Maya Ellison
Refacing cabinets is a cost-effective way to give your kitchen a new look without the hassle of a complete remodel. The process involves covering the cabinet face frame with self-adhesive veneer sheets and the end panels with plywood. You can choose from a variety of colours and styles for your cabinet veneer and give your kitchen a fresh, updated look. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to resurface cabinets with plastic veneer, offering a quick and easy solution to transform your space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To change the look of a kitchen without the mess and expense of a complete remodelling |
| Cost | About one-third the cost of new cabinets; refacing costs 30-50% less than custom cabinet replacement |
| Tools | Utility knife, carpenter square, laminate slitter, paper cutter, table saw |
| Materials | Wood veneer, plywood, glue, filler, sandpaper, polyurethane, paintbrush |
| Process | Remove cabinet doors and drawers; cover cabinet face frame with veneer; replace doors and drawers; replace hinges, handles, and drawer pulls; stain and paint |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Assess the condition of your cabinets:
Start by examining your existing cabinets to determine if they are suitable for refacing. Ensure that your cabinets have sturdy construction, preferably made of plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Check that the cabinet surfaces, including the sides and faces, are smooth and in good condition. Also, assess the internal hardware, such as drawer tracks, shelves, and internal storage structures, to ensure they are functioning properly.
Measurements and calculations:
Take accurate measurements of your cabinets, including the height and width of each door, drawer front, and surface area of the cabinet frames you plan to cover with veneer. Don't forget to measure the rails and stiles (horizontal and vertical faces) of the cabinets. Record these measurements carefully, as they will be crucial for ordering the right amount of veneer and other materials. Consider ordering a little extra veneer to account for any mistakes or adjustments.
Gather the necessary tools and materials:
Before you begin the resurfacing process, ensure you have all the required tools and materials. You will need items like adhesive, clamps, hinges, hardware, a level, a measuring tape, a paintbrush or roller, sandpaper, a screwdriver or drill, a utility knife, wood filler, and, of course, the veneer sheets. You may also need a laminate slitter or a paper cutter to cut the veneer strips to the desired length and width.
Prepare the work area:
Remove all items from your cabinets and drawers. This step provides an excellent opportunity to declutter and get rid of anything you no longer need. Then, remove all cabinet doors, drawers, drawer fronts, and existing hardware, such as hinges and handles. Label each piece as you remove it to facilitate reassembly later. Clean the sides and faces of the cabinets and drawers thoroughly with a mild cleaner to remove grease, dirt, and residue. Allow the surfaces to dry completely before proceeding.
Select the veneer and complementary items:
Choose veneer sheets, replacement drawers, and cabinet fronts that complement the style and colour of your current kitchen. Consider the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve and select a veneer that aligns with your vision. You may also want to select new door hinges, handles, and drawer pulls to match the updated look.
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Cutting the veneer
Resurfacing cabinets with plastic veneer is a budget-friendly way to give your kitchen a new look without a complete remodel. It involves removing cabinet doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer over the cabinet body. You can cut and install oversized strips of veneer and trim them with a sharp razor knife, but it is preferable to cut the strips to the exact width and length needed before applying them. Here is a step-by-step guide to cutting the veneer:
Tools for Cutting the Veneer
You can use a laminate slitter, a table saw, or a utility knife and ruler or straight edge to cut the veneer. If you are using a utility knife, change the blade frequently to ensure clean cuts. An inexpensive paper cutter can also be used for cutting veneer strips to length.
Measuring the Rails and Stiles
Rails are the horizontal faces of the cabinets, and stiles are the vertical pieces. Measure and record the dimensions of the rails and stiles, marking where the veneer pieces will go.
Cut the veneer strips with the wood grain or pattern running lengthwise. Each strip should be cut 1/2-inch wider and 2 inches longer than the corresponding rail or stile. If you are using a laminate slitter, set the depth and width of the cut, and slide the tool along the edge of the veneer sheet to create a strip of the desired width.
Applying the Veneer
Always begin by applying veneer to the stiles or vertical lengths. Align the first piece so that it slightly overhangs all the edges of the stile. Peel one corner of the backing away and press it into place. Continue to peel away the backing and press the adhesive side down as you work. Use a small wood block to firmly press down the length of the strip, removing any air bubbles so that the glue adheres smoothly and firmly.
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Applying the veneer
Before applying the veneer, it is important to measure all the rails and stiles of your cabinet. Rails are the horizontal faces of the cabinets, and stiles are the vertical pieces. Mark where the veneer pieces will go.
There are two methods for applying cabinet veneer sheets to a face frame. The first method involves cutting and installing oversized strips and trimming them in place with a sharp razor knife. The second method involves cutting the strips to the exact width and length needed before applying them. This can be done with a laminate slitter, a tool intended to cut strips of plastic laminate, or with a table saw.
