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4 Easy Yet Efficient Ways to Renovate a Kitchen

4 Easy Yet Efficient Ways to Renovate a Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of every home… Unless you prefer to order food delivery more than cooking. Installing a new kitchen from scratch and renovating an old one are both expensive undertakings. According to HomeStars, the average cost of kitchen renovation in Canada is $30,944 or $195 per square foot. However, a kitchen renovation is also the one that offers the highest return on investment when it comes to selling your house. If these numbers are way beyond what you can spend and you are still dreaming of a newer-looking kitchen, here are four ways to update your old kitchen look without breaking your budget.

How to Save Money On a Kitchen Renovation and Still Get the Kitchen of Your Dreams?

Go for butcher block countertops

Quartz and marble countertops no doubt look gorgeous with any kitchen design, but they are also the most expensive materials for countertops. To save money and still have a beautiful and practical countertop, go for the butcher-block type of countertops. They have a lower fabrication cost, so they won’t be as expensive as marble or quartz and still offer a no less stylish look.

Upcycle your cabinets

Cabinets upcycling has become a huge trend in the last few years. One of the most popular ways to upcycle your kitchen is to install new thermofoil cabinet doors on your cabinets. Installing kitchen cabinet replacement doors is a simple and cost-effective way to transform the look of your kitchen without breaking the bank. If you are keen on all things DIY and upcycling, you will definitely like the DIY kitchen cabinet doors idea.

Backsplash

Updating just the backsplash will give your kitchen a breath of fresh air. Choose between tile patterns, vinyl film or no backsplash at all to experiment with different looks. If you go for tile backsplash, experiment with the patterns to find the one that fits your kitchen style best.

Update the appliances

Sometimes, it’s not all about the kitchen cabinets or countertops. Outdated appliances that have been there since the 2000s can make your kitchen look old and tiring. If you are not ready to spend on new countertops or cabinets, consider updating the appliances. Not only will you refresh your kitchen look, but you will also make your cooking experience more enjoyable with a new and more efficient stove and oven.

Conclusion

Kitchens are no longer only about storage and cooking. They are also about being a place where families and friends gather to share good food and good times. With a bit of creativity and DIY spirit, you can make your old kitchen look brand new and feel welcoming without spending a lot of money.

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DIY Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

DIY Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

A full kitchen remodel is a great way to improve the outdated appeal of your kitchen. But it is also one of the most expensive home renovation projects. By replacing all the cabinets and appliances, you can end up spending a good deal of money. However, updating your kitchen look doesn’t always have to be about demolishing the entire kitchen and installing new cabinets from scratch. If all that bothers you are old-looking cabinet doors, consider DIY kitchen cabinet refacing. In this blog, we will dive into the subject of cabinet refacing, what it is, its different aspects, where to find kitchen cabinet refacing suppliers and how to DIY your kitchen cabinet refacing project. Read on.

What is cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refacing involves replacing existing doors and drawer fronts of your kitchen cabinets with new ones. If the base cabinets are in good shape and haven’t lost their colour, you can leave them as is and make do without veneer panels or painting them. If you are considering updating the colour of the base cabinets too, you can paint them with a new colour or glue a new veneer on them. The hardware (handles, drawer pulls and hinges) is normally replaced during DIY kitchen cabinet refacing too.

How does DIY cabinet refacing work?

While many people think kitchen cabinet refacing is the same as cabinet renovation, in reality, it is not. Cabinet refacing primarily involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of the kitchen cabinets with newer replacement options. The average process would look something like this:

  1. You get precise measurements of your cabinets doors and drawer fronts. Check out this video guide on measuring kitchen cabinet doors for your DIY kitchen cabinet refacing project. 
  2. Do your research on cabinet door suppliers and choose the one you can trust. Select the desired colour for your new cabinet replacement doors and drawer fronts and place the order. 
  3. Remove your old cabinet doors.
  4. Install new hardware on the new cabinet replacement doors. This step is unnecessary if the old hinges and handles are still in good condition and you decided to keep them. 
  5. Mount new doors and drawer fronts on the cabinets. 

