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newbie question: what type of contractor/person refinishes cabinets?

7 years ago

What type of person/contractor would I look for to refinish my kitchen cabinets?

(I know the cost savings in a DIY project but life is crazy-enough now that having someone else do the work would keep me sane.)

Featured Answer

jhmarie

7 years ago

Sassy - in my area (midwest US) a refinisher is not more than a new kitchen. My mother had some of her cabinets refinished because they had some steam damage. The refinisher matched the stain, and I cannot tell which cabinets have been refinished and which have not. My sister had most of her cabinets done before she put her home on the market. I did mine myself. I would ask for references from your local reputable paint store and get some estimates.

I also retained the vintage feel of my kitchen - so happy I did:)

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Comments (8)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
7 years ago
I'd look on Thumbtack or Homeadvisor.

Are you sure you want them refinished as opposed to refacing?
User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
One who takes advantage of the homeowner's ignorance about costs.

True refinishing, as in sanding down to the bare wood and starting over with stain, is FAR more expensive than buying new cabinets. Unless you DIY. Even refacing is likely to approach the cost of buying new cabinets when you pay someone who is actually licensed and insured .

Not paying someone licensed and insured and background checked is it's own cost in a much different and more risky way.
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User
7 years ago
Look at replacing. It will be about the same costs, but with the bonus of improving the actual working portions of the kitchen. Not just the doors on the boxes. You can tweak the layout for efficiency and get more and better quality drawers. And more versatile boxes.
Sassy Frassy
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the info. Our cabinets are in decent condition but need a face lift as we are trying to retain the vintage feel of our kitchen.
cpartist
7 years ago
Sassy how vintage are they? How old is the house?
Sassy Frassy
Original Author
7 years ago
The house is from 1929, the kitchen is 1970s.
jhmarie
7 years ago
My house is from the 70's, but my kitchen is from the 90's - pics in my "my pics" idea book - sort of cottage / French Country. Your cabinets are probably a little darker. Some of my 70's cabinets I refinished last year and used to make a basement kitchenette - also in my idea book.

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