Cabinet Refacing Supplies: Getting Ready for Your Project

Getting ready for your refacing project begins by confirming exactly what you plan to do and putting together a list of supplies you need to make it happen. Refacing Materials. Decide on the materials you plan to use to reface your cabinets. You can use wood veneer, choosing from alder, pine, cherry, oak, bamboo, and many others.

You can go with rigid thermo foil (RTF) or plastic laminate that is designed to look like wood. And you can even choose from a wide range of designs that are made to replicate other materials, like granite, metal, or painted surfaces.

Protective Equipment. Be prepared to protect both yourself and your home from your cabinet refacing project. Get drop cloths to use on all the surfaces in your kitchen, and some masking tape to help cover vertical areas.

You also need a mask, safety goggles, and some gloves. If you're applying paint or finish, make sure your room is well-ventilated.

Tools. These can vary depending on exactly what you plan to do to your cabinets, but here are some basics. You need a table saw, a miter saw, and a hand saw. Use a level as a straight edge and to ensure that surfaces are flat. A pencil and razor knife are essential and you need a brad nailer, a hammer and nails, wood glue, and a pry bar. A tape measure is a must.

Every cabinet refacing job is different and may require different supplies and tools. The best thing you can do is prepare a list of each cabinet refacing task and then a list of tools you need for each specific task.

This can make your master list easier to prepare and guarantee that you have everything on hand before you get to work.