Refacing the cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom can make a big difference in how the room will look. It is not a difficult task and with basic DIY skills and a few tools and some time, you are well on your way to having a whole new look.
The first step is to get prepared. Remove everything from the cabinets and drawers, remove the doors and hinges and give the surface a good cleaning with mild soap and water. Once the finish has dried, give it a light sanding. This will help the new veneer adhere to the existing surface.
Install the end panels:
When someone is explaining how to reface cabinets they always say do the sides first. Cut the end panel to size and put wood glue on the reverse side, set it in place and nail it on with finishing nails. The panel is simply thin plywood with one side veneered with the wood choice you have made.
Veneer the boxes:
The front of the cabinet has both vertical and horizontal members called stiles and rails. Add the veneer that you have chosen to the vertical styles and then the horizontal rails. The veneer that you use will be thin and can be cut exactly to size with scissors. It is affixed to the surfaces with a self-adhesive backing. Apply the veneer carefully making sure you do not trap any air bubbles under it. The edges of the veneer can be trimmed to the exact width once applied. Use a very sharp utility knife for this. When the veneer is being applied to the horizontal rails, overlap a little with the stile, then this can be cut with the utility knife for a perfect joint.
Once you have reached this point the hard work is finished. It is now time to hang the new doors and install the new drawer fronts. Make sure the new doors are hung perfectly vertical and square. The hinges should be attached to the door first and then the case. The new drawer fronts are screwed on to the existing drawer box. To complete the job all you have to do now is install the new drawer pulls and door handles.
When you purchase your replacement doors and refacing supplies from Cabinet Doors Depot, you can watch a video that gives you step by step instructions on how to reface cabinets.
