and heat to apply a vinyl based substance over a medium density fiber board. Thermofoil cabinets are available in many colors and in a variety of wood, metal or textured finishes. They are known for their durability, easy maintenance, and contemporary style.  One note of caution is that excessive heat can result in the vinyl being peeled away.  Also, if the cabinets are not well manufactured, the plastic costing can loosen.  It is advisable to purchase from a well known and trusted manufacturer.

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