Do It Yourself Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

DIY Refacing Kitchen Cabinets: A Comprehensive Guide

Refacing kitchen cabinets is an affordable and effective way to update your kitchen's appearance. By replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, you can give your kitchen a fresh, new look without having to invest in a complete remodel.

While refacing kitchen cabinets is a DIY project, it's important to approach it with the right tools, materials, and know-how. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

### Materials You'll Need

- New cabinet doors and drawer fronts

- Plywood or MDF for backing

- Wood glue

- Clamps

- Screws

- Drill

- Countersink bit

- Sandpaper

- Paint or stain (optional)

### Tools You'll Need

- Measuring tape

- Level

- Circular saw or table saw

- Miter saw

- Brad nailer

- Router (optional)

- Chisel (optional)

### Step 1: Remove Old Doors and Drawer Fronts

Start by removing the old cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Use a drill to remove the screws that hold them in place. Be careful not to damage the cabinet boxes.

### Step 2: Measure and Cut New Doors and Drawer Fronts

Measure the opening of each cabinet box to determine the size of the new doors and drawer fronts. Cut the new doors and drawer fronts to size using a circular saw or table saw. If necessary, use a miter saw to create angled cuts for corners.

### Step 3: Attach Backing to New Doors and Drawer Fronts

Cut pieces of plywood or MDF to the same size as the new doors and drawer fronts. These will serve as backing for the new doors and drawer fronts. Apply wood glue to the back of the doors and drawer fronts and attach the backing pieces. Use clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue dries.

### Step 4: Drill Holes for Hinges and Knobs

Use a drill to drill holes for the hinges and knobs. Use a countersink bit to countersink the holes so that the screws will sit flush with the surface.

### Step 5: Install New Doors and Drawer Fronts

Align the new doors and drawer fronts with the cabinet boxes. Secure them in place using screws. Make sure to countersink the screws so that they are flush with the surface.

### Step 6: Paint or Stain (Optional)

If desired, you can paint or stain the new doors and drawer fronts to match your kitchen's décor. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely before using the cabinets.

### Tips for Success

- Use high-quality materials to ensure that your refaced cabinets will last for years to come.

- Measure carefully and cut accurately to ensure that the new doors and drawer fronts fit perfectly.

- Use a level to make sure that the new doors and drawer fronts are hung straight.

- Allow the glue to dry completely before using the cabinets.

- If you're not comfortable with DIY projects, it's best to hire a professional to reface your kitchen cabinets for you.

By following these steps, you can successfully reface your kitchen cabinets and give your kitchen a fresh, new look.