Cabinet Door Refacing Tips & Tricks

If your cabinets are starting to show their age, or are just outdated in general, replacing all your cabinets may not always be the best option. Refacing cabinets is a great option for getting a brand new look, without going through a full cabinet demo or kitchen remodel. By replacing or refinishing only the “face” of the cabinets—meaning the doors, drawer fronts, and any part of the cabinet facing outward—you’ll get cabinets that look brand new for a fraction of the budget and effort.

Ready to elevate your kitchen design and start refacing cabinet doors? We’re here to walk you through tips and tricks for a successful cabinet door refacing project. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Cabinet Door Refacing?

Refacing cabinet doors is the process of simply replacing the doors of the cabinets rather than the entire cabinets. This cost-effective alternative can help you achieve a fully upgraded look for a fraction of the cost. It's also a DIY-friendly project that won't take up too much time.

When refacing cabinet doors, you generally need to replace three things: Doors, drawer fronts, and cabinet hardware.

When replacing your cabinet doors, it's also wise to replace the drawer fronts. This will ensure they complement one another. You'll also want to consider replacing the hardware and the hinges if worn out.

DIY Refacing Cabinet Door Tips

If you are ready to reface cabinet doors and DIY this project, then it’s time to start exploring your cabinet refacing options. Let’s take a closer look at things you should consider as you get started with your DIY cabinet refacing project. Thinking these things through ahead of time can help you make a smarter, more complete plan and get the look you want.

Here are 10 refacing cabinet door tips to help guide you through your next DIY project:

1. Know The Realty of Cabinet Refacing

Before you start refacing cabinets, it’s crucial to know what you’re getting into. Refacing cabinets may be easier than replacing them, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely effortless. Refacing cabinet doors is the simple part. If you plan to reuse your current hinges, measure your current doors, and then order custom-built replacements in the same size. If you plan to purchase new hinges from CabinetDoors.com, you will need to measure your cabinets for a 1/2 overlay (add 1" to the width and height of the opening).

There's also the option of purchasing new hinges that CabinetDoors.com does not provide. If you go with an inset or a full overlay then you will need to follow the measuring instructions based on the hinges you purchase. From there, the process gets a little trickier—especially if you’re newer to home improvement projects.

2. Refacing won’t change the layout

If you dislike your kitchen layout and want to gut your kitchen and start from scratch, DIY kitchen refacing probably won’t solve the problems you have with your kitchen. However, if you like your current layout and feel comfortable embarking on a project that involves a decent amount of measuring and refinishing, door refacing might be just right for you.

3. Apply a wood veneer

The cabinet base, also called the cabinet boxes or faces, can require some finesse if you’re installing your own wood veneer. Applying wood veneer can create a high-end look, but it requires attention to detail and can be harder and more expensive than just painting the cabinets, which is fairly easy. If you want to retain a wood finish, think about whether you feel confident applying veneer.

4. Look for signs of wear and tear

You will know it’s time to reface your cabinets when they start to show clear signs of wear and tear. That includes dents, dings, scrapes, stains, warping of the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and any other kinds of defects. The face of your cabinets receives the most use and abuse, so it tends to wear out faster than the inside of the cabinets. Only you can decide when the face of your cabinets looks worn out beyond what you can stand, but as soon as you do, start making plans for cabinet refacing options.

5. Set a timeline for the project

Once you get inspired to start this project, don’t let it fall by the wayside! DIY kitchen refacing or bathroom cabinet refacing are the kinds of projects that can easily get put on the back burner when life gets busy. Meanwhile, your cabinets will only continue to look and feel worse. If you need some motivation to get started, remember that refacing cabinets doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking.

You can complete the project with a modest budget, minimal DIY skills, and about 2 weeks time, all in, if you put in the necessary prep and attention. Once you’ve finished the project and see what a big difference it makes, you’ll wonder why you waited so long in the first place!

6. Don’t skimp on style

Refacing is not the same as replacing cabinet doors, and that’s actually a good thing. There’s no need to completely transform the look of your cabinets if you’re already happy with the style, but don’t feel like you have to stick with something the same as or similar to your past cabinets if you’re ready for a change.

