Options for Changing Your Cabinets Video

Video Overview: Four Ways to Update Your Cabinets

1. Painting

• • Painting is the least expensive and fastest way to change your cabinets. It is only a cosmetic change, as it does not change the general design, layout or interior of the cabinetry.
  • Homeowners can paint their own cabinets or hire someone to paint them. Common paint colors for kitchen cabinets include white, cream and black.

1. Refinishing

• • Cabinet refinishing involves stripping off the original finish of the cabinets and then applying a new stain and topcoat. Homeowners should select the new stain based on the style and species of the doors.
  • Refinishing is a good idea if you like the door styles and layout and just want to give them a clean look. Refinishing is an inexpensive way to spruce up the kitchen.

1. Refacing

• • Refacing is a little more expensive than painting or refinishing. It involves removing the doors, applying a new veneer to the exterior box cabinet and then installing brand new doors and drawer fronts.
  • There are many door options for homeowners to choose from, but their choices are limited with sizes and features. Refacing can be done in one to two weeks.

1. Remodeling

• • Kitchen remodeling involves completely removing all the existing cabinetry and ordering and installing new ones. The new cabinets can be a different style, size, color and include special features that the original cabinetry did not have.
  • Kitchen remodeling can be very expensive - especially if the homeowner also needs to replace the floor and countertops. It may take up to eight weeks to complete a total kitchen remodel.