Kitchen Cabinet Resurfacing by Bill Thesing
Often referred to as “Refacing”, however we take it to a higher level. No two resurfacing projects are the same because every job presents its own unique needs. Because of this, and being a master cabinetmaker, there are solutions to problems that the franchise and store chain enterprises are just not equipped to address.
Essentially your existing cabinet bodies are retained, while drawer fronts and doors are replaced with new, along with new trim. The cabinet bodies or boxes are recovered in hardwood veneers and plywood in a number of available species, with an almost infinite variety of custom and standard finishes. There are literally hundreds of door and drawer styles available. The overall finished look of your cabinetry can be dramatically changed while minimizing expense and “downtime”. We are also able to fabricate new drawers, modify existing cabinetry, and add additional cabinetry to match. The end result is that it won’t look “refaced”, but will look as if it was replaced. Although the capability exists we receive very little call for “plastic “ resurfacing or “wood look” resurfacing. The main reason is that there is nothing like the look of real wood, as well as the ability of repair, whereas the plastic must be replaced. Another important note is that this approach is not all that invasive to your everyday use of the kitchen while the work is underway.
Please be advised that not all cabinets are candidates for resurfacing. While the larger outfits will tell you to resurface almost anything, I will NEVER encourage this type of work on substandard or builder grade cabinetry. You simply do not make friends with homeowners by having them spend their hard earned money on results that will not make them happy for years to come, and wind up spending again in a relatively short time frame. Builder grade, and compressed material cabinets (particleboard and fiberboard – MDF) have a limited lifespan and should be considered disposable once they have reached the end of their serviceability.
The photos seen throughout these WebPages are real life examples of our work, and are NOT stages or sets.
Typical resurfacing
Typical resurfacing - turning dark cabinetry to light.
Fabricated and installed counters also.
Resurfaced existing cabinetry in 80-year-old row-house in the Foxchase area.
Also incorporated some new cabinetry to match. Converted wall oven cabinet into small pantry cabinet, I have done this often. Fabricated and installed countertops, plumbing and tile. Can you guess which cabinets are the new ones?
Resurfaced 40-year-old “caramel colored” into Cherry.
Fabricated and installed countertops, repaired faulty tile work. Valence over window was not installed when this shot was taken.
Resurfaced 45-year-old cabinets in 160-year-old farmhouse in Plumsteadville.
Caramel Birch changed to Natural Red Oak. Also resurfaced soffits. Built unique countertop with small rock garden in corner. Fabricated and installed additional cabinetry in another section of kitchen (not shown). Installed tile and plumbing.
Later asked to design and build a piece of furniture (secretary) for another space in kitchen. This was just delivered – pictures to follow later. All work done to keep with the country theme of this really neat property.
A CHANGE OF FACE - 2545 WYANDOTTE RD., WILLOW GROVE, PA 19090 - (215) 657 - 7557
