One of the best benefits with wood is that it is able to be refinished several times to make furniture look the way it did when new, and this benefit applies to wood cabinets, as well. The frequency at which you can refinish cabinets is dependent on many factors, such as the quality of the wood, the materials used, and how well the cabinets have been maintained. How long your refinished cabinets will last before the process must be followed up is dependent on wear and tear and what sort of maintenance you perform. A professional cabinet refinishing service can last anywhere between five and ten years or more, depending on the factors talked about above.
Cabinet refinishing is almost always more affordable than buying new ones and is a worthwhile investment in many circumstances, including when:
- Existing Cabinets Are in Decent Condition: When your cabinets are damaged or decayed, it could be more cost-effective to consider replacement.
- Environmental Sustainability Is a Priority: If reducing your carbon footprint is one of your biggest values, you may want to consider cabinet refinishing as a better way to reduce waste by upcycling your existing cabinets.
- You Want To Achieve a Unique Look: Refinishing can be done in a huge variety of colors and finishes to bring to life a vision that is wholly unique and matches your tastes.
- Boosting Home Resale Value Cost-Effectively: If you're preparing to sell your property, cabinet refinishing is a cost-effective project to enhance its appeal to try and maximize profits.
- You Are Pleased With the Current Layout and Operability: You're existing cabinets may already work great with your kitchen's design and provide ideal functionality.
- Minimum Disruption is Necessary: Cabinet refinishing results in minimal chaos to your lifestyle compared to a complete cabinet replacement.
Property owners in Ventura, CA have related paying nearly 70% less when refinishing their cabinets as opposed to replacing them. Prior to choosing cabinet refinishing, weigh your personal needs, budget, and the condition of your cabinets to understand if this project is right for you.
While there may not be industry-mandated licenses specifically for cabinet refinishing professionals, there are some qualifications and indicators of expertise that you can look for when vetting someone to refinish your cabinets. Many of the best contractors will prominently display their background in carpentry, woodworking, or a relevant field on their Thumbtack page.
You will want to ask the contractor you are thinking about hiring for a portfolio with pictures of cabinets they have refinished in the past, especially for results that look like the style you're trying to accomplish. Besides a portfolio, most professional contractors will demonstrate their experience and dependability with online customer feedback.
A reliable expert will supply a detailed written estimate of the job before it starts, outlining the scope of services, materials, and all associated costs. Contractors should have adequate communication skills and a readiness to answer all of your questions and concerns regarding cost, schedule, and craftsmanship during the refinishing project. You should also ask for warranties or guarantees with the service, which is another factor that can demonstrate they have confidence in the quality of their workmanship.
A professional taking care of your cabinet refinishing job will follow an established process for efficiency and excellent results. There are generally several steps used to transform the aesthetic of existing cabinets, including:
- Assessment and Preparation: Cabinets are first assessed to ensure they are in good enough condition to be refinished. If so, any gear will be disassembled, such as handles, knobs, and hinges, and all cabinet surfaces need to be cleaned to remove any dirt, grease, or other contaminants.
- Touch-Up and Fill: Some small issues, like scratches, dents, and other blemishes in the wood will be repaired or filled to better blend in when staining or painting.
- Painting or Staining: Whatever you choose for paint, stain, or finishing method will be applied in careful, even coats to get the look you've envisioned. The drying and curing stage is critical to imparting a high-quality outcome, and could need a few hours to complete.
- Reassembly: After your paint or stain completely cures, any hardware will be reattached and cabinets completely reassembled for use. Performing a quality inspection will make sure the finished project meets your expectations, which includes a last cleanup of the entire work area.
It's important to keep in mind that the specific refinishing process may vary depending on aspects such as the type of cabinets and the chosen finish. Also, professionals may employ specialized techniques, such as distressing or glazing, to accomplish specific aesthetic results, which could require a longer amount of time. Make sure to communicate directly with any contractor you hire to guarantee they have the skill to bring your vision to life.