Most cabinet refacing projects look great at first. However, not all are equal—quality is what determines whether your refaced cabinetry will still look good years later.
Many homeowners struggle to tell the difference between a high-quality cabinet refacing contractor and a cheap refacing contractor, so let’s discover ways to distinguish them.
Why High-Quality Refacing Matters
Cabinet refacing is a popular way to upgrade kitchens because it improves your cabinetry’s function and appearance while reducing renovation costs.
In terms of quality, a reliable project involves recovering existing cabinet boxes with solid wood, replacing doors and drawer fronts, and installing new hardware. Refaced kitchens can even cost half as much as a complete tear-out replacement project.
That said, a significant part of the value of refacing depends on your contractor. A high-quality professional offers cabinet refacing with best practices in mind, such as:
- The quality of the materials they use
- Their available customization options
- Reliable consultations and customer service
- Experience, reviews, and accolades
- Licensing, insurance, and warranty terms
And more! The result is a functional, visually appealing cabinetry that can withstand heat, moisture, and daily use for years, if not decades, and a service that leaves you satisfied.
Meanwhile, lesser-quality contractors often rely on flimsy materials and use unreliable processes, among other things. They might be cheaper, but they usually produce inferior results.
With that in mind, let’s elaborate on the qualities indicating that a refacing contractor can get the job done properly.
Quality of Materials
A good refacing professional uses top-of-the-line materials, which are the foundation of a durable cabinet refacing project. Select-grade solid wood is the gold standard, offering superior strength and grain consistency.
They also use premium cabinet refacing materials, such as:
- Custom-crafted solid wood cabinet doors and drawer fronts
- Thick 1/4″ solid wood facing (not thin veneer)
- Manufacturer-applied finishes that produce durable surfaces
- Heavy-duty hardware that boosts your cabinets’ functionality
Furthermore, reputable refacers offer a wide selection of wood species, door styles, woodgrain finishes, solid colors, and other aesthetic options. They also prioritize US-sourced materials and partner with local craftsmen for fabrication to ensure the final outcome meets high standards.
Customization
In terms of customization, professional cabinet refacing professionals offer more than cosmetic upgrades.
For instance, they can reconfigure your existing cabinets to meet modern functional needs. These include converting lower cabinets into drawer banks to expand storage or adding new cabinets where needed. Other modifications they may offer include:
- Extending upper cabinets toward the ceiling
- Adjusting cabinet sizes to accommodate appliances
- Creating custom “built-in” appearances for refrigerators and microwaves
Beyond cabinets, high-quality professionals can install new countertops, features like backsplashes and undercabinet lighting, and fixtures like new sinks and faucets to ensure your kitchen design feels cohesive and reflects your personal style.
Experience
When selecting a contractor, consider how long the company has been in the refacing business. These projects require precise measurement and installation techniques that easily yield mediocre results without adequate experience.
Those who have spent years specializing in refacing and finish carpentry are also generally better equipped to handle unforeseen challenges and provide consistent, high-quality results.
References, Reviews, and Accolades
Reputable contractors showcase industry recognition for meeting the highest cabinet refacing quality standards. They can also present references from local customers who can vouch for their workmanship and professionalism.
Accreditations from organizations such as the Better Business Bureau™ (BBB) and Angi® further indicate the refacer’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
An established online presence is also essential. Websites and social media accounts offer insights into the company’s reputation, as well as customer reviews and documentation of previous work.
Licensing and Insurance
A trustworthy refacing business is fully licensed and insured, and is willing to provide the necessary documents.
Proper licensing ensures competency with trade skills, state and local codes, and safety regulations. Some unreliable contractors may sidestep licensing to cut costs—a common red flag in cabinet refacing. Contractors should carry proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident or property damage during the project.
Consultation
An in-home consultation lets you see and feel product samples in your own kitchen, under your lighting conditions. This makes it easier to compare materials, colors, and finishes with the rest of your space.
During this process, a high-quality contractor clearly explains all materials and their methods so that you can proceed with the project confidently.
They also provide a firm and detailed cost estimate during the consultation. The figure shouldn’t be exorbitant, since refacing preserves most of the existing cabinet boxes and often the overall footprint. This helps avoid costly repairs to floors, walls, and surrounding structures that arise from a complete replacement project.
Still, a quality refacing project shouldn’t be cheap. After all, it still utilizes high-grade materials and experienced installers. Consider unusually low estimates with caution, as they may indicate inferior materials or workmanship.
Timeline
An experienced contractor can typically complete a cabinet refacing project within four to seven days. Projects with more extensive modifications extend this timeline, but should still progress efficiently and with minimal disruption to your home.
Responsiveness and Customer Service
Strong communication is crucial to any business, especially for home improvement contractors. Quality refacers respond promptly to your inquiries and keep you informed at every stage of the project.
Because measuring, ordering, and manufacturing take time, especially with many clients lined up, reputable businesses are busy and often schedule projects months in advance.
Meanwhile, a contractor who is immediately available might not have a consistent workload, which can speak to their customer service or lack of skills.
Waste and Cleanup
Professional refacers have effective dust and mess control measures in place during and after installation. They perform daily cleanup to maintain a safe work environment and keep your home tidy.
They also dispose of old cabinet doors and other scrap materials immediately, recycling components whenever possible.
Warranty
A high-quality cabinet refacing contractor stands behind their work with a comprehensive warranty covering materials and labor. Be sure to review their warranty period and coverage to ensure your peace of mind long after the project is complete.
FAQ: Quality Standards in Cabinet Refacing
Let’s answer some popular questions about what quality and professional standards to look for in a reliable cabinet refacing project.
High-quality cabinet refacing features premium materials, such as:
- 1/4″ select grade solid wood facings
- Made-to-order solid wood doors and drawer fronts
- US-sourced wood components to ensure quality standards
- Heavy-duty and functional metal alloy hardware
The best refacing contractors have:
- Trained and skilled installers with years of experience in finish carpentry
- Capability to modify a cabinet’s size and function, and create highly customized installations
- Awards and accolades from industry organizations, as well as numerous positive customer reviews and referrals
- Proper licensing and insurance
- Excellent communication and responsiveness; a comprehensive warranty
Generally, professional cabinet refacing should last decades with proper care and minimal maintenance.
Quality refacing uses solid wood for doors, drawer fronts, and facings, which is more durable and resistant to moisture and wear. Meanwhile, cheap refacing typically uses veneers and laminates that are prone to moisture damage, peeling, and warping, resulting in a shorter lifespan for your cabinets.
Why Quality Cabinet Refacing Is Worth It
Despite the initial investment, it’s best to choose a contractor that prioritizes quality and durability. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, review materials, and evaluate craftsmanship carefully to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Thankfully, you don’t have to second-guess with American Wood Reface. We offer high-quality cabinet refacing services, using premium 1/4″ solid wood facing, new handcrafted doors, and expert installation techniques, so that your newly refreshed cabinets stand the test of time.
