If you’re looking to give your kitchen cabinets a fresh new look without breaking the bank on a complete remodel, cabinet refacing is an excellent choice. Not only does it provide an updated appearance, but it also comes at a fraction of the cost compared to a full remodel. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when selecting a company to handle the refacing work. Make sure to avoid companies that use veneers, Here’s why:
What are Veneers?
Before anything else, it’s important to understand what veneers actually are. Veneers are crafted from thin sheets of wood or melamine, a form of plastic called thermofoil. Essentially, either the wood or plastic is affixed to the particle board and then applied to your cabinets. This process enhances the aesthetics and functionality of your cabinets while maintaining their original purpose.
The Problem with Veneers
One of the main drawbacks of using veneers for cabinet refacing is that they are not as durable as other materials. Since they are just a thin covering applied to the surface of the cabinets, they are prone to chipping and damage, especially around the edges and corners. This can lead to an unsightly appearance and take away from the overall beauty of your kitchen. Refacing your cabinets with new, hardwood doors and drawer faces, the way N-Hance® does, will provide the durability a kitchen needs. Our refacing process will stand up to heavy-duty kitchen traffic and ensure a quality finish.
More problems with using veneers for cabinet refacing are that they are prone to both chipping and water damage. Since veneers are thin coverings attached to the surface of the cabinets, moisture can easily get between the veneer and the cabinet, leading to warping and bubbles. These issues can be difficult to fix and can compromise the overall appearance and durability of your cabinets.
The issues with veneers don’t end there. Veneers often crack as they are exposed to different elements and temperatures, such as hot water or grease. This can cause the veneers to expand at a different rate than the wood underneath.
Even if you don’t see damage on the surface, the particle board underneath can get damaged easily. This is simply because particle board is made from leftover, cheap materials, like wood shavings, and then glued together. The result? They are porous and prone to ripples, cracks, sagging, and more. Even if your cabinet veneers are attached to plywood, they can also suffer damage easily, especially when it comes to moisture. While plywood might last longer than particle board, hardwood wins the race and lasts decades.
Tempted by the Cost of Veneers?
Don’t be! When you’re investing in your home, you want beautiful end results. Veneers will take a hit over time, especially if you have a busy family and a kitchen with a lot of foot traffic. They may seem cheap upfront but can end up looking worse than your original cabinets.
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, you’ll wind 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 for a Better Choice?
At N-Hance, we specialize in using solid hardwood to transform kitchen cabinets. With a wide range of styles, colors, and finishing techniques to choose from, we offer endless possibilities for creating your dream kitchen. What sets us apart is our innovative Lightspeed® system, which cures the coating on your cabinets, making them incredibly durable and resistant to cracks or peeling, even with high traffic and heavy use. With N-Hance, you can have beautiful cabinets that will stand the test of time in your home.
Furthermore, N-Hance offers a wide range of personalized accessories and hardware options. From soft-close drawer glides to knobs, pulls, glass cabinets, crown molding, wine racks, shelves, and dovetail drawer boxes, we have everything you need to transform your cabinets. Our team of refacing experts will ensure that your cabinets look brand new and completely revitalized. N-Hance of Southeast Tennessee proudly serves Chattanooga, Maryville, Ooltewah, and other surrounding areas.
Want a quality look at a fraction of the cost of a traditional remodel? The cabinet refacing team at N-Hance can deliver. Call N-Hance of Southeast Tennessee at (423) 840-1974 to set up a FREE consultation.