Refacing your existing metal kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a whole new look for a fraction of the cost of full cabinet replacement. With some planning, elbow grease, and a few key materials, you can transform dull, dated metal cabinets into a modern and stylish kitchen feature.
Assessing Your Existing Cabinets
Before starting a kitchen cabinet refacing project, carefully inspect your existing cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers. Look for signs of structural damage, rot, pests, or other issues that could impact the integrity of the underlying cabinet structure. If the boxes themselves are in poor shape, refacing may not be the best option.
If the underlying cabinets are structurally sound, identify any problem areas like chipped finishes, broken hinges, and damaged doors/drawer fronts. Refacing can conceal small flaws, but may not work well for covering large areas of damage.
Pay attention to cabinet layout and storage functioning. Refacing is a good time to adjust shelf placement, add pull-out shelves, or make other functional upgrades.
Thoroughly clean cabinets and degrease any areas needing refinishing. Remove doors, hardware, and drawers to make finishing easier.
Selecting Your New Refacing Materials
There are several material options for refacing metal kitchen cabinets:
- Wood veneer panels – Real wood veneer laminated over MDF or plywood provides a seamless wooden look. Oak, maple, and cherry are popular choices.
- Thermofoil – This heat-molded plastic laminate over MDF has color/pattern options resembling real woodgrain. It resists chipping and stands up to moisture.
- Laminate – Durable laminated sheets come in many colors and patterns. Glue-backed laminate adheres directly to cabinet boxes for convenience.
- Metal – New brushed metal, stainless steel, or tin panels replace existing finishes for a uniform look.
Consider the cabinet style, your overall kitchen aesthetic, and functional needs when selecting materials. Get accurate measurements of cabinet sides, doors, and drawer fronts. Leave overhead cabinets in place.
Preparing and Installing New Cabinet Box Covers
Cover visible cabinet box sides by cutting panels of your chosen refacing material to size and adhering tightly. Use contact cement or laminate glue for a seamless finish. Replace any damaged interior shelves.
Use trim molding in matching or coordinating materials to conceal the edges of the new side panels. Carefully miter corners for a built-in look.
Refreshing Doors and Drawer Fronts
Resurfacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts is key to transforming the look. Carefully remove old finishes or laminates with chemical strippers or sanding. Prepare surfaces for optimal adhesion.
For thermofoil and laminate, use spray adhesive or contact cement to attach new panels. Roll surfaces firmly to prevent air bubbles. Attach any decorative trim for accenting.
For wood veneer, apply high-quality wood glue and use a veneer roller or J-roller to smoothly adhere new panels. Clamp doors while the glue dries. Finish raw veneer edges with thin trim.
Metal doors can be spray painted or covered in new tin or stainless steel panels. Take care with alignment and getting full contact between metals.
Reinstalling Doors, Drawers & Hardware
Once finishes are complete, it’s time to put cabinets back together:
- Rehang doors and mount freshly covered drawer fronts. Use new hinges if needed.
- Measure and cut filler panels to replace false fronts or adjust spacings.
- Install any under-cabinet lighting you desire.
- Clean, tighten or replace hardware like knobs and pulls for a matching look.
Take care to properly align doors/drawers and allow full range of motion when opened and closed.
Achieving a Seamless Look
Proper preparation and installation techniques help achieve a built-in look:
- Ensure surfaces are clean prior to finishing for maximum adhesion.
- Eliminate gaps by cutting substrate panels precisely before applying new finishes.
- Use caulk to fill any remaining tiny gaps for an imperceptible transition.
- Take time to get all door/drawer alignments right for a uniform appearance.
Maintaining Your Refaced Cabinets
With the right care, your refaced metal kitchen cabinets can look fresh for years:
- Use gentle cleaners and soft cloths to clean finished surfaces. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
- Immediately wipe up spills, splatters or excess moisture.
- Reseal any raw wood edges annually with waterproof sealant.
- Limit direct heat exposure from cooking appliances to avoid possible delamination.
- Adjust or tighten hinges/hardware as needed to prevent sagging and keep doors/drawers functioning smoothly.
- Touch up nicks or scratches with finish repair kits to prevent additional damage.
With some diligent prep work, high-quality materials, and careful installation, refacing offers an affordable way to give outdated metal kitchen cabinets a much-needed facelift. Follow these tips for a successful and long-lasting kitchen cabinet refacing project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Refacing Metal Kitchen Cabinets
What are the benefits of refacing vs. replacing metal kitchen cabinets?
Refacing is typically 25-50% cheaper than full replacement. It’s less disruptive than a full remodel since existing cabinet boxes stay in place. The process is also eco-friendly since you repurpose frames rather than sending old cabinets to landfills.
Can I reface cabinets myself or do I need to hire a professional?
With some DIY skills, you can definitely reface cabinets on your own. But for best results on extensive projects, a professional kitchen remodeler may be worth the investment. They have specialized tools and expertise for a seamless finish.
Does refacing work well for metal cabinets?
Yes, metal cabinet boxes are ideal candidates for refacing. Unlike wood boxes which can warp or rot over time, sturdy metal frames often remain structurally sound for refacing even in older kitchens.
How do I prep metal cabinets for refacing?
Clean thoroughly, then scuff up surfaces with sandpaper for better adhesion. Remove doors, hardware and drawers. Repair any damage to boxes. Finally, degrease and wipe down boxes prior to applying new finishes.
What’s the best material for refacing metal kitchen cabinets?
It depends on your goals and style. Thermofoil and laminates offer lots of colors and patterns. Wood veneers provide a real wood look. Metal panels like stainless or tin can entirely transform the look while matching existing frames.
How long does it take to reface kitchen cabinets?
The project may take 1-3 weeks from start to finish. The refacing itself can be done in 2-5 days, but allow time for proper prep work, drying between steps, and careful reinstallation of doors, hardware and drawers.
Does refacing kitchen cabinets change the layout?
Not usually, since existing cabinet boxes stay put. You can make minor adjustments like changing filler panels, or adding organizational features inside. But major layout changes are easier with a full replacement.
Will my kitchen have to be out of commission during refacing?
The kitchen may be partially usable, but expect some disruption. Remove items from cabinets and protect countertops. Appliances like stoves may need to be pulled out for access during the process.
Conclusion
Replacing metal kitchen cabinets can revive an outdated, worn-down kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a full remodel. With strategic planning and preparation, new thermofoil panels, wood veneers, laminates or metal can transform the look. Pay attention to details like hardware and trim for a seamless finished appearance. Refacing metal cabinets takes effort, but offers big rewards in kitchen upgrades for reasonable cost and time investment.