Turning Laminate Cabinets into Stained Wood
Laminate kitchen cabinets have often been a problem when a client is wanting to introduce a wood stained look. That plastic thermofoil white, common to most Florida homes, prevents anything else but a solid colored finish because of the material. It is even more frustrating when the cabinetry is in great condition, yet every option seems to point to an expensive demolition and re-installation. HGTV reported that last year the cost of just raw wood cabinets–not the labor, hardware, or coloring–ranged between $500-$1,200 per linear foot. The average turnaround for a kitchen cabinet project is about four to six months, and without any access to cooking for the majority of the time, that becomes quite a lot for just a colored stain.
Resurrect Wood Refinishing is capable of imitating a stain appearance for any laminate cabinetry that is in good condition. How? Call now and ask about faux grain finishing!
Are the cabinets laminate or wood?
Identifying the material of existing cabinetry is important in understanding the value from a project investment standpoint. The cost of a laminate wrapped MDF cabinet is going to be different than the price of a solid cabinet made from walnut or maple. Typically, thermofoil and laminate cabinets are the cheapest, especially when purchasing from Big Box Home Improvement Stores. To date, a laminate bathroom vanity is going to be about $130-$175 while one constructed of maple (Just the doors and face) is going to be closer to $600-$800. That is a significant jump in cost if the goal of the project is to simply introduce a stained look into the room.
A cabinet constructed of laminate is always going to be smooth. It will look and feel like plastic and won’t have any wood grain. If damaged, it will peel or chip off from the MDF plywood underneath. A representative of Resurrect Wood Refinishing is able to provide a free estimate for clients who are unsure.
What if the laminate on the cabinet is peeling on the side or toe kicks?
Thankfully, most peeling is a cosmetic fault from wear, humidity, cooking, or light water damage, and can be easily repairable during a transition from a solid color to a stained wood. These are not indicators of structural damage and there is no reason for demolishing and purchasing new cabinets.
Resurrect Wood Refinishing is able to fix the sides of the cabinets, the toe kicks, and any other accessory pieces like crown molding, matching them to the new overhaul of a stained look. If any of the doors are damaged, new doors may need to be considered if the budget allows for it. The turnaround time and cost is at least half the price of new cabinets and options can be provided upon request.
What techniques does Resurrect Wood Refinishing offer for a stained wood look?
Resurrect Wood Refinishing is able to meet any color request since the product applied is custom tinted. Techniques range from a solid color to stain or faux graining painting techniques. Ever wonder how TV sets are built so quickly with all those wood finishes? They aren’t real wood, they are very skilled artists. We have one of those! Any wood can be replicated in this technique, making laminate cabinets look like a red-toned Maple to a cool, espresso colored Walnut. Please check the portfolio on the main page for more examples or reach out to a representative at (407) 744-3568.