When cutting the veneer, cut with the wood grain or pattern running lengthwise. Cut each strip 1/2-inch wider and 2 inches longer than the corresponding rail or stile. Change the knife blade frequently to ensure clean cuts.
Always begin applying veneer on the stiles (vertical lengths). Take the first piece and align it so that it slightly overhangs all the edges of the stile. Peel one corner of the backing away and then press it into place. Continue to peel away the backing and press the adhesive side down as you go. Use a small wood block to firmly press down the length of the strip, forcing out any air bubbles so the glue adheres smoothly and firmly.
Apply the veneer to the rails (horizontal faces) of the cabinet, ensuring it overlaps the stiles on both sides. Use a carpenter square to align the join between the two pieces of veneer. Slice through both pieces of veneer with a utility knife and remove the excess piece of top veneer from the rail. Lift the edge of the rail veneer and remove the cut piece of stile veneer from underneath. Smooth the edge of the rail veneer back into place, creating a neat joint.
Once the veneer is applied, you can proceed with the rest of the cabinet refacing process, which may include replacing doors and drawer fronts, replacing hardware, and sanding and staining the veneer.
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Trimming and finishing
When applying the veneer, always start with the stiles (vertical lengths). Align the veneer so that it slightly overhangs all the edges of the stile. Then, peel one corner of the backing away and press it into place. Continue to peel away the backing and press the adhesive side down as you go. Use a small wood block to firmly press down the length of the strip, forcing out any air bubbles so that the glue adheres smoothly and firmly.
Next, apply the veneer to the rails (horizontal faces) of the cabinet, ensuring it overlaps the stiles on both sides. Use a carpenter square to align the join between the two pieces of veneer. Then, run your utility knife along the guideline and slice through both pieces of veneer. Remove the excess piece of top veneer from the rail and lift the edge of the rail veneer. Take out the cut piece of stile veneer from underneath and smooth the edge of the rail veneer back into place.
After you've applied the veneer to all the cabinet surfaces, clean the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Allow them to dry thoroughly. Then, lightly sand the surfaces and wipe them down with a tack cloth. Stain the cabinet doors and drawer fronts to match the new veneer. Use a paintbrush to fill in any detail areas and let it dry. Finally, apply the first coat of polyurethane with a paintbrush.
It is important to note that properly applied veneers can last for 15 to 20 years on average. Improperly applied veneers can peel relatively quickly, especially near heat-producing areas like ovens, toasters, or rice cookers.
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Installing new doors and hardware
Installing new cabinet doors is an easy way to freshen up your space. Before you start, ensure you have everything you need. You will require high-quality cabinet doors that fit your existing cabinets perfectly, hinges, and suitable screws. If your doors have knobs or pulls that you would like to save, remove them and set them aside. You should also keep track of the screws and hardware if you plan to reuse them.
Begin by opening the cabinet door and using a screwdriver to remove the screws that attach the hinges to the cabinet frame. Once the hinges are detached, carefully lift the door away from the cabinet. Now, you can install the hinges on the new doors. Place your cabinet door face-down and check the orientation is correct. Then, place the hinge inside the pre-drilled hole and press down so it's flat and snug. All the holes should line up nicely. Use a measuring tape to ensure the hinge is even and square-shouldered to the edge of your door. Finally, drive two screws into the open holes.
Once the hinges are installed, you can mount the door to the cabinet frame. Before you do so, wash down your cabinets and face frames to remove any grease, grime, or buildup. Once these steps are complete, you’re ready to install your cabinet doors.
Now that your cabinet doors are mounted and aligned properly, you can add any finishing touches. If you’ll be installing handles, door pulls, or other hardware, you’re ready to do so! Installing hardware allows you to add your personal touch to your kitchen. Simply updating the kind of pulls or handles you use for your cabinets can change the atmosphere from a cozy cottage kitchen to a sophisticated modern space. Cabinet knobs, for example, are easy to grab and add a classic finish to your cabinet doors and drawers.
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Frequently asked questions
Cabinet refacing involves removing cabinet doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer over the existing surface of the cabinet body or boxes. It is a budget-friendly way to change the look of your kitchen without a complete remodel.
You will need a utility knife, a ruler or straight edge, a small wood block, and a carpenter square. You will also need a tool to cut the veneer sheets to size, such as a laminate slitter or a table saw.
First, measure and record the size of the rails and stiles (horizontal and vertical faces) of the cabinets. Cut the veneer strips to the correct size, allowing for a slight overhang. Apply the veneer to the stiles first, peeling back the adhesive backing and pressing it into place. Smooth out any air bubbles with a wood block. Repeat this process for the rails, overlapping the veneer with the stiles on both sides.
Cabinet refacing is a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to refresh the look of your kitchen. It is also a more sustainable option than cabinet replacement, as it reuses the existing cabinet structure. Properly applied veneers can last for 15 to 20 years on average.
