Cabinet Refacing Materials: Five Options

By Karen Lawson
RefacingCabinet.com Columnist

Selecting cabinet refacing materials is an important decision that can impact the quality of your results and long term functionality and enjoyment of your kitchen. Here's a quick rundown on available materials, along with their high and low points.

• Wood: Kitchen remodeling experts assert that wood is the best material for kitchen cabinet refacing. Use wood that is 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick because thinner veneers can crack and split. Wooden cabinet doors and drawer fronts are available in unfinished and finished styles. Wood's beauty is hard to beat, but its cost can be prohibitive. Good quality wood veneers can provide a more financially friendly option for cabinet refacing.
• Veneers: Top grade wood veneers of 3/16 inch or more can be an economical alternative to solid wood, while preserving the appearance of wood kitchen cabinets. Today's cabinets are often constructed using a veneer of solid wood for doors and drawers of cabinets constructed of less expensive materials. High quality wood veneer should not be confused with thin wood veneers or "peel and stick" products.
• Rigid Thermo Foil (RTF): This is a polyvinyl chloride coating bonded to wood. RTF is highly durable and allegedly "kid proof." It may be an ideal choice if your kitchen gets heavy use. RTF is available in a palette of colors and wood grain styles.
• Laminates: Using laminate materials is a less expensive way to reface kitchen cabinets, but the results can be less than satisfactory. Very thin laminate material is backed with glue and can be applied to existing cabinet doors and drawers. Laminates may not hold up to everyday use, but can be a good selection for refacing cabinets in other areas of your home, garage, or workshop.
• Glass: Glass cabinet doors add visual interest and can enhance many kitchen cabinet styles. Refacing cabinets with glass doors allows displays of china, glassware, or curios. If you want to add texture, etched or stained glass can add visual interest without displaying the contents of your cabinets. Although glass cabinet doors are relatively durable, they are fragile when compared to wood and other cabinet refacing materials.

Once you've chosen a cabinet refacing material, complete your cabinet refacing project by selecting hardware appropriate to your new kitchen cabinet style. Cabinet hardware is available in many styles and finishes including whimsical and themed designs that compliment a variety of kitchen cabinet styles.

About The Author

Karen Lawson is a freelance writer whose interests include home renovation and decor. She holds an MA degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.