Kitchen Cabinet Refacing & Renovation FAQ

Yes we absolutely do!

Our own employees install our cabinets and refacing projects.

Refaced kitchen cabinets (with new doors and drawer fronts) can last as long as new cabinets with normal use.

All the fixed parts of the cabinets are covered (glued and screwed) with actual rigid (flat) panelling that is made in the same colour and finish as the new doors. Cabinet sides, kick plates, fillers etc are completely covered in order to give you a brand new kitchen from the outside. This is not a lipstick / stop-gap solution. It is a complete renewal of your existing cabinetry that is designed to last.

Yes you can make changes and additions to your layout and we excel on such projects. Many of our projects involve some kind of kitchen extension / addition as people need more storage space or more countertop space these days. Kitchen extensions can be simple and relatively inexpensive, like adding an extra pantry or they can be quite complex, like removing a peninsula and adding an island while relocating the sink etc. 

To start off, we use the best products / materials in the business. After 16 years of operation, we have sourced the best manufacturers of wood doors, painted MDF/ HDF doors and even TFL laminate and thermofoil doors. Our products are time tested and built to perform for the long run.

That being said, what really sets us apart is that we have literally made our installations into a science, leading to minimum down times / disruption to the families. Our clients cannot believe how quickly and systematically everything comes together, making a very complex project look simple and quick. We have amazing communication with our clients so that they know what to expect during the process of the project.

Our core team only works on one project at a time, however if you were to include our extended team of trades (flooring, countertops, backsplash tilers), then we can be touching 5 projects at any given point on average. 

Yes, all the options as you would have in a full kitchen renovation are available with refacing. We have a wide selection of door styles, hardware and countertops that are available to our customers.

You can definitely add extra cabinets or a new countertop (be it melamine, granite, quartz, etc)

Yes we can add new cabinets to match your new refaced kitchen. We can also make changes to your existing cabinets to accommodate new appliances etc. Besides this, we also have many options to organize your kitchen using various mechanisms and hardware like a Lazy Susan, pull-out drawers.

In most cases it takes anywhere from 1 to 3 days depending on the size and complexity of the project. You will still be able to use your kitchen even while the refacing project is going on.

Absolutely not. All doors and drawer fronts will be replaced as well as any exposed areas. Your kitchen will look brand new from the outside!

From our personal experience, cabinet refacing has one of the highest payback of any home improvement. We work with Real Estate Agents and Home Stagers and in most cases they do recommend updating the kitchen before selling. It definitely helps increase the buyer’s interest in the property.

Primarily it is less expensive and less time consuming then replacing cabinets. The end result is just as beautiful and will add value to your home when it comes time to sell it.

Our company is very efficient when it comes to our processes, and we are able to complete a full kitchen renovation within 3 weeks. Our clients are informed about what to expect during that period so they can adjust their work schedules and personal schedules ahead of time.  

The quality of cabinets depends mainly on the quality the materials being used as well as the quality of the production process. When you work with us, you can rest assured that we use high-quality materials no matter if you are selecting our standard or upgraded doors.

These days frameless (also called European style) cabinetry is the most popular and practical. It also allows for easier retrofitting with drawers or other space saving mechanisms at a later point.

Like any product you buy, there are levels to quality and it also depends on where the products were made. Most overseas products are generally very inexpensive, however they are not made with quality or durability in mind. One can expect them to be made from cheap parts, and the labour is probably done by someone who is inexperienced. At Adore Your Kitchen, we always work with local vendors who source ‘Canadian-made cabinetry’, so as our customer, you can rest assured that you are getting products that will last you for years to come.

It depends on the manufacturer. There is a wide range for both wall cabinets and base cabinets, but they are usually between 12-36 inches wide. The wide range is due to the wide range of kitchen sizes. At Adore Your Kitchen, we can custom make all doors and cabinets to any size. We do not use any standard sizing in our cabinetry.

The depth of upper (wall) kitchen cabinets is typically around 12 inches and the depth of lower / base cabinets is 24 inches. We can always create customized solutions if you desire deeper cabinets. That being said, it is always best to speak with us first so we can get a good idea of your project. It will allow us to make the most appropriate recommendations that will work best for your kitchen.

The most popular layout is the ‘L’ or the ‘U’ shaped kitchen over the past few years. There are many other unique layouts based on the design of the room by the builder / architect, so it makes it impossible to list them all.