If you are serious about transforming your kitchen, step #4 would include installing veneer sheets on the outer sides of the cabinets. 

The major advantage of cabinet refacing is that you can easily handle this project by yourself. In fact, many people do it themselves because it is incredibly cost-effective and relatively easy to do. It is also a fun little project you could do with your family on the weekend.

Where to get materials for DIY cabinet refacing?

There are multiple cabinet-refacing suppliers in Toronto, the GTA and throughout Ontario. As someone dreaming of a perfect kitchen, you want to be sure the cabinet door replacements you buy are high-quality, long-lasting and of the best possible price. You can start by researching cabinet thermofoil door suppliers online and sorting them by reviews. Next, compare the pricing and the quality of the materials, and find out if the supplier has a physical location where you can visit and ask for samples. All this will help you choose the best supplier at a reasonable price. 

Why Choose The Door Maker For Your DIY Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Project?

The Door Maker is the number one provider of cabinet thermofoil doors in Ontario and all across Canada. Having been in the business for over 48 years, we have gained a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy kitchen/bath cabinet doors supplier with the best quality products. 

Not only do our clients get to choose from a wide range of colours, door profiles and edge designs, but they also take advantage of the most affordable prices and flexible payment options. Our clients are never left to wonder about the door’s design as our staff is always available to help with colour and design considerations. Our product is easy to install and gives the appearance of painted wood or finely stained natural grain cabinet doors. We are also the manufacturer of our product, so we can offer our customers the best pricing on the market. 

To top up our exceptional service and excellent product, we use only the latest in technology and machinery to ensure a high level of efficiency in the manufacturing process and zero carbon footprint. TDM is your go-to source for exceptional quality thermofoil cabinet doors in North America.

All You Need To Know About DIY Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

How much does DIY kitchen cabinet refacing cost?

According to the Home Guide, the average kitchen cabinet refacing cost is $6,518 (~ CAD 8,950). A 10′ x 12′ kitchen will cost between $4,214 and $8,110 (~ CAD 5,783 to CAD 11,130) to reface. Of course, these numbers greatly depend on aspects such as the quality of the materials, hardware, kitchen size and more. Labour costs are also important to keep in mind. If you hire kitchen refacing contractors, expect to pay between $30 to $100 per hour on top of the materials and hardware costs. But if you want to save even more money and are up for a challenge, consider a DIY option.

Pros and Cons of DIY kitchen cabinet refacing

When considering DIY kitchen cabinet refacing, it is crucial to weigh all pros and cons of this venture. 

Why go for DIY kitchen cabinet refacing?

  1. Brand new kitchen cabinets for a fraction of the cost – DIYing your kitchen cabinet refacing is definitely cheaper than renovating your entire kitchen from scratch. 
  2. No city permits are required – Since cabinet refacing doesn’t involve any major plumbing or electrical work, you don’t need to apply for any permits to reface your kitchen cabinets.
  3. Boosted home-resale value – With cabinet refacing, your kitchen will look as stunning as a brand new kitchen, so expect to get a higher resale value when selling your home.
  4. An outlet for creativity – If you are keen on all things DIY, especially those concerning home design, kitchen refacing is a great opportunity to allow your creativity to run wild.  

When to stay away from DIY kitchen cabinet refacing?

  1. Not worth the money if cabinets are old or damaged – cheap, old plywood cabinets showing signs of wear may not be worth the effort of refacing them. 
  2. Doesn’t help change kitchen layout and cabinet space – if kitchen layout is what bothers you more than the cabinet fronts themselves, refacing may not be the best option as it will not change the kitchen’s layout. 

FAQs

Can you DIY kitchen cabinet refacing?

Yes, you can! In fact, this process is so easy that you shouldn’t even bother hiring a professional installer to complete your kitchen cabinet refacing project. All you need is ordering the right  supplies and a little DIY spirit.

How long do kitchen cabinet refacing projects take to complete?

Depending on the kitchen size, it could take you from a weekend to a week or two to finish a DIY kitchen cabinet refacing project. The installation time will also vary depending on your skill level. An experienced DIYer will complete the installation in less time than a novice. 

