Whether you have massive kitchen remodel plans on your mind or you just want to give your kitchen a noticeable pick-me-up, your kitchen cabinets will always be one of the main stars of the show.
But that doesn’t mean that you need to get rid of your old cabinets. If your cabinets are in good shape, getting a kitchen cabinet refacing can be the answer you’re looking for. It will serve as a breath of fresh air for your kitchen, and you’ll save yourself a lot of money along the way.
It can be overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with cabinet refacing or how to prepare. Don’t worry, we have you covered. Read on to learn everything you need to know about preparing for kitchen cabinet refacing.

How Does Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Work?
Your first step to prepping for a kitchen cabinet refacing is understanding a bit more about how it works. This will make your preparation steps much more seamless.
First, all cabinet doors, drawers, and fronts will be removed during this process. In addition, you’ll have the chance to add new hardware to the doors and drawer fronts.

Cabinets also get a new laminate or wood veneer along with new door hinges. You also have the option to repaint your cabinets. Internal hardware like drawer tracks that don’t operate smoothly will also be changed out.

How to Prepare for Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
Now it’s time to get down to the preparation steps that aren’t as much fun, but necessary for the process. These steps include:

Have a Plan in Place
This is the time to look at various cabinet colors and come up with an entirely new color scheme. For example, if you have a white kitchen, you might consider going bolder with your cabinets. You’ll also want to think about your overall design concept and consider what you’d like to add to your cabinets. This includes accessories like glass panels, extra storage, or lighting. Do some research to learn more about popular kitchen trends and different kitchen colors you can consider. In addition, you’ll also want to ensure you avoid any conflicting kitchen work. If you’re also getting your doors and counters done and the sink replaced, you’ll need to schedule everything accordingly. The best way to accomplish this is to use a professional remodeling company that can help you with all aspects of your kitchen remodel. You’ll get assistance with everything down to the hardware you want to use. Having a comprehensive plan in place will help you avoid any delays in the process.

Take Pictures
The transformation from cabinet refacing is amazing, and it can be nice to document your kitchen journey by comparing the before and after. So, before you do anything else, take plenty of “before” pictures at every angle. Taking pictures can also help you finalize any cabinet color schemes as you’ll see things in a different light.

Empty Your Cabinets
Since you’ll likely be refinishing your cabinets and changing functionality like adding storage, you’ll need to clear them out completely.

Most people have their cabinets jam-packed with everything under the sun, so make sure you give yourself enough time for this part.

It’s best to start with removing sentimental and breakable items first so you can put them aside right away. Don’t forget your junk drawer and any places where you have important instructions or papers. Next, focus on plates, pots, and utensils that you use regularly. You can place these in an easy-to-access space for meal times.

This is also the perfect time to declutter your kitchen cabinets and get things organized. Your first step to doing this is by using three boxes and labeling them as keep, donate, and trash. You’ll be able to facilitate your downsizing, making it much easier to organize what you have left. It’s also wise to take this time to evaluate how you want to use your newly refaced cabinets. Don’t be afraid to get creative and completely change how you previously organized items.

Clear Out Kitchen Clutter
The clutter clearing doesn’t stop with your cabinets. Remember, you’ll need to have plenty of space for cabinet work. This includes tools and other equipment that your contractor may be using. It’s also essential you clear a path from the kitchen to the entrance of your home. To do this, you’ll need to move any furniture like bar stools from your kitchen island.

You’ll also need to remove any items near your cabinets like shelving, trashcans, and small appliances you keep on your counter. This will ensure nothing is damaged during the process. Just like with your cabinets, take this time to get rid of anything you no longer need. You can easily declutter your entire kitchen as you go along. This will truly enhance your cabinet-refacing results since it will change the appearance and functionality of your kitchen.

Prepare Your Routine
Finally, don’t forget that your pets may become stressed out or injured during the process, especially when you have contractors coming in. It’s best to secure them in a different area in your house so they don’t have to be anywhere near the kitchen area while the work is being completed. The same thing goes for kids going in and out and family events. It’s no secret that any work in your home disrupts the natural flow of everything, so preparing beforehand decreases the stress for everyone involved.

Get Professional Help With Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
Now that you know how to prepare for kitchen cabinet refacing, the entire process will feel less overwhelming. If you’re looking for a reputable company to help make your kitchen the space you’ve always dreamed of, you can turn to Explore Kitchens. We’re committed to helping homeowners in the Northern Virginia area and will make sure we meet your needs.

We provide high-quality kitchen remodeling services, along with home remodeling, bathroom remodeling, home additions, and tear-down and rebuild services. We’re committed to providing excellent customer service and ensuring we complete remodeling projects promptly.

Make sure to contact us today to speak to a consultant about your cabinet refacing needs.