Here's a scenario we come across more frequently than you’d think: Homeowners have existing quality granite, quartz or solid surface countertops that they really like, often recently installed or just well preserved, and they don’t want or need to replace them. But the cabinets underneath are showing some wear and tear or looking dated. What should they do? What can you do to replace these cabinets without having to remove the countertop you love and invested in? Our cabinet remodel experts share insights into the easiest ways to tackle the task and give your home in Lehigh Valley, PA, a whole new look.
Can you replace base cabinets under granite countertops?
Updating your kitchen countertop to granite or quartz is the obvious solution for dealing with the dings, chips or outdated color of older surfaces, or as the start of a phased kitchen remodeling process. However, once installed, these high-end natural stone countertops may actually draw more attention, not less, to the condition of the cabinets beneath them. In addition, the sheer weight of granite (or quartz) slabs often worries homeowners. How can their cabinets be refreshed without the risky process of removing and damaging heavy countertops? Cabinet refacing to the rescue! This method gives cabinets a brand new look, without the brand new price tag. Your existing cabinet frames will be reinforced and a new solid wood or maintenance-free laminate veneers applied, giving your cabinets a look that matches the newness of your countertops.
Not familiar with cabinet refacing? Check out our helpful Cabinet Refacing page, equipped with quick videos that clearly explain the process and what to expect.
Can a granite countertop be removed and reinstalled without damage?
Granite is a resistant natural stone surface that’s unlikely to crack with normal use. That being said, granite is a natural stone with natural fissures as an inherent property. Most cracking occurs as a result of stress during handling, fabrication or installation that created pressure points in these fissure points.. This is why removing a granite slab, once installed, is not ideal. It may even increase, rather than reduce costs if the reinstall gets complicated.
You should always be wary about moving a granite slab once it's installed; that is a recipe for breakage, and unexpected costs. . Granite slabs are impossible to repair well once they're seriously cracked, chipped or damaged. Separating them from the cabinet frames is a risky and delicate — and sometimes impossible — job. Keep in mind too, that removing your granite can void your manufacturer's warranty.
Refacing is the new replacing
Yes! Refacing the cabinets — under your existing countertops and throughout your entire kitchen — creates a whole new look, just like a full cabinet tear out and replacement.. Plus, cabinet refacing is an innovative process that can help you save up to 50% on remodeling costs and leave your kitchen looking completely new. Don't believe us? Take a look at these 8 Amazing Kitchen Transformations, all of which show cabinet refacing solutions.
Refreshing the appearance of the lower cabinets with kitchen refacing opens up so many opportunities to do something unique, too. Elle Décor magazine shows how contrasting or two-tone kitchen cabinets can complete your space. In addition to the usual combination of blue lower cabinets with white upper ones, a number of Kitchen Magic customers have also chosen to pair gray lower cabinets with white upper cabinets. This design choice may be the thing that gives your kitchen that extra pizzazz you didn’t know you needed.
You can also apply this kitchen refacing process under solid surface counters, such as tried-and-true Corian®. The same holds true for laminate countertops, including the exciting new line of Wilsonart® HPL surfaces, which simulate natural stone, wood, and textiles, and comes in a myriad colors.
What are some other benefits of cabinet refacing under an existing granite countertop?
Here are some more benefits of using Kitchen Magic’s exclusive cabinet refacing process under your existing granite or quartz countertop:
- Your existing cabinets will be reinforced. There are very few occasions when cabinet refacing isn't a possibility, and they only occur when your cabinet frames have been water damaged or structurally unstable beyond repair. In all other instances, our crew will use a proprietary cabinet frame reinforcement process, which will strengthen your existing cabinet frames.
- You can have any look you want. There isn't a single style or aesthetic that cabinet refacing can't give you. We work with beautiful laminates, hardwoods and practically indestructible maintenance-free cabinet doors. Our door styles complement any design style, from traditional, transitional, contemporary, modern, complementing and more.
- It's the most sustainable kitchen renovation option. Cabinet refacing is a much more environmentally friendly solution than almost every full-cabinet replacement option available. With a full-cabinet-rip-out remodel, every single component of your old cabinets is disassembled and removed. Much of existing cabinet boxes function just fine, so there often is no need to install all brand-new everything. With cabinet refacing, the majority of the cabinet frames and structural components are re-purposed and saved from the landfill, and the only thing we need to "replace" are the most visible parts of your cabinetry.
Where can I find reliable kitchen remodel contractors in Lehigh Valley, PA, and beyond?
One of the best benefits of refacing cabinets under existing granite countertops is that you can do it all in as little as three to five days with the help of Kitchen Magic. No matter what home improvement ideas you have in mind, our team will guide you through the entire process and ensure it runs smoothly from start to finish. We have a long record of successful projects in Lehigh Valley and other parts of Pennsylvania, which gives us the skills and experience to remodel your kitchen efficiently, cost-effectively, and in a short period of time. We’ll be happy to discuss the details with you, so contact us today or arrange your on-site consultation and quote to get started!