Refacing cabinets gives you an endless array of design options to work with and change to meet your aesthetic vision for the space. From the design and style of your cabinet doors, to the overall color scheme of the cabinetry, to the cabinet hardware you choose to install, you can create a brand new look without an enormous budget.

7. Apply a fresh coat of paint

When you think about how to reface cabinet doors DIY, you probably mostly think of installing brand new cabinet doors. However, if you’ve wondered, “Can you reface painted cabinets?” It's helpful to know that you certainly can. In fact, sometimes just repainting can make a world of difference and is a low-cost way to reface and update your kitchen. Right now, white kitchen designs are popular and can be a quick way to give your space an update. If you’re looking to put your house on the market, this may also be the best choice for you. People will see past the style of door, and see a bright new and clean white kitchen! A professional is recommended, but if you possess some DIY skills you can transform your kitchen at a low cost!

8. Apply a conversion varnish

Remember that paint can’t hide every flaw. If your cabinet doors and drawer fronts are significantly banged up or warped, brand new doors and drawer fronts can truly make a huge difference. In that case, consider having them professionally finished in durable Sherwin-Williams conversion varnish. This type of paint provides a long-lasting finish that can stand up to everyday use in high-humidity environments like a kitchen or bathroom, so it’s worth the investment if you prefer a painted finish you can count on to last. If you’re interested in applying a conversion varnish to your cabinet doors, make sure to choose from our wood door options, as conversion varnish is only available for wood door selections

9. Install better hardware

If your old cabinet doors banged shut or your drawers were hard to open and close, your refacing cabinet doors project is the perfect time to install better hardware. New drawer runners can ensure your drawers close smoothly, and soft-close Blum hinges can help your cabinet doors close softly and easily. These kinds of upgrades are relatively inexpensive, but they help your doors and drawers last longer and make using your cabinets and working in your kitchen a lot more pleasant.

10. Look past the cabinets

Once you're done refacing cabinet doors, consider looking for projects you may want to do in addition to refacing cabinets to make your space work and feel better for you. For example, could you also paint the kitchen walls, install a different backsplash, or put in a new kitchen sink? If you’re tackling bathroom cabinet refacing, could you incorporate a colorful accent wall, or add some additional lighting to brighten up the room? All of these are easy upgrades you can tackle during your refacing project, and they’ll make your space look and feel that much better than it did before.

Find Your Next Doors at Cabinetdoors.com

Now that you’ve read through our bathroom and kitchen cabinet refacing tips, you should feel confident getting started with your refacing plan. With thoughtful planning and careful work throughout the process, you can create a brand new look in your space without the hassle or cost of a full remodel. Even better, when you complete the process yourself, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also ensure that you get the best materials for the best results.

Ultimately, learning how to reface cabinets as well as possible is really about finding the right replacement cabinet doors. You’ll want high quality products in the right size and the perfect style. Cabinetdoors.com is here to help you get exactly what you want in cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Browse our large inventory of cabinet doors and drawer fronts today.

More Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Tips and Resources

Looking for more kitchen cabinet refacing tips, tricks, and resources? Our team is here to help you throughout your refacing cabinet door project. That's why we've created comprehensive guides and videos you can use to DIY your installation, paint your cabinets, and more.

• DIY Cabinet Installation: How to Install Cabinet Doors
• How to Replace Your Cabinet Doors
• Unfinished vs. Finished Cabinet Doors: Which is Best for You?

Don't forget to also follow our YouTube Channel for more refacing cabinet door tips and videos.

How long do refaced cabinet doors last?

You can expect your refaced cabinet doors to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on where you buy your replacements and the wood species you choose.

Is resurfacing the same as refacing?

Yes, these two words are interchangeable.

Can you reface old cabinets?

Yes. Before placing your order for replacement cabinet doors, you'll want to make sure the cabinets are in good condition. Look for signs of warping, water damage, and general wear and tear.