Is DIY cabinet refacing worth the money?

Indubitably, yes. Aside from saving you a big chunk of money, your kitchen will obtain a brand-new look without the hassle of a full remodel. 

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5 Do It Yourself Cabinet Refacing Trends

5 Do It Yourself Cabinet Refacing Trends

Are you tired of staring at your outdated kitchen cabinets but don’t want to break the bank with a full renovation? Look no further! Cabinet refacing is an affordable and stylish solution that can completely transform the look of your kitchen. From minimalist modern designs to rustic farmhouse vibes, we’ve rounded up five do-it-yourself cabinet refacing trends that are sure to inspire your next home improvement project. Get ready to elevate your space and impress all those dinner party guests with these must-try cabinet transformations!

5 must-follow modern DIY cabinet refacing trends

Shaker-style cabinets:

If you are looking for a way to update your kitchen cabinets without spending a fortune, cabinet refacing is a great option. Cabinet refacing involves replacing the door and drawer fronts, as well as the hardware, of your existing cabinets. This can be done by either painting or staining the cabinets, or by using new veneer or laminate to give them a fresh look. It is one of the easiest do-it-yourself cabinet refacing trends that prevail today.

One of the most popular do-it-yourself cabinet refacing trends is shaker-style cabinets. Shaker-style cabinets are characterized by their simple, clean lines and lack of ornate details. This style of cabinet is perfect for those who want a sleek and modern look for their kitchen. If you are interested in giving your kitchen a shaker-style makeover, there are a few things you will need to do. First, you will need to remove all of the doors and drawer fronts from your cabinets. Next, you will need to measure the openings for replacement doors and drawer fronts. Once you have the measurements, you can order new doors and drawer fronts from a local kitchen cabinet door manufacturer. 

Once you have received your new doors and drawer fronts, it is time to install them. This is relatively easy to do, but if you are not confident in your ability to do it yourself, there are plenty of companies that offer installation services. Once your new doors and drawer fronts are installed, you can then add any hardware that you desire.

Open Shelving:

Open shelving is one of the hottest trends in do-it-yourself cabinet refacing kitchen designs right now. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, you should definitely consider this trend. Open shelving can give your kitchen a more open and airy feel, as well as make it easier to keep your kitchen organized and tidy.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to go with open shelving in your kitchen. First, you will want to make sure that the items on your shelves are neatly arranged and not cluttered. You also want to be sure that the items on your shelves are ones that you use often and that are easily accessible. Finally, you will want to make sure that the shelves themselves are made of sturdy materials so they can support the weight of whatever you put on them.

Modern & Retro Knobs and Handles:

When it comes to do-it-yourself cabinet refacing there are many different trends that come and go. However, there are always certain elements that remain popular among homeowners. One of these trends is the use of modern and retro cabinet knobs and handles. There are many different styles of cabinet knobs and handles available in the market today. When it comes to choosing the right ones for your home, it is important to take into account the overall style of your kitchen or bathroom. For a more modern look, consider cabinet hardware with a sleek and simple design. If you prefer a more retro or vintage style, there are many options available with intricate details and unique finishes.

Glass Doors:

Another popular do-it-yourself cabinet refacing trend is to replace solid doors with glass doors. This gives your kitchen a more open and airy feel, and it also makes it easier to find what you’re looking for in your cabinets. If you’re not sure about committing to all glass doors, you can always start with just a few and see how you like the look. Fixing glass doors might seem difficult but it is easy if you follow the required steps. 

Scandinavian Style Cabinets:

There is something about Scandinavian-style cabinets that make them perfect for a do-it-yourself cabinet refacing project. They are simple, yet elegant and can be easily transformed with a few simple changes. One of the most popular trends is to replace old cabinet doors with a white thermofoil MDF alternative . This gives your cabinets a clean and fresh look that is perfect for any kitchen. If you want to add a bit of colour, you can always add some new hardware or even change the door handles. Another popular trend is to stain the cabinets. This gives them a rich and warm look that will complement any kitchen décor.

