If your kitchen or bath cabinets are looking worn and outdated, cabinet refinishing in NYC is an affordable way to give them new life. Refinishing properly updates both the interiors and exteriors of your cabinets for a cohesive finished look. Here is a guide to signs your cabinets could use some TLC along with what to expect from the refinishing process.
Signs Your Cabinets Would Benefit from Refinishing
There are some clear indicators that your cabinets are distressed enough to warrant a full refinish. Here are key things to look for:
- Visible nicks, scratches, worn spots or peeling veneers
- Faded, yellowed or discolored areas on interior or exterior surfaces
- Noticeable variations in color/finish between door fronts and cabinet boxes
- Doors or drawers that stick and don’t open smoothly
- Chipped corners or cracking around joints
If the cabinets feel grimy no matter how much you clean, the protective finish has likely worn off. Refinishing provides a fresh new sealed surface and evens out the color tones across all cabinetry.
What Refinishing Entails
The process of cabinet refinishing in NYC involves complete stripping of old finish layers first. This prepares the surfaces for flawless adhesion of the new finish. After thorough sanding, skilled pros then build up multiple coats of durable sealant. The steps include:
- Removing doors, drawers, and hardware
- Extensive cleaning, sanding, patching cracks/holes
- Spot repairs of worn areas or damage
- Applying high-bond primers
- Spraying on finish coatings for sheen and protection
- Reinstalling components once the finish cures
Cost Considerations for Refinishing vs Replacing
In New York City, costs for refinishing generally average $5,000–$15,000 depending on kitchen size, cabinet quality, necessary repairs, and materials used. Refacing just the cabinet boxes or doors runs $2,000 to $7,000. In comparison, brand new cabinetry runs $15,000 to $40,000+ for a full demolition and replacement.
Considering you can restore your cabinets to almost new condition at just a fraction of replacement cost, refinishing offers excellent bang for buck. Along with the cost difference, you also retain your current cabinet configuration and layout.
Investing in a quality refinish every 10-15 years renews your cabinets for maximum longevity over decades of use. With some TLC from the experts, your kitchen can always stay stylish and functional no matter its age!
