If you want to give your kitchen cabinets an updated look without the price tag of a full remodel, cabinet refacing is a great option that is a fraction of the cost. However, it is important to be careful when choosing which company will handle your cabinet refacing work. Be wary of companies that use veneers, here’s why:
What are Veneers?
First, it’s helpful to know what veneers are. Veneers are made of thin sheets of wood or melamine, a plastic known as thermofoil. Basically, either the wood or plastic is attached to particle board and then applied to your cabinets.
The Problem with Veneers
Using veneers for cabinet refacing has major drawbacks: they aren’t as durable as other materials. Since they’re a thin covering applied to the cabinet surface, they’re prone to chipping and damage, especially around the edges and corners. This can make your kitchen look unsightly and diminish its overall beauty. Opting for new hardwood doors and drawer faces in cabinet refacing, like N-Hance® does, ensures the durability your kitchen needs. Our refacing process can withstand heavy kitchen traffic and deliver a high-quality finish.
Another issue with veneers for cabinet refacing is their susceptibility to damage from moisture. As veneers are attached to the cabinet surface, water can easily seep in between, causing warping and bubbling. Fixing these issues can be challenging and compromise the appearance and durability of your cabinets.
The problems with veneers don’t stop there. They often crack with exposure to different elements and temperatures, such as hot water or grease. This can cause the veneers to expand at a different rate than the underlying wood.
Additionally, even if you don’t see surface damage, the particle board underneath is easily damaged. Particle board is made from leftover, inexpensive materials like wood shavings, which are then glued together. The result is a porous material prone to ripples, cracks, sagging, and more. Even if your cabinet veneers are attached to plywood, they can still be easily damaged, especially by moisture. While plywood may have a longer lifespan than particle board, hardwood is the clear winner, lasting for decades.
Tempted by the Cost of Veneers?
Don’t be! Veneers may be cheaper upfront, but they will quickly wear out, especially if you have a busy family and a bustling kitchen, leaving your cabinets looking worse than before. When it comes to your home, you should invest in high-quality products that will give you beautiful, long-lasting results.
If, on the other hand, you opt for a cabinet refacing company that relies on hardwood and remakes your cabinets doors, and drawer fronts from scratch, like we do at N-Hance of Chicago, you’ll end up with a superior product.
As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” and this holds true for cabinet refacing. Plus, you can still save significantly when compared to a full replacement.
Ready to Make the Best Choice for Your Cabinets?
Here at N-Hance of Chicago, we specialize in using solid hardwood to transform your kitchen cabinets. With a wide array of styles, colors, and finishing techniques to choose from, you can customize your cabinets to meet your unique preferences. Our proprietary Lightspeed® Nano system ensures a durable surface that resists cracking and peeling, even with heavy use.
But that’s not all – N-Hance of Chicago also offers a selection of custom accessories and hardware, including soft-close drawer glides, knobs, pulls, glass cabinets, crown molding, wine racks, shelves, and dovetail drawer boxes. Our team of refacing experts will make your cabinets look brand new and completely transform the space.
Looking for a cost-effective alternative to a traditional remodel? Look no further. Contact the cabinet refacing experts at N-Hance of Chicago at (847)234-8700 to schedule a FREE consultation.