How to Reface Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Refacing your dated or worn metal kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh, updated look without the expense of a full remodel. Refacing involves replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware on existing cabinet boxes. This affordable approach allows you to change the style and finish of your cabinets without removing them or replacing cabinet interiors. Refacing metal kitchen cabinets is a DIY-friendly project that can transform the look of your kitchen.

Benefits of Refacing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Refacing your metal kitchen cabinets offers many benefits compared to replacing them entirely:

• Cost savings – Refacing costs a fraction of full cabinet replacement. New doors, drawer fronts, and hardware cost less than new cabinet boxes and installation.
• Convenience – The project can be completed over a weekend without fully disrupting your kitchen. Cabinets remain functional during the process.
• Customization – Refacing allows you to change the cabinet style and finish to suit your taste. From shaker to modern, painted to stained, options abound.
• Sustainability – Refacing reuses existing cabinet boxes, reducing landfill waste. It’s an eco-friendly kitchen update.
• Faster timeline – Refacing can be completed much more quickly than cabinet replacement and full renovation. Enjoy your updated space sooner.

As long as your cabinet boxes are structurally sound, refacing is a smart way to give your metal kitchen cabinets an affordable makeover.

Evaluating Your Existing Metal Cabinets

Before beginning a refacing project, examine your existing metal cabinets closely to assess their condition. This will help you determine if refacing is practical, or if full cabinet replacement is needed after all.

Consider the following factors:

• Structural soundness – Open and close doors and drawers. Check for sagging, cracks, or separation. Sound cabinet boxes are essential for refacing.
• Levelness – Use a level tool on cabinet fronts. Level alignment is needed for proper door and drawer function after refacing.
• Moisture damage – Inspect inside cabinets and under sinks for water stains or damage. Address leaks before refacing.
• Existing finish – Refinishing over damaged finishes like peeled laminate won’t have good results. Assess finish condition.
• Layout – Determine if cabinet layout limits function or workflow. A layout change may call for new cabinets.

If cabinets are structurally unsound, severely damaged, or poorly laid out, the cost of addressing these issues may approach that of full cabinet replacement. Refacing mildly to moderately worn cabinets is the best value.

Choosing New Cabinet Doors, Drawers, and Hardware

Selecting updated components is the fun part of refacing metal kitchen cabinets. The options are plentiful.

Doors

• Slab – Feature a flat, solid panel. Available in a range of styles from simple to ornate.
• Shaker – A popular choice with a clean, versatile look. Flat center panel with a frame around the perimeter.
• Raised panel – Have a central panel that is slightly raised or recessed. Traditional charm.
• Glass inset – Include a glass panel insert for an open, airy aesthetic.
• Materials – Doors can be wood, metal, thermoplastics, or glass. Consider durability and moisture resistance.

Drawers

• Match cabinet door style
• Use durable wood, thermoplastic, or metal
• Soft-close slide hardware prevents loud closing

Hardware

• Knobs – Round, ideal for Shaker style cabinets. Available in a range of materials and finishes.
• Pulls – Horizontal handles that can complement both modern and traditional doors. Provide a good grip.
• Hinges – May be visible or concealed. Should properly support new door’s weight and allow full range of motion.

Take accurate measurements and shop for coordinating cabinets, drawers, and hardware to achieve your dream refacing design.

How to Remove Existing Doors and Hardware

Refacing begins by removing existing cabinet components to prepare for the new. Follow these steps:

Gather Supplies

• Phillips and flat head screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Labeling tool like painter’s tape and pen

Remove Doors

1. Open door fully to access hinge screws.
2. Label each door on inner edge to identify original location.
3. Use screwdriver to remove screws securing hinge plates to cabinet frame.
4. Lift door off exposed hinge plates to remove.
5. Repeat steps for each door, placing doors in a safe location.

Remove Drawers

1. Pull drawer completely out.
2. On underside, locate small release tabs securing slides.
3. Press tabs inward while pulling slides off brackets mounted inside cabinet.
4. Carefully pull drawer forward and off slides for removal.

Remove Hardware

1. Use screwdrivers to unscrew existing knobs, pulls, or handles.
2. Note hardware placement to assist reinstallation.

Thoroughly labeling and organizing hardware makes reassembly easier. Now you’re ready for the new components!

