POP Quiz: How Much Do You Know About the Woods Available for Cabinet Refacing?

Carpet sample design

There are many reasons you may want to reface your cabinets instead of buying brand new pieces. Essentially, if your cabinet sizes and shapes are still working for you, and if they’re solid and sturdy inside, then you don’t need to go to the cost of brand new cabinets.

Instead, refacing does just what it sounds like: It allows Cabinet Magic to essentially give your cabinets a facelift. We take the material, colors, designs, etc. that you want and create custom faces that give you the look and feel of a brand new cabinet for a fraction of the cost.

Cabinet Refacing Gives You a Seemingly Endless Number of Options

Many people have heard of cabinet refacing and agree that it would be a great idea, but they aren’t sure what it entails. The easiest way to get details is to reach out to Cabinet Magic at 800-570-4194 and ask for a free estimate.

In the meantime, what do you know about the different wood options? We’ll list out some of the most popular options but know that this is not comprehensive. If there is a material that you want then you count on us getting for you. Some of the most popular materials we work with included:

  • MDF. Medium-density fiberboard is a popular choice. Commonly known as MDF, this is a manufactured product that’s made out of wood fibers mixed with wax and resin. The mixture is then pressed to turn into flat panels while at a very high temperature and a lot of pressure. It’s then used in circumstances similar to those in which plywood is used. Don’t confuse MDF for particleboard, which is similar except that MDF cuts much better and has a very smooth surface that can easily be painted.
  • Paint-grade maple. There can be very different color variations within paint-grade maple. Typically, it involves intermixing sapwood and heartwood. The material will be sound but it is possible that there will be mineral streaks and natural defects. As the name implies, this is often the choice for homeowners who plan to paint their cabinets.
  • Stain-grade maple. The color of stain-grain maple will be much more uniform and lighter, compared to paint-grade maple. That said, there is some color variation allowed. You can expect little to no heartwood and extremely minimum mineral streaks. There may also be minimal birds-eye knots allowed.
  • Oak. Typically tan, though there may be some variation. You should expect variations of grain patterns, but nothing extreme. Only minimal mineral is allowed.
  • Cherry. Often chosen by those who want a uniform red color, cherry’s tones and grain patterns can vary. In some cases there may be small pitch pockets and / or tight knots. Cherry must have less than 2% sapwood.
  • Knotty alder. This type of wood has almost no color variation and only a very minimal amount of small, very tight knots.
  • Superior alder. This has a very uniform grain match. It may be a good choice if you don’t want to paint your cabinets.

These are just some of the woods available. Remember that you can also add your own hardware to truly customize your cabinet’s new face. Call Cabinet Magic at 800-570-4194 to get a free estimate.