How Much Does It Cost To Refinish Kitchen Cabinets?

Things to Consider Before Refinishing

• Transitioning from a stained wood cabinet to a darker stain or a solid finish is easy. Cabinets that already have a solid laminate finish, however, are usually not made from wood that can be stained. Also, cabinets are frequently made with medium density fiberboard which is not wood and can't be stained.

• Oak cabinets are difficult to refinish. Finishing them in a solid color will result in the grain showing through.

• Cabinet door hinges may need to be updated as old hinges may not match well with newly refinished doors. Modern concealed hinges are hidden when the door is closed, but updating to this type of hinge can leave visible screw holes and impressions. A professional can hide these imperfections with wood putty.

• Cabinets with finishes that are splitting aren't good candidates for refinishing. In this instance, it's better to consider refacing.

• Before refinishing, cabinets should be checked for damage, face frames should be secured firmly to the cabinets and shelves should be securely attached.

• Modern cabinet refinishing technology allows professionals to refinish cabinets without removing them. The process can be completed in just a few days without leaving a mess.

Choose Your Refinishing

You can choose to restore the original finish of your cabinets or refresh them with a different color. A basic refinishing will spruce up your cabinets with the same stain or glaze that was originally used. A professional can repair faded finishes and revitalize the wood. Cabinets can also be redone to be slightly darker but still keep the same color scheme. Another option is to change the color completely or darken the tone for a trendier, modern appearance.