Preparing Cabinets for New Doors and Drawers

With old components removed, some prep work helps ensure proper installation of new refacing parts:

Clean Cabinets

• Use mild cleaner and cloth to remove grease or grime
• For laminate cabinets, gently sand to rough up surface

Fill Holes

• Fill old hardware holes and other imperfections with wood filler
• Sand smooth once dry

Add Support

• For heavier new doors, reinforce cabinets with additional screws or braces
• Check for level and plumb; shim as needed

Take time to clean, patch, strengthen, and level cabinets for optimal results. Now they’re ready for your beautiful new doors and drawers!

How to Install New Cabinet Doors

Installing new doors is central to any refacing project. Follow these key steps:

Gather Supplies

• New doors
• Hinges and hinge screws
• Drill with Phillips bit
• Cabinet door installation jig (optional but helpful)

Add Hinges to Doors

1. Position hinge correctly on door interior per manufacturer instructions.
2. Use drill to drive screws through hinge holes into door.

Mount Hinged Doors

1. Close cabinets and use painter’s tape to indicate positions of cabinet frames.
2. Open cabinet and align hinge plate with frame outline.
3. Drill screws through holes to secure hinges to cabinet frame.
4. Test door opening and closing. Adjust as needed.
5. Repeat process for each door.

Take care to position doors correctly so they open, close, and align properly following installation.

Installing New Drawer Fronts and Slides

Refacing your metal kitchen cabinets also includes installing new drawer fronts and often new slides as well.

New Drawer Fronts

1. Ensure drawer box is clean, intact, and level.
2. Place drawer front aligning any holes for hardware. Mark position.
3. Apply adhesive to back of drawer front. Set in place and gently press until secured.
4. Allow adhesive to fully cure per manufacturer instructions before use.

New Drawer Slides

1. Remove existing drawer slides and prepare drawer box for new hardware.
2. Position slide aligned with marks from old hardware. Mark screw holes.
3. Use drill to insert screws through slide holes into drawer box sides.
4. Repeat to install cabinet-side slides using marks from old hardware.
5. Test drawer opening and closing. Adjust as needed for smooth motion.

Take care when measuring, marking, and drilling for slides to achieve perfect fit and function.

Installing New Hardware

Installing new knobs, pulls, or handles provides the finishing touch on your new metal kitchen cabinet facelift.

Gather Supplies

• New cabinet hardware
• Screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Pencil

Install Hardware

1. Measure and mark hardware placement on doors and drawers.
2. Hold component in place and mark screw holes.
3. Use screwdriver to insert screws through hardware holes into door or drawer front.
4. Take care not to overtighten.
5. Repeat process for each hardware piece.

Aligning new hardware carefully maintains your kitchen’s clean, coordinated look. Stand back and admire your stylish, refreshed cabinets!

Refacing vs. Refinishing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

In addition to refacing, refinishing is also an option to consider for updating worn metal kitchen cabinets. What’s the difference?

Refinishing involves stripping cabinets down to bare wood or metal, then applying new stain, paint, or other coating. This renews the existing cabinet box and doors.

Refacing keeps existing cabinet boxes intact but replaces doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. This essentially wraps new components around existing carcasses.

Here’s how the two methods compare:

• Cost – Refinishing is slightly less expensive than refacing
• Disruption – Refinishing requires emptying all cabinets which is more disruptive
• Customization – Refacing allows more flexibility in style changes
• Skill level – Refinishing is slightly more DIY-friendly

Consider your budget, style goals, and skill level when weighing refinishing vs. refacing for your metal cabinets. Either approach can give your kitchen a lift!

Tips for Refacing Metal Kitchen Cabinets Successfully

As with any home project, proper planning, patience, and attention to detail are key to a successful kitchen cabinet refacing job. Keep these tips in mind:

• Carefully measure existing cabinets and order components accurately. Incorrect sizes can delay the project.
• Check that all cabinet boxes are level and structurally sound before beginning. Address any issues to ensure proper door and drawer function after refacing.
• Take photos of hardware placement before removing. This aids proper reinstallation in the same spots.
• Remove doors, drawers, and hardware methodically, with careful labeling for reassembly.
• Prep cabinet surfaces thoroughly before installing new doors, drawers, and hardware. Remove grease and grime, fill holes, sand away damage. Proper bonding depends on it.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions precisely for installing adhesives, hinges, slides, and hardware.
• Work slowly and patiently! Rushing through steps can result in misalignment, hardware issues, and other problems.

Taking your time with a methodical, meticulous approach helps ensure your refacing project goes smoothly and yields beautiful results.

