To find the best cabinet refinishing expert for your project, start by researching local pros and reading reviews from previous customers. Reach out to a few contractors to discuss your cabinets' size, condition, and the look you're aiming for. Don't hesitate to ask for references or examples of their past work. Speaking with previous clients can give you valuable insights into the pro's workmanship and reliability.
When speaking with potential cabinet refinishing pros, consider asking them several questions to gauge their experience and professionalism. These questions can help you gauge the pro's experience and determine if they align with your needs.
Do you offer a guarantee on your work?
Can you create custom finishes or colors?
Do you have examples or samples of your past projects?
Are you able to match the finish to other cabinets in my home?
How long will the project take from start to finish?
Regular care will help maintain the beauty of your cabinets for years to come. To keep your refinished cabinets looking their best, follow these steps:
Use gentle cleaners: Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the finish. A simple mixture of warm water and mild dish soap works well.
Clean carefully: Instead of spraying solutions directly onto the cabinets, apply them to a soft microfiber cloth and wipe gently.
Protect from heat and moisture: Try to minimize exposure to excessive heat or moisture, which can affect the finish over time.
It's usually less costly to refinish cabinets than to replace them, depending on the cabinet condition. Refinishing cabinets cost an average of $3,114 while replacing cabinets is about $5,000 or more. When deciding to refinish or replace cabinets, consider several factors, including how old your cabinets are, your budget, and whether you need to complete any other renovation projects at the same time.
It may be worth resurfacing (also known as refacing) your cabinets if they’re in good shape but you’re interested in a different look. This is often less expensive than replacing cabinets outright and can allow you to update the look of your cabinets to reflect your kitchen’s current style without having to get rid of them entirely. The cost to reface cabinets is around $4,300 to $10,000, and you can hire a local cabinet refacing pro to handle this work.
Refinishing cabinets takes about two to three days to complete. The process begins with removing cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware, followed by cleaning, stripping, and sanding the surfaces. Any chips, stains, or splits are repaired before applying paint or stain. After applying the finish, the cabinets are reassembled, and the workspace is cleaned up, leaving your cabinets refreshed and renewed.