I’m thrilled to share my journey with Redo Cabinets, a service that transformed my tired kitchen into a space I love showing off. If you’re craving a fresh, modern look without the hefty price tag of a full remodel, cabinet refacing with Redo Cabinets is the way to go.
It’s affordable, quick, and delivers stunning results that make your kitchen feel brand new. Trust me, after experiencing the process firsthand, I’m convinced it’s a smart investment for anyone wanting to elevate their home’s heart without breaking the bank.
Let’s explore why this was such a win for me.
My Experience With Redo Cabinets
When I first considered updating my kitchen, I was overwhelmed by the thought of a full renovation. My cabinets were dated, with chipped paint and creaky hinges, but the idea of tearing everything out felt daunting—not to mention expensive.
Then I stumbled across Redo Cabinets, a company specializing in cabinet refacing, and it was like a lightbulb went on. Their promise?
A fresh, modern kitchen in days, not weeks, at a fraction of the cost of new cabinets. I was intrigued but skeptical. Could refacing really make my kitchen look new without the hassle of a complete overhaul?
I reached out to Redo Cabinets, and from the start, their team was a breath of fresh air. During the initial consultation, their designer, Pete, spent over an hour walking me through options, showing me samples, and listening to my vision for a sleek, contemporary kitchen.
He didn’t push me into anything; instead, he offered practical suggestions, like swapping my old knobs for minimalist pulls and choosing a crisp white veneer to brighten the space.
What sold me was their no-pressure approach and the fact that they’ve been in the business since the 1950s, with a solid reputation in the Chicago suburbs.
The process itself was smoother than I expected. In just three days, their crew transformed my kitchen. They removed the old doors and drawer fronts, applied high-density wood veneer to the cabinet boxes, and installed new, custom doors.
The installers were meticulous, covering my floors and keeping the workspace tidy. By the end, my kitchen looked like it belonged in a magazine—clean lines, modern finishes, and not a hint of the dated oak from before.
The best part? I didn’t have to move out of my house or live in chaos. It was a quick, painless upgrade that made me fall in love with my kitchen again.
The Pros of Choosing Redo Cabinets
- Cost-Effective Transformation
Let’s talk money—you’re probably wondering if refacing is worth it. For me, it was a no-brainer. Redo Cabinets saved me thousands compared to replacing my cabinets entirely.
A full replacement could’ve cost me $20,000 or more, but refacing came in around $7,000 for my medium-sized kitchen. That’s a massive saving, especially when the results look just as good as new cabinets.
You get a high-end look without draining your savings, which leaves room for other upgrades like new countertops or that fancy coffee maker you’ve been eyeing.
- Speedy Installation
Time is precious, and Redo Cabinets gets that. Unlike a full remodel, which can leave your kitchen unusable for weeks, their refacing process took just three days. I was cooking dinner in my revamped kitchen before I knew it.
The crew worked efficiently, and there was no demolition mess to deal with. If you’re like me and can’t stand the thought of living in a construction zone, this quick turnaround is a huge selling point.
You’re back to your routine in no time, with a kitchen that feels brand new.
- Eco-Friendly Choice
I care about sustainability, and Redo Cabinets aligned with that value. By keeping the existing cabinet boxes, we reduced waste significantly. Instead of tossing out perfectly functional cabinets, we gave them a new life with fresh doors and veneers.
It’s a greener option that doesn’t sacrifice style. If you’re looking to minimize your environmental footprint while upgrading your home, refacing is a win-win. It felt good knowing my kitchen makeover wasn’t adding to a landfill.
- Customization Galore
One of my favorite parts of working with Redo Cabinets was the customization. They offer a ton of door styles, finishes, and hardware options, so you can tailor the look to your taste.
I went with a Shaker-style door in a glossy white finish, but you could just as easily choose a rustic wood grain or a bold color. They also let me add soft-close hinges, which make opening and closing cabinets feel luxurious.