No matter what trends you decide to follow, remember that cabinet refacing is a great way to save money and still get the kitchen of your dreams! Even though the aforementioned do-it-yourself cabinet refacing trends might seem difficult to do, they are actually not. These trends are easy to follow if you plan them accordingly and mainly, source your materials from a trusted supplier.

Hope these 5 unmissable do-it-yourself cabinet refacing trends help you transform your kitchen into an open and lively space. 

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5 Tips for Your Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Project

5 Tips for Your Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Project

Refacing your kitchen cabinets is an exciting project. Choosing kitchen cabinet refacing supplies, selecting the new colour theme, buying new appliances – all this is so much fun. But when it comes to things like budget planning and procurement, many homeowners get scared away and tend to postpone their kitchen cabinet refacing for later. If you are looking to update the look of your old kitchen cabinets but are not sure where to start, this blog will be your practical guide on how to jumpstart your kitchen cabinet refacing project.

How to Make Your Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Project a Success?

Plan the budget

Planning how much you can spend on cabinet refacing materials is important as it helps you to stay within the budget. If you set a budget limit for your project and stick to it, you won’t be as tempted to spend money on something you don’t need or can’t afford.

Define the project goals

Setting project goals will help you finish your kitchen cabinet refacing project faster. For instance, researching and shortlisting kitchen cabinet refacing suppliers could be one of the goals you can set for yourself. Make sure the goals are clear and attainable. And, if things don’t go the way you planned, don’t stress. Take a break and get back to work when your inspiration is back.

Get organized

Getting yourself organized will help you get the kitchen of your dreams ready faster. For instance, set a project schedule and stick to it as much as possible. If you are DIYing your kitchen renovation project, set a deadline to order kitchen cabinet refacing supplies, or allocate a day in a week when you can fully dive into the project.

Find project inspiration

This part is usually the easiest and the most fun as the sources you can get inspiration from are almost limitless these days. Check some best kitchen renovation projects on Pinterest or Instagram, follow interior designers on social media, and read home improvement magazines.

Be patient

We know how tempting it may be to get things done quickly, but rushing your project is never a good idea. The last thing you want is for your new kitchen cabinet replacement doors to end up being half an inch short, right? Work on your project one step at a time and praise yourself for the small accomplishments you achieve.

Conclusion

Refacing your kitchen is a challenging journey that requires patience. But when you get to the end, the result is well worth it. Follow these 5 tips to make your kitchen cabinet refacing project an easy and successful one.

If you are looking for kitchen cabinet refacing supplies, The Door Maker got you covered. We carry a wide range of flat, raised and shaker-style cabinet doors in over 150 colours available in matte, wood grain, and high-gloss thermofoil finishes. We offer our clients a high-quality product paired with unmatched customer service. Turn your kitchen into a dream with our cabinet doors.

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5 Cost-Effective Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen

5 Cost-Effective Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen

Renovations are costly. From ordering materials to buying new furniture, all this can make you go bankrupt. But while you may put off buying a newer sectional for your living room, the upgrade of the old kitchen that screams renovation should not be delayed. But is there a way to upgrade the look of your kitchen without breaking your budget? In this blog, we provide 5 cost-effective ways to give your kitchen a modern face-lift.

5 Cost-Effective Ways to Refresh The Look Of Your Old Kitchen

How to Affordably Upgrade The Look Of Your Old Kitchen?

Upgrade the flooring 

Traditional vinyl or linoleum floors used to be popular in the 2000s, but these days they are a thing of the past. Consider upgrading the flooring with something more durable, modern and resilient, such as laminate, tile or stone. You can also try wood flooring if you want to go for a timeless option. Sometimes a simple swapping out the old flooring can add a major boost to the look of your old kitchen.

Change the countertops

Countertops are the most utilized area in the kitchen. Cooking dinner, making your morning coffee, all this is done on the countertop, so you want to make sure it is made of high-quality and durable materials. Replace your old MDF countertops with a sturdier option such as granite, marble, soapstone or wood.

