Replacing kitchen cabinets that are in perfectly good condition can be an expensive proposition. However, you have decided that you need to give your kitchen an updated look and that it is time to replace your old counters with newer, more durable natural stone counters. This means that your current cabinets will simply not work with your vision.

In some cases, refacing your cabinets is the perfect option. It is less costly and the upgrades can be completed in less time. You must then decide which should you complete first – the cabinet resurfacing or the installation of the new counters. These tips can help you decide what option is best for you.

Installing Countertops First

If your cabinets are in really good shape and you like the way they are installed in your kitchen, it may be best to install the countertops before you resurface them to cover a color or finish you don’t like. In fact, professionals recommend installing the countertops before resurfacing the cabinets if the only thing you are doing is changing the look of the cabinet and not the actual structure. Other reasons to consider installing the counters first include:

• Slight color variations in the slab of stone installed from what you saw in the showroom could become obvious under your kitchen lighting. By installing the counter first, you can adjust the cabinet color for a better match.
• It is easier to choose textures, colors and cabinet designs once the granite is installed as the colors reflected in your kitchen lighting is what you will see every day.
• Gaps and imperfections will be obvious once the counter is installed. The levelness of the cabinets will not change either. Once the counter is installed, however, trim can be used to adjust any imperfections.

Resurfacing Cabinets First

If your cabinets are older, it is possible that you will need to reinforce the cabinets and be sure they are anchored to the floor before installing granite countertops. Granite is very heavy and contains veining where the counters may have weak spots that could crack if the structures underneath are disturbed. By resurfacing the cabinets first, you can determine areas that may need to be reinforced or even replaced in order to handle the weight of the cabinets.

When to Replace Cabinets

If you already have natural stone counters installed, it is recommended that you replace your cabinets rather than resurface them. It is not recommended that granite counters be removed as the seams are tightly pulled together and glued. In addition, the underside of the counters are attached to the cabinets with epoxy blocks so they do not move. Removing the epoxy and joints is difficult and the integrity of the cabinet could be compromised which could lead to damage to your new counters. If your counters cannot be reinforced to handle the weight of stone counters, you will also need to replace them.

If you are considering a kitchen or bath remodel and would like to learn more about natural stone, cabinet resurfacing or have other questions about your project, complete the easy query from online. A customer service representative will contact you as soon as possible to help you with your home improvement project.