Whatever your vibe—modern, traditional, or somewhere in between—Redo Cabinets has options to match.
The Cons of Redo Cabinets
- Limited Structural Changes
Refacing isn’t a magic wand. Since Redo Cabinets keeps your existing cabinet boxes, you’re stuck with the same layout. For me, this wasn’t an issue—my kitchen’s layout worked fine, just needed a facelift.
But if you’re dreaming of moving cabinets or adding new ones, refacing won’t cut it. You’ll need to consider a full replacement for major structural changes. It’s something to think about if your kitchen’s functionality is as big a concern as its appearance.
- Potential Hidden Issues
Here’s a heads-up: refacing doesn’t fix underlying problems. If your cabinet boxes are water-damaged or falling apart, Redo Cabinets can’t work miracles. In my case, my cabinets were structurally sound, so refacing was perfect.
But if your cabinets are in rough shape, you might need to repair or replace them first, which can add to the cost. Make sure to have a pro inspect your cabinets before committing to refacing to avoid surprises.
- Not as Durable as New Cabinets
While Redo Cabinets uses high-quality materials, refaced cabinets might not last as long as brand-new ones. The veneer and new doors are sturdy, but the original boxes will age over time.
For me, this wasn’t a dealbreaker—I’m confident my refaced cabinets will look great for at least a decade. But if you’re planning to stay in your home forever, you might weigh whether new cabinets are worth the investment for longer-term durability.
Maintenance Tips For Redo Cabinets
- Regular Cleaning for Longevity
Keeping your refaced cabinets looking pristine is easier than you think, but it does take a little effort. I clean mine weekly with a soft microfiber cloth and a mild dish soap solution—just a drop of soap in a cup of warm water does the trick.
Wipe down the doors and handles to remove fingerprints and grease, then dry with a clean cloth to prevent streaks. Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach or ammonia; they can damage the veneer or finish. This simple routine keeps my cabinets gleaming like they were just installed.
- Handle with Care
Refaced cabinets are durable, but they’re not indestructible. I’ve learned to be gentle with my doors and drawers to avoid dings or scratches. If you’ve got kids (or a clumsy partner like mine), remind them not to slam doors or lean on drawer fronts.
Those soft-close hinges I mentioned? They’re a lifesaver for reducing wear and tear. Treating your cabinets with a bit of care goes a long way in preserving their fresh look.
- Address Spills Immediately
Kitchens get messy, and spills are inevitable. My rule is to tackle any splashes or drips right away. Whether it’s tomato sauce or olive oil, wipe it up with a damp cloth before it sets.
For stubborn stains, a little baking soda mixed with water works wonders—just don’t scrub too hard. Quick action prevents damage to the veneer and keeps your cabinets looking flawless. Trust me, a little vigilance saves you from bigger headaches later.
- Periodic Hardware Check
The hardware on my Redo Cabinets—those sleek pulls and hinges—adds so much to the look, but they need occasional TLC. Every few months, I grab a screwdriver and check that the screws on handles and hinges are tight.
Loose hardware can stress the doors and cause misalignment. If you notice any wobbling, tighten it up or call Redo’s team for a quick fix. It’s a small step that keeps everything functioning smoothly.
Comparing Redo Cabinets To Other Brands
- Mantra Cabinets
Mantra Cabinets caught my eye as a budget-friendly option from MasterBrand, perfect for someone looking to keep costs low.
They offer decent quality with all-plywood construction and soft-close hardware, which I appreciated.
However, their limited selection—only three door styles and a handful of finishes—felt restrictive compared to Redo Cabinets’ vast customization options.
Mantra’s cabinets are pre-assembled and ship quickly, which is great if you’re in a rush, but I found their designs a bit basic. For my kitchen, I wanted something more tailored, and Redo delivered with their extensive style range.
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need much variety, Mantra’s a solid choice, but Redo’s flexibility won me over.
- Jarlin Cabinets
Jarlin Cabinets are another contender, known for their affordability and modern designs.