Refacing is the process of getting a new lease on life for your existing kitchen cabinets without completely breaking them down. The process starts with the removal of the existing doors and panelling the exterior parts of the kitchen like side panels and kick plates (the boards near the floor). We then install brand-new doors with soft-close hinges and updated hardware to complete the look.

The terms Refacing and Resurfacing are very similar, however in reality they are extremely different in process and results. With ‘Refacing’ you get brand new doors for your kitchen and these doors will give your cabinets greater longevity. On average, you can add 15 years or more with our standard doors and 20 years or more with our upgraded doors. While Refacing does cost more, it actually adds value to your kitchen and your home.

Painting/Resurfacing is simply the process of changing the colour of the doors by either painting or staining the existing doors. The quality and durability vary from project to project. We have heard of some customers who have been satisfied with these results and others who have been quite disappointed. The main issue is that you cannot control the outcome of the project as each cabinet door has different finishes/primers and different levels of moisture/oil. These factors can absolutely skew the results of each project.

On another important note, Painting/Resurfacing does not add value to your home as most people can see through the fact that someone has simply painted over an older style cabinet. It is better suited for a quick refresh or to hide imperfections at the time of selling your home.

Kitchen remodelling is the process of completely removing the existing kitchen cabinets, countertops, and backsplash. When kitchens are remodelled, they could either follow a similar layout as the original kitchen or have a new layout that is better suited to the client’s needs and lifestyle. Sometimes even small changes in the layout can make big improvements in the efficiency of the kitchen.

For clients looking to remodel their kitchen, we always show them technical CAD sketches along with life-like renderings. We want you to feel certain you are making the right decision before starting production.

Traditionally, peninsulas have been used in most kitchen designs as they were very popular, as well as the fact that houses were designed with minimal space for the kitchen. Unfortunately, kitchens were not considered to be a vital part of the home, as they are now. Peninsulas don’t need much space and so they were a popular addition to the home.

In the past two decades, architects have been designing homes with larger spaces dedicated towards kitchens and this has given rise to the popularity of islands. Islands require more space as there needs to be approximately 3 feet of clearance around the island for people to comfortably walk by. Even more clearance is required whenever there is an appliance in front of the island like a fridge, dishwasher, or oven/range.

By far, an island is the better way to go as it can offer seating, storage and keep the entire space open and accessible! Even though islands need a larger dedicated space for the kitchen, at times we have managed to squeeze them into some smaller kitchens, as they can be on the top of many clients’ wish lists!

Overhang refers to the part of the countertop that sticks out over the side of an island or a peninsula. The reason for an overhang is to be able to have enough countertop space so people can comfortably sit down and enjoy a meal. The average overhang is 12 inches.

A professional kitchen contractor brings expertise in design, planning, and execution to ensure your renovation is completed efficiently, safely, and to a high standard. They can help you avoid costly mistakes and manage all aspects of the project, saving you time and stress.

Kitchen contractors often provide a range of services, including cabinet refacing, custom cabinetry, countertop installation, flooring, lighting, plumbing updates, appliance integration, and full kitchen renovations. They can handle both design and construction aspects to deliver a cohesive result.

Cabinet refacing involves updating the exterior surfaces of your cabinets with new doors, drawer fronts, and finishes, giving your kitchen a fresh look without structural changes. A full remodel involves redesigning the layout, replacing appliances, and updating all elements of the kitchen, including cabinets, countertops, flooring, and lighting.

In most cases, yes, but there will be some disruption to your daily routine. We can help you plan around the renovation schedule, set up a temporary kitchen, and minimize inconvenience.

Start by clearing out your kitchen, organizing alternate cooking arrangements, and discussing the project timeline and expectations with us.

While it’s possible, changes can cause delays and increase costs. It’s best to finalize your design during the planning phase.

Focus on high-impact upgrades like cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Opt for timeless designs that appeal to future buyers, and prioritize energy-efficient appliances and lighting to lower utility costs.

We combine exceptional design expertise, precise craftsmanship, and a customer-first approach to deliver kitchens that are both beautiful and functional. With nearly 100 five-star reviews and a proven track record, we ensure every project exceeds expectations.

Simply book a free consultation with us! Share your vision, and we’ll guide you through the design and renovation process from start to finish. Contact us today to take the first step toward your dream kitchen.