Cabinet Refacing Materials: Tips to Consider Before You Buy

When deciding on which cabinet refacing materials you want to use in your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, you have to take a good look at your budget and the needs of the property in question. Here are some things to take into consideration.

What is the Goal of the Project?

If this is your home and will be your home for a long time, this might make a big difference in what you decide to purchase. Perhaps wood veneer is the only material that will do. However, if it is a low-end rental home you're working on, plastic laminates or RTF (rigid thermofoil) are good choices.

What is Your Budget?

Of course, budget is always a consideration and often the motivation for a refacing project in the first place. Wood veneer is going to add a substantial cost to the job, especially if high-end woods like cherry are used.

Who are the Occupants?

Is there a lot of traffic in and out of the room that is being remodeled? Are children and/or animals a factor? The best option for cabinets that might take some abuse is RTF, as it is a very durable cabinet refacing material and cheap to replace. Some wood veneers can be durable as well, but keep in mind they are more expensive to fix.

Do You Want Custom Features?

If you really want to get creative with designs when remodeling your cabinets - making cool arches or raised panels - RTF might be the choice for you. It is a workable material that can be used to create lots of interesting decorative shapes.