They offer a good mix of door styles and finishes, and their pricing is competitive, often falling in the $5,000-$10,000 range for a full kitchen.
I liked that Jarlin uses durable materials, but their reputation for inconsistent quality control gave me pause.
Some users report issues with misaligned doors or chipping finishes, which I didn’t want to risk.
Redo Cabinets, with their high-density wood veneers and professional installation, felt like a safer bet. If you’re after a trendy look on a budget, Jarlin’s worth considering, but Redo’s reliability tipped the scales for me.
- Kemper Cabinets
Kemper Cabinets lean toward the premium side, with a price tag to match—often $10,000-$20,000 for a kitchen.
Their 51 door styles and 155 finishes are impressive, and they offer unique features like distressed “heirlooming” techniques.
I was tempted by their semi-custom options, but the cost and longer lead time (about four weeks) didn’t fit my timeline or budget.
Redo Cabinets gave me a comparable high-end look for less, and the three-day installation was a game-changer.
Kemper’s great for those who want custom details and don’t mind the wait, but Redo’s speed and value were perfect for my needs.
- Bellmont Cabinets
Bellmont Cabinets, particularly their 1900 series, aim for a high-end aesthetic with options like high-gloss laminate doors.
They’re pricier than Redo, often starting at $12,000 for a small kitchen, and their quality control has mixed reviews.
Some users, like me, worry about scratches or chipping on their glossy finishes, which can be unforgiving.
Redo Cabinets’ veneers and doors felt sturdier, and their installation process was seamless, unlike Bellmont’s reported issues with incorrect sizes or damaged doors.
If you’re set on a glossy, ultra-modern look, Bellmont might appeal, but I preferred Redo’s consistent quality and lower cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cabinet refacing, like what Redo Cabinets offers, has a few limitations. You can’t change the layout of your kitchen since the existing cabinet boxes stay in place, so if you need more storage or a different setup, you’re out of luck. Also, refacing doesn’t fix structural issues like water damage or sagging boxes—those need repairs first. Finally, while durable, refaced cabinets may not last as long as new ones, especially if the original boxes are old. For me, these weren’t dealbreakers, but they’re worth considering if your kitchen needs more than a cosmetic update.
The cost of refacing with Redo Cabinets depends on your kitchen’s size and the materials you choose. For my medium-sized kitchen, I paid around $7,000, but prices typically range from $4,000 to $10,000. Laminate is cheaper, while solid wood pushes costs higher. Compared to full replacement, which can hit $20,000 or more, refacing is a steal. Labor makes up a big chunk, so getting a detailed quote upfront is key. Redo’s team was transparent about pricing, which helped me budget without surprises.
Redo Cabinets is a division of Krumwiede Home Pros, a family-owned company based in the Chicago suburbs since 1953. They’ve built a strong reputation for home improvement, focusing exclusively on cabinet refacing for Redo. I found their long history reassuring—it’s clear they know their stuff. The owner, Pete, was hands-on during my consultation, which made me trust their commitment to quality. It’s a company with deep roots, and that experience showed in their polished process.
Refaced cabinets, like those from Redo, can last 10-15 years or more with proper care. The new doors and veneers are built to withstand daily use, but the lifespan depends on the condition of your original cabinet boxes. Mine were in good shape, so I’m expecting at least a decade of great performance. Regular cleaning and gentle handling can extend their life significantly. If your boxes are solid and you maintain them well, refaced cabinets are a long-lasting investment.
Why Redo Cabinets Is My Top Pick?
After living with my refaced cabinets for months, I can’t recommend Redo Cabinets enough. They delivered a stunning, modern kitchen that fits my style and budget, all in just a few days.
The customization, eco-friendly approach, and cost savings make it a no-brainer for anyone wanting a quick, high-impact upgrade. Whether you’re sprucing up for yourself or boosting your home’s value, Redo Cabinets is a smart choice.
Trust me, you’ll be as thrilled as I am with the results.