A Simple Job
Refacing your cabinetry typically involves the replacement of doors
and drawer fronts and the resurfacing of your cabinet faces to match.
It's a simple process that can breathe a fresh new life into tired, old
and outdated kitchens. Rockler's cabinet refacing program makes refacing
a quick and simple job with the following three-step method.
Before You Begin!
Choose your hinges before you order or make new doors for your
cabinets. The style of hinge that you choose will determine the size of
doors you will need. Please read our
article
on hinges before proceeding.
Step #1: Choose Your New Door, Drawer Fronts
& End Panels
Update your cabinetry by adding doors and drawer fronts that match
the fit and finish of your existing cabinetry. You can make your own
doors and drawer fronts, or have them custom-made through Rockler's Door
and Drawer program. Old, broken down drawers can also be replaced
entirely. With plenty of styles to choose from, buying them ready-made
from Rockler's
custom door and drawer program is an affordable
alternative that can save lots of time and energy. If new doors and
drawer fronts alone won't complete the job to your satisfaction, the
option of refacing your existing surfaces' end panels and face frames is
a great way to coordinate existing casework with your new doors and
drawer fronts.
Note: Drawers that are in good condition may need only to
have their drawer slides replaced. If the replacement of broken drawer
slides is necessary, see Rockler's selection of Drawer
Slides.
Step #2: Choose Your Refacing Alternative
Once you've selected your new door and drawer front styles, you can
decide on a refacing alternative to match. Veneer
and wood surfaces or Rigid Thermo Foil (RTF)
laminate are Rockler's suggested refacing methods. For the look and feel
of a wood surface, Rockler recommends Pressure
Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) wood veneer and
3/16" plywood end panels. Door and drawer fronts of solid wood or
matching PSA veneers are available in red oak, cherry, maple, ash, and
hickory. Or, a matte white finish is also available in a durable RTF
laminate on a solid MDF core. The advantages of each are listed below.
Advantages of Wood
Wood offers the beauty, elegance, depth and texture that can only
come from a natural wooden surface. Wood covering can be easily
installed with a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) wood veneer that
perfectly matches your doors and drawer fronts. PSA Veneers are
self-adhering and offer "peel and stick" simplicity. Clean up
goes fast because there are no messy glues or cements required. For
extra durability around corners, solid
wood are available. However, solid wood will require more work and
expense. Plywood panel doors are a select grade with solid wood frames
for a durable and lasting emplacement.
Advantages of RTF
RTF technology is a flexible and durable vinyl foil laminate that is
pressure molded over a lasting substrate. A state-of-the-art laminating
process creates a surface that is many times more rugged and hardier
than paint or finish. It can be molded into a wide range of styles such
as raised panel or cathedral arches. This is an excellent alternative
for a durable and washable matte finish.
Step #3: The Refacing Process