Go for DIY kitchen cabinet refacing

When you walk into a kitchen, the first thing that catches your eye is…yes, cabinets! Regardless of how great your new dinnerware or curtains look, if your cabinets are outdated, they will ruin the overall look and feel of your kitchen. And if you are not ready yet for a full kitchen makeover, consider a do it yourself kitchen cabinets refacing. This cost-effective kitchen modernization option has been gaining traction in the last decade. Not only does it refreshes the look of your kitchen cabinets, but it also helps you save significant costs on a complete kitchen renovation.

Upgrade the lighting

Lighting plays an important role in any room, and the kitchen is no exception. Correctly positioned lighting can add that warm and welcoming ambience to your kitchen. There are several ways to improve the lighting in your kitchen: install a dimmer switch to add versatility when cooking or hosting guests, consider LED lighting for under countertops, add a special ambience by hanging a chandelier over the kitchen island.

Install new backsplash

Installing a new backsplash has several benefits. Not only does it enhance your kitchen decor and makes cleaning easy, but it also increases your home value if you are planning to sell your home eventually. For a timeless backsplash, go for glass, metal or natural stone tile.

From changing the lighting to opting for do it yourself cabinet refacing, all this will help you achieve a new kitchen look. Choose the scenario that suits you best and give your kitchen that newer look it deserves.

FROM THE SAME CATEGORY

Apr 21 2026 BY Ksenija Lebec, Blog

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Apr 19 2026 BY Ksenija Lebec, Blog

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4 Reasons Why Opt For Do It Yourself Cabinet Refacing

4 Reasons Why Opt For Do It Yourself Cabinet Refacing

The kitchen is the most popular room in almost every house. This is the place where you make your morning coffee. It is also the place where all family gatherings and celebrations take place. So you want to make sure your kitchen is a comfortable space to be in. One of the most obvious ways to do so is to remodel it. But what if remodelling is out of your budget and you’re not ready for it yet? Do-it-yourself cabinet refacing is the answer. In this blog, we will review why putting new doors on old kitchen cabinets is the most optimal alternative to a complete kitchen renovation.

Why do-it-yourself cabinet refacing is the best way ever to refresh the look of your kitchen?

Kitchen cabinet refacing has been gaining traction for very simple yet compelling reasons. If you are looking to remodel your kitchen, you need to seriously consider do-it-yourself cabinet refacing and here’s why:

  1. It saves costs
  2. It looks as great as a full-fledged kitchen makeover
  3. It can be fully DIYed
  4. It takes less time to complete

Let’s have a closer look at each of these benefits further below.

Cost-effective alternative to a complete kitchen renovation

With the living costs increasing year over year, consumers started to look into ways they can save money without sacrificing their comfort. Some cut their food expenses, while others try to lessen their spending on entertainment. Do-it-yourself cabinet refacing will help you save money on a renovation without sacrificing your comfort.

Improves the look and feel of your kitchen

No room in your house can give that welcoming feel that a newly renovated kitchen can. The most pleasant part about DIY kitchen cabinet doors is that you don’t have to dismantle all your cabinets to achieve that welcoming atmosphere. Installing kitchen cabinet replacement doors on old cabinets will save you costs and make your kitchen look like new.

No professional installation is needed

Kitchen cabinet refacing has been a great alternative to a traditional kitchen makeover. And the fact that the project can be DIYed adds even more value to it. All you need is a drill, a handful of screws just enough to install all kitchen cabinet replacement doors and an eagerness to make the space look better.

Faster installation times

A complete makeover of the kitchen cabinets is a lengthy process that requires the use of specific tooling as well as the skills of a professional. DIY kitchen cabinet doors are a faster and less expensive solution to gain an equally revamped kitchen look.

A conventional renovation is undoubtedly the best way to refresh your kitchen appearance. But it is also a process that requires significant time and resource investment. Refacing the old kitchen cabinets with new doors is by far the most cost-effective way to achieve an equally crisp look for less.

FROM THE SAME CATEGORY

Apr 21 2026 BY Ksenija Lebec, Blog

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Apr 19 2026 BY Ksenija Lebec, Blog

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Apr 17 2026 BY Ksenija Lebec, Blog

Custom doors versus stock cabinetry comes down to fit, cost, and style. See which option gives your kitchen the best value and finish.

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