Four Best Cabinet Refacing Materials in the Bay Area

1. Solid Wood

One of the most common cabinet-refacing materials is wood. Contractors and homeowners alike often prefer this material because of its versatility. You can easily revamp your kitchen with wood cabinet refacing thanks to the different varieties available, including pine, teak, and mahogany. 

In addition, you can customize your cabinets with several stain and color options to turn your cabinetry into the focal point of your kitchen. Refacing your cabinets with wood is great if you want to get creative with your design and make your kitchen cozier.

Pros and Cons of Refacing Wood Cabinets

Perhaps the biggest advantage of choosing wood as a refacing material is its versatility. You can customize it however you like and give your cabinets a fresh new look that fits your style. However, there are a few drawbacks that may convince you to use a different material. Some of the cons of this material include:

Prone to rotting: Cabinets may face damage from excessive moisture. 

Requires more maintenance: You need to keep protective varnish on the cabinets to protect them from moisture, chemicals, and other harsh materials.

Costs more than other options: Solid wood isn’t as budget-friendly as synthetic materials.

2. Wood Veneers

A kitchen remodel can be expensive, so it’s not uncommon for homeowners to find the most affordable construction and furnishing materials for the project. That’s what makes wood veneers one of the best cabinet refacing materials. Cabinet doors and drawer fronts that feature wood veneers will resemble solid wood with many of the same stains and colors. 

This material is easy to work with and, like solid wood, allows you to customize the front of your cabinets to your liking. It’s a solid option if you want a high-quality material that looks great after installation.

Pros and Cons of Wood Veneers

The benefits of using wood veneers lie primarily in cost and versatility. You can create a custom look that fits your vision without breaking the bank. However, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. 

Since this material features thin pieces of wood, it is also susceptible to rotting over time. Excessive moisture is especially harmful to the veneers, so be careful if you produce a lot of steam while cooking or happen to get your cabinets wet. You’ll need to invest your time and money in maintaining these cabinets so they continue to look great over time. 

Finally, wood veneers are fairly difficult to install on cabinet boxes. Don’t try to take this on as a do-it-yourself project in an effort to save more money since you may end up wasting some of the materials. Let a professional contractor handle the job and make your cabinets look brand-new.

3. Medium-Density Fiberboard

If you’re looking for cabinet refacing materials that are affordable and durable, consider using medium-density fiberboard. This material resembles the look of wood, although it’s actually a wood-engineered product. Medium-density fiberboard blends tiny wood particles together using resin or glue and bonds them to the surface with heat and pressure. 

Contractors recommend this product if you want to reface your cabinets at a lower cost while getting some of the benefits of solid wood.

Pros and Cons of Medium-Density Fiberboard

Common cabinetry materials come together to form this affordable, sturdy solution. Medium-density fiberboard gives your cabinets an elegant look like solid wood but at a more affordable price. Best of all, paying less doesn’t mean you’ll have a lower-quality product since this material is more durable than particleboard. 

Refacing your cabinets with medium-density fiberboard does leave the cabinet doors and drawer fronts susceptible to chipping over time. Once the material chips, it’s easier for moisture to seep in and cause permanent damage.

4. Rigid Thermofoil

Rounding out our list of kitchen cabinet refacing materials is rigid thermofoil. This material is very similar to a 3D laminate since they both contain a piece of medium-density fiberboard with a vinyl film that adheres to it. A combination of heat and pressure bonds the vinyl to the fiberboard, which gives off the look and feel of real wood.

Pros and Cons of Rigid Thermofoil

While 3D laminate is a common refacing material, if you’re looking for the best option available, opt for rigid thermofoil. The material is of higher quality than 3D laminate and features a seamless look that makes it nearly impossible to tell the cabinets are refaced. 

Rigid thermofoil is perhaps the most durable option since it’s non-porous. In other words, it’s much harder for moisture to seep into the surface and cause damage. Homeowners can cook and produce steam in their kitchen without fear that the vapor will ruin their brand-new cabinets.

How To Choose the Right Cabinet Refacing Materials

Now that you know four of the best materials contractors use for cabinet refacing, it’s time to narrow down your options. Consult with a contractor to review all of your options and hear their recommendations. You should make your final decision based on the following factors.

Determine Your Budget

Kitchen remodels are expensive, and sometimes you don’t have enough in the budget to get the most luxurious material. When it comes to cabinet refacing, solid wood tends to be the most expensive option, while medium-density fiberboard are more budget-friendly.

Consider Your Kitchen Design

Having a vision for your new kitchen cabinets is crucial before starting a refacing project. Depending on the design you are going for, it may narrow down your choices. A high-end design, for example, will often call for solid wood rather than a laminate or veneer.

Long-Term Care and Condition

You want your updated cabinets to last a long time. Before refacing them, figure out which material offers the best long-term value and resists rotting. Prepare to maintain your cabinets if you don’t select a material that resists moisture or rotting.

Let JV Cabinets Inc. Restore Your Dingy Cabinets

Whether you are considering a full-scale kitchen remodeling project or simply want to revitalize your dated cabinetry, our team can help. JV Cabinets Inc. uses only high-quality cabinet refacing materials that give your kitchen a modern, elegant look. Our contractors will transform your cabinets for the better, whether you decide to use wood, medium-density fiberboard, or another material for the project. 

Contact us today at (415) 470-8649 to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.