How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets (DIY): Affordable Cabinet Update

Refacing kitchen cabinets is a fast and cost-effective way to transform the look of your kitchen without the cost and disruption of a full renovation. It involves replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts while updating the exterior structure with new veneer, paint, or stain. 

If you’re ready to give your kitchen a fresh look, here’s a comprehensive guide to refacing your cabinets yourself.

Key Takeaways:

• Refacing your kitchen cabinets is a cost-effective way to refresh a kitchen’s look.
• With the right tools, handy skills, and steps, you can add the personalized refacing touch to the kitchen cabinets yourself.

Table of Contents

How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets

The DIY cabinet refacing process involves the following steps:

Planning and Preparation 

1. Assess Your Cabinets

Start by examining your existing cabinets to ensure they are structurally sound. Refacing is ideal for cabinets with solid frames but outdated or worn-out exteriors.

2. Choose Materials

Decide on the type of material you want for your new cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Popular options include wood, laminate, or thermofoil. For the cabinet surfaces, you can choose between wood veneer, plastic laminates, or a fresh coat of paint.

3. Measure Accurately

Measure the cabinet surfaces and door sizes precisely. When ordering new doors or finishes, providing accurate measurements is crucial to ensure everything fits perfectly.

4. Gather Tools and Materials

Prepare all necessary tools and materials before you start. Typical supplies include:

• Safety Equipment (googles, gloves, and masks)
• Measuring tape and pencil
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Utility knife
• Adhesive or iron-on-veneer glue
• Sandpaper or sanding machine
• Paint or stain
• Veneer or laminate sheets
• New hardware (handles, knobs, hinges, cabinet doors and drawer fronts)

Remove Old Components

1. Remove Doors and Hardware

Use a screwdriver to remove the cabinet doors, hinges, and hardware. Keep all screws and hinges safe if you plan to reuse them.

2.Clean and Prepare Surfaces

Thoroughly clean the cabinet frames and exposed surfaces. Sand down any rough spots to create a smooth surface for the new veneer or paint to adhere.

3. Apply New Veneer or Paint

If you are using veneer, carefully measure and cut the veneer sheets to fit each section of the cabinet frame. Apply adhesive to the cabinet surface and place the veneer, using a roller to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles.

4. Painting

If painting, apply a primer followed by your chosen color. Sand lightly between coats for a smooth finish. Use a brush or roller suitable for the type of paint you are using to achieve the best results.

Install New Doors and Drawers

1. Prepare Doors and Drawer Fronts

If you purchased ready-made doors and drawer fronts, they might come pre-drilled for hinges. If not, you’ll need to drill these holes yourself, ensuring they match the placement on your existing frames.

2. Install Hinges

Attach new or existing hinges to your doors. Align them carefully with the frame and adjust as necessary to ensure the doors hang evenly.

3. Attach Doors and Drawers

Mount the new doors to the cabinet frames and add the drawer fronts to the existing drawers. Adjust the fit and alignment until everything opens and closes smoothly.

Add Finishing Touches

1. Install New Hardware

Choose knobs or pulls that complement your new cabinet look. Installing new hardware is the simplest way to update the appearance of your cabinets.

2. Caulking and Cleanup

Apply caulk around any gaps or seams to give your cabinets a finished look. Clean up any excess glue, paint, or dust from the refacing process.

Final Inspection

Take a step back and inspect your work. Adjust any misaligned doors or hardware. Once everything looks good, you can enjoy your newly refaced cabinets, which should provide a fresh, updated appearance to your kitchen.