Gather Your Cabinet Refacing Materials

Like many other jobs, the key to excellent results in cabinet refacing is the preparation before you start the project. While each job varies, here's a list of suggested tools and cabinet refacing materials:

• Utility knife and extra blades
• Screwdriver (both flat and Phillips heads, just in case) and screws
• Family of saws: Miter saw, handsaw, table/circular saw
• Straight edge to use as a guide while cutting the veneer
• Cordless drill/driver
• Hammer and nails (#4d finish nails)
• Tape measure
• Level
• Clamps
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Brad nailer
• Small pry bar (around 6 inches)
• Wood glue
• Drop cloths
• Veneer
• Finish
• Stripper
• Sandpaper

You've still got a long way to go, but collecting everything you need to complete the job is one of the most important steps in refacing your cabinets. Starting the job without the proper equipment is never a fun, so be sure to compile everything you need beforehand, before you move onto other stages of preparation. Also, make sure you know what how to use all of these tools, especially the ones with blades and moving parts which could be dangerous. There's a difference between putting yourself to the test with a DIY project and picking up a saw for the first time.

Even if you have some experience with these tools, if you've never undertaken a job as large as cabinet refacing, make sure you get some help, whether from a professional or from a detailed guide. The steps are not terribly difficult for most do-it-yourself homeowners, but each and every step of a cabinet job should be done right.