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Article
from Rockler.com
Refacing Your Cabinetry
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outdated kitchens.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
Once you've completed the most difficult part of the
project - that is, choosing the style of replacement doors and drawers want,
measuring them and placing an order, the installation process can begin. See
our informative
guide to refacing
for complete installation instructions.
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