Cabinet refacing allows you to achieve the new look you desire without the cost and disruption of a complete kitchen remodel. Refacing uses the existing cabinet boxes and adds new cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
One frequently asked question is whether a wood veneer is a good choice for refacing cabinets. Let’s analyze the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing veneers for your home.
Cost-Effective
Cabinet refacing offers homeowners the opportunity to change the look of their kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a complete remodel. During cabinet refacing veneer St. Louis contractors remove existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts and clean the surfaces to prepare them for veneer.
Once your cabinets are prepped, your cabinet contractor will begin applying the veneer. The veneer will be secured to the surface using commercial waterborne adhesive and pressed into place. Once the veneer is securely attached, your cabinet contractor will install new door and drawer fronts.
Veneer is an excellent choice for cabinet refacing because it provides a beautiful new look without the high costs of a complete remodel. It also helps to limit the amount of waste in landfills by reusing existing cabinet frames. However, regarding durability, hardwood is more long-lasting than wood veneers. These items are vulnerable to moisture and can be damaged or chipped easily.
Durable
Wood veneers are an excellent option for homeowners who want their cabinets to look high-end without spending too much. These thin coverings are glued to the cabinet boxes and will not warp or crack over time, making them a smart choice for anyone looking to reface their kitchen without spending too much money.
However, some homeowners are concerned that refacing with a veneer will not withstand moisture and other elements like heat. The good news is that if you choose the right professionals, your cabinets will be safe from these issues.
Aside from being durable, wood veneer is also a great choice because it is eco-friendly. It uses natural materials and non-toxic adhesives, ensuring your family’s and the environment’s safety. The material is also lightweight, making your cabinets lighter than solid wood furniture. That makes moving more straightforward and better for people looking for something less bulky or heavy.
Natural-Looking
Veneer is made from thin sections of real wood, making it look natural and authentic. It can be stained or painted, just like solid wood. It allows you to customize the look of your cabinets to suit your style and taste.
However, it is essential to remember that veneers are not unbreakable, so you should be careful when using your kitchen. It is advisable to refrain from putting heavy items on the front panels of your cabinets.
The backed veneer uses another material – usually paper, phenolic, cloth, and foil – to make it stronger. It can be used on flat, curved surfaces, making it more flexible than raw veneer. It can also be matched on both sides instead of raw veneer, which is usually matched on one side. It is commonly used on quarter and rift-cut veneer. This method is also known as book matching, where consecutive leaves of veneer are flipped open facing each other, just like pages in a book. It creates a symmetrical pattern that accentuates the log’s grain, figure, and decorative characteristics.
Easy to Maintain
Wood veneer is thin natural wood slices glued to an engineered core material such as particleboard, MDF, or plywood. The veneer can be cut and shaped to look like thicker boards. It can also be sawn, quarter-sawn, rift cut, or rotary to produce grain patterns that are unique and appealing.
The most common type of finish for veneer is varnish, which protects against sunlight and water damage. It also works well on furniture that will receive heavy use. Another option is hard wax oil, which provides less protection but is much easier to maintain. It is non-toxic and emits fewer harmful fumes than polyurethane.
It is important to remember that the veneer will scratch and scuff easily, so it is essential to keep it away from sharp objects and avoid using abrasive cleaners or cloths. It is also best to use coasters and clean up spills as soon as they occur. If you notice any marks, scratches, or gouges, several furniture repair kits are available to fill and color them.
