Is Kitchen Resurfacing for You?

Kitchens require a lot of work as they have the highest foot traffic and exhibit signs of wear very quickly. Benchtops lose their shine, accessories need replacement, and cabinets start wearing off over time. A kitchen resurfacing is, therefore, a budget-friendly way to renovate the area and freshen it up.

In comparison, renovation involves design changes, plumbing, electrical wiring, new installations, etc. This increases expenses as well as chances for delays. Limiting the scope of work gives you a makeover at a fraction of the cost.

1. Doors and Panels: You can replace the doors with a design of your choice. Panels can be replaced to reflect your personal tastes.
2. Hardware Changes: Most hardware, including runners, hinges, and pull-out units can be changed. Runners can be a little complicated to work with, but not impossible. You can also have new pull-out bins or spice racks installed for convenience.
3. Benchtops: Benchtops undergo the most wear and tear in any kitchen. In some cases, you can simply put on a new layer over the old one when resurfacing. You can also remove the old surface and replace it with a new one.
4. Splashbacks: Similar to benchtops, your splashbacks can be updated as well. For example, if you had a tiled splashback originally, you could opt for glass or acrylic.
5. Appliances: Some appliances can be changed to give your kitchen a new look. Keep in mind that not all fittings are replaceable, as they may require structural changes. For instance, when resurfacing, taps, sinks, and cooktops can be replaced.

1. Lower Costs: Compared to home renovations, you spend less on resurfacing. Redesigning floor plans is costly, not to mention the labour and materials needed. On the other hand, you only need a few tradies when resurfacing, which saves you money. If you only want to change the doors or panels, you don’t need a whole team of tradies, like electricians, painters, flooring experts, or plumbers, for the job—a carpenter can perform this just as easily, making it more cost-effective.
2. Quick Turnaround: Renovation projects can take weeks, and even months, to complete. In comparison, a resurface can be completed very quickly, like on the weekends. Since the scope of work is limited, delays are rare. Unless it’s a stone benchtop replacement, you could have the benchtop, doors, and panels all resurfaced on the same day!
3. Fresh Look: Kitchens with old, worn-out cabinetry and furnishings can look unappealing. Replacing these surfaces gives the space a fresh look. With this budget-friendly makeover, cooking will feel more refreshing and can make meal times fun.
4. New Appliances: Appliances and fittings determine the room’s appearance. Ill-fitting taps or dull cooktops can ruin the appearance. With resurfacing, you can change many fixtures and appliances in your kitchen. Even if you want to change the sink style, you can customise your new benchtop to accommodate the style without spending thousands of dollars.

1. Partial Resurface: This is an excellent option for new cabinetry. A partial resurface will replace certain sections, leaving the others untouched. For example, if you have an L-shaped kitchen with an island bar, you can customise the doors and panels for the L-shaped side and get a new island bar instead. This allows you to customise the island bar with new functionalities instead of renovating the entire kitchen.
2. Change Hardware: Old hinges and runners can become problematic—squeaky and bent runners are common in old kitchens. So, if you’re resurfacing, you can replace it with some modern hardware, like soft-close hinges and smooth runners. You can assess their conditions and decide accordingly.
3. Upgrade Appliances & Fixtures: Changing some old appliances and tapware is always good. This is especially true when items such as cooktops and sinks are above the bench. Consider installing new power points or panels to improve convenience. It’s best to make a checklist to ensure everything has been covered.

1. Structural Changes: One limitation of resurfacing is that the existing structure of the cabinetry can not be changed. These include limitations to modifying your existing cabinetry’s width and changing from handle open to fingerpull open doors. Consult with your kitchen expert to learn more about the can and can’ts.
2. Hardware Changes: Some hardware changes can be time-consuming, such as changing from side mount ball bearing runners to undermount runners. . Undermount runners are mounted differently and are precise, so we must make templates to ensure they are in the right spot. They fit correctly. Due to the different mounting styles, new drawer boxes must also be made.
3. The Right Hardware: Some old kitchen cabinetry doesn’t come in conventional sizes, so finding off-the-shelf hardware to fit these spaces may be challenging. Most hardware is available in specific sizes, like spice racks, pull-out bins, and pantries. Only floor-mounted hardware can be mounted if the existing structure is too small or too big.
4. Irreplaceable Panels: Not all panels and fillers can be replaced as many are glued and lack access to remove. Replacing them can damage the plaster or the surface it’s on. When removing existing stone benchtops, there is a high chance the adjoining splashback or tiles can get damaged, as these benchtops need to be smashed to pieces before removing. Our kitchen designers can provide you with solutions after they inspect the work.
5. Gaps in the Structure: Resurfacing does not mean brand-new. It only replaces older fittings with new ones of the same size. One reason is when you remove old doors and hinges, the cabinetry structure can start bowing, causing new doors not to fit if the sizes of these new doors are larger than the existing ones. Therefore, sticking to the existing size is ideal.

To understand the limitations of resurfacing your kitchen, it’s best to have experts lead the project. Our experienced team of designers have industry experience and can inform you on what can or can’t be done. We will also be able to provide you with alternative solutions if required. At KIND, we want to help you to create Your Kind of Kitchen based on your budget.

KIND Kitchens is one of the leading renovation experts in Melbourne. We specialise in creating functional yet aesthetic spaces. Our team can resurface homes while retaining their original look and character. We can also offer insights on innovative and practical kitchen designs you can incorporate without renovations. For more information about resurfacing, contact any of our showrooms in Bentleigh, Blackburn, Chadstone and Hawthorn.