Cost to Reface Metal Kitchen Cabinets

If you’re considering refacing your worn metal kitchen cabinets, cost is likely a factor in your decision. Here are some average price ranges for metal kitchen cabinet refacing:

• Cabinet doors – $30-$100 per door, depending on size, material, and style
• Drawer fronts – $25-$75 per drawer front
• Matching cabinet hardware – $2-$10 per knob or handle
• Hinges – $5-$20 per hinge
• DIY labor – Free if completing project yourself
• Professional installation – $200-$500 for an average sized kitchen

With DIY installation, you can likely reface an average 10-cabinet kitchen for $500-$1,500, excluding new countertops or appliances. Having a contractor complete the work generally doubles the total project cost.

While not dirt cheap, refacing worn metal cabinets is significantly less expensive than replacing them. With some strategic shopping, you can refresh your kitchen on a reasonable budget.

Refacing Metal Kitchen Cabinets: Do’s and Don’ts

Refacing your metal kitchen cabinets? Heed this advice for a smooth and successful DIY project:

Do:

• Clean cabinets thoroughly before installation
• Carefully measure existing cabinets before ordering
• Check for adequate support before installing heavier doors
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions closely
• Label doors, drawers, and hardware during removal
• Work slowly and double check measurements

Don’t:

• Rush through removing components – this can lead to damage
• Ignore existing damage issues like moisture or poor structure
• Forget to prep and sand surfaces before installing new doors
• Over-tighten screws into thin metal during reassembly
• Force misaligned drawers or doors closed – adjust as needed
• Underestimate the impact new hardware can make

With proper planning and care, you can avoid headaches and achieve beautiful results. Remember, refacing done right transforms kitchens!

Refacing vs. Replacing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

If your metal kitchen cabinets are outdated or worn, you may be debating between refacing them or replacing them entirely. How do you choose the best option? Here’s a look at the pros and cons:

Refacing Pros

• Less expensive than full replacement
• Faster timeline for kitchen update
• Keeps existing cabinet layout/footprint
• Eco-friendly – reuses cabinet boxes

Refacing Cons

• Limited to existing cabinet configuration
• Doesn’t address structural/moisture issues
• Can show signs of old boxes under new doors

Replacing Pros

• Allows changing cabinet footprint
• Resolves any structural problems
• Provides all-new, cohesive look

Replacing Cons

• More expensive than refacing
• Requires kitchen gut and rebuild
• Time intensive process
• Wasteful if discarding old boxes

Assess your budget, goals, and current cabinets’ condition. For minor updating with existing layout, refacing often makes sense. If you want an entirely fresh kitchen or your cabinets are severely compromised, replacement may be the best route.

Signs It’s Time to Reface Your Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Wondering if your dated metal cabinets could benefit from refacing? Look for these signs it may be time for an update:

• Doors and drawers no longer align or open smoothly
• Chipped laminate or peeling veneer exposes unsightly underlying surface
• Faded paint or stained finish gives cabinets a grimy appearance
• Outdated door styles clash with your kitchen’s overall aesthetic
• Cabinets simply look worn and tired, lacking luster
• You desire a fresh color or style like white Shaker cabinets
• Hardware feels old, is mismatched, or lacking completely

If your metal cabinets are exhibiting wear or look outdated, refacing is an affordable way to revive them. Why replace when you can resurface?

Metal Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Before and After

Seeing refacing transformations helps visualize the dramatic changes possible with this budget-friendly kitchen update. Refacing takes worn, damaged metal cabinets from dreary to dazzling.

Before

• Peeling laminate exposes raw wood edges
• Mismatched hardware appears dated
• Faded white paint lacks depth and richness
• Crooked doors and drawers fit poorly

After

• New shaker-style wood doors with durable stain
• Sleek black pulls create unified look
• Rich espresso finish brings warmth
• Aligned doors and drawers open smoothly

By keeping the existing cabinet box while replacing doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, refacing provides an affordable but transformative update. Any dated metal kitchen cabinets can go from grimy to glam with a stylish refacing job.

Conclusion

Reframing metal kitchen cabinets offers big benefits on a small budget. With some new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, you can refresh your kitchen’s look without the expense and mess of full cabinet replacement. Refacing works well for cabinets with sound structure that simply need cosmetic improvements.

The process allows you to customize with different door styles, materials, colors, and hardware to suit your taste. While requiring some work, it’s a DIY-friendly project that you can likely complete over a weekend. With proper planning and patience during removal, installation, and alignment of components, you can avoid headaches and achieve a beautiful outcome.

In many cases, refacing worn metal cabinets that are structurally sound makes more sense than replacing them. Why not revive what you have? With strategic updates in all the right places, you can refashion your old metal kitchen cabinets into something crisp, current, and completely custom.