Cabinet Refacing Sacramento CA is an excellent option for homeowners seeking to breathe new life into their kitchens without the cost and hassle of a full remodel. However, choosing the best materials for the project will make all the difference.
The most popular refacing options are paper-back veneer, laminate, and plywood with a wood veneer core. Each offers unique advantages to suit your kitchen needs.
Paper-back Veneer
Paper-back veneer sheets have a permanent layer of paper that keeps multiple pieces of veneer together. This type of veneer is easy to apply, saving time and money. It’s a good choice for cabinet refacing and other projects that require a simple and straightforward solution. It can be used on a variety of surfaces including MDF, particle board, plywood, Masonite, and melamine. The paper backing also helps the veneer withstand seasonal changes in humidity and temperature. This type of veneer is available in a wide range of species and comes in a number of widths. The jumbo size provides maximum yield from a single sheet and 10 mil thickness is recommended for most situations.
Paper back veneer can be trimmed with a razor knife or a hand saw. It can also be used with contact cement, wood glue or a veneer press for a more secure bond. It is recommended to use a clean blade when trimming for best results. It’s important to acclimate veneer before applying it, as it is an organic material that reacts to changes in environmental conditions. The ideal conditions for acclimating veneer are 30-55% humidity at a temperature between 55-85 degrees F. Generally, it should be left flat out of the box for 48-72 hours before use.
It’s possible to get consecutively matched veneer from some suppliers, especially when ordering large quantities of wood veneer for a project. This option is offered during the checkout process and there may be a small up charge but it’s worth it for projects where consistency of appearance is a priority.
Some suppliers offer a sequence matching option at no extra cost that allows you to select the best looking sheets of veneer for your project. This ensures that the sheets you receive will reasonably match each other in terms of color and grain pattern, making it easier for you to achieve the look you desire. It’s important to specify this at the time of your order to ensure that your shipment is correctly matched. Some suppliers also have a “reasonable match” option that offers similar benefits to sequence matching at a lower price point.
Laminate
Cabinet refacing involves adding a veneer to the face frames of your cabinets, which are the vertical members (“stiles”) and horizontal members (“rails”). This upgrade improves the aesthetics of the kitchen while also addressing minor structural issues like warped or poorly built frames. The most common refacing materials are paintable laminate and wood back veneer. These are both available in a range of colors, patterns, and textures to suit your design preferences. To choose the right material, consider your budget and how much upkeep you’re willing to commit to.
Laminate is a budget-friendly choice that offers a wide selection of finishes. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to moisture. It’s available in a variety of colors, and it can be molded to look like wood or other materials. However, it’s prone to scratches and may be susceptible to stains. To reduce the likelihood of these issues, opt for a thicker laminate that’s scratch-resistant and stain-proof.
A popular alternative to laminate is medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which offers a smooth surface for painted finishes and is less prone to moisture damage than real wood. It’s also more affordable than solid wood, and it can be stained to match your décor. However, MDF is prone to expansion and contraction in humid conditions, making it essential to monitor humidity levels.
Another option is rigid thermofoil (RTF), which features a vinyl layer on MDF molded using heat and pressure. It offers a wide selection of colors and textures to complement any kitchen style, and it can be painted or stained. It’s a good choice for homeowners looking to achieve a sleek modern look, but it’s not as durable or long-lasting as solid wood.
A final cabinet refacing option is solid wood, which is both natural and beautiful. It offers a warm aesthetic and comes in a variety of wood species to complement any design. Solid wood is durable and easy to clean, but it’s a more costly choice than other refacing materials. It can also be prone to expansion and contraction in dry or humid conditions. To prevent this, make sure to monitor moisture levels and use a dehumidifier when necessary.
Pressure-sensitive Wood Back Veneer
As its name suggests, this veneer type has an adhesive layer on the back and is ready to apply to cabinet surfaces. It eliminates the need for extra adhesives and reduces installation time. The adhesive is durable enough to withstand normal wear and tear, making it a great choice for busy homes. However, it is important to ensure that the surface is clean and dry before applying this type of veneer.
This material can be found in a variety of styles, colors and textures to match any style preference. It offers the durability of laminate, with an appearance that matches wood. However, it does not offer the same level of warmth and beauty as solid wood or high-end decorative veneers. It is ideal for homeowners who want to refresh the look of their kitchen without the expense of a complete remodel.
Plywood with a veneer core is available in both painted and natural finishes. It is a durable and affordable option that works well for all types of cabinet faces, including face frames and larger surface applications. It is also resistant to warping and peeling, compared to other veneers.
Like paper-backed veneer, plywood with a veneer core is easy to work with and bonds well with most liquid adhesives. It is recommended to use a veneer scraper for this type of application to achieve the strongest bond and prevent any adhesive bleed-through.
Backed veneer is usually a 4′ x 8′ sheet that includes several individual pieces of wood with opposite sides showing (bookmatched). It takes a stain very well and can be used in outdoor projects with the addition of an epoxy top coat. However, seasonal humidity changes can cause some buckling of backed veneer, particularly maple, unless it is kept under weights while stored.
A good quality backed veneer will be sanded to 150 grit at the factory. To get an even stain color, some users find that it is better to sand the backed veneer one grit grade higher than the rest of the project, such as 180 grit. If you are using a hand sander, it is a good idea to use a wood softener, such as linseed oil, on the sandpaper to help avoid over-saturation that could damage the veneer.
Plywood with a Veneer Core
As its name suggests, this type of core is comprised of wood veneers glued together. It is a durable material that offers superior strength and resistance to warping than solid wood or particle board. It is also less prone to moisture damage and has better screw holding strength. It is available in both pressure-sensitive and non-adhesive varieties, depending on the specific application.
The species of the wood used in this type of core varies, as does the thickness and grain structure of the veneer. This allows for the creation of a wide variety of styles and looks. It is an excellent option for those who want the durability of plywood with the aesthetic appeal of natural wood.
Hardwood veneers are a popular choice among designers and craftspeople for their rich, unique color variations. Maple is a particular favorite for its chameleon nature, as it can assume almost any color or tone. This makes it a great choice for those who want their cabinets to be a statement piece in the room. Walnut is another perennial favorite, displaying a beautiful, elegant color variation and rich texture that complements a wide range of design styles.
When selecting a wood veneer, you must also consider the grade of the material and its natural characteristics. Wood is graded at two points in the manufacturing process: first, when it’s in its raw form and second, once it’s been laminated to a plywood or substrate core.
A wood’s grade can play an important role in its performance, which will affect the durability and cost of your cabinet refacing project. The type of plywood core can also make a difference. Veneer core plywood is the most common and consists of a veneer layer over a multi-layered wood core. Its construction provides superior strength and stability compared to particle board or MDF. Its cross-grain gluing also provides the advantage of reduced telegraphing, making it ideal for projects where the edges will be exposed.
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is an alternative to veneer core for those who prefer a stronger and more affordable material. It’s a great choice for painted finishes and has an exceptionally smooth surface. However, it is not as resistant to moisture as other types of hardwood.