Refacing / Recrafting Methods
What is a Refacing Method?
Reface·Method / ‘ree-feys, meth-uhd’ [n]: an approach to cabinet refacing based upon the combination of materials selected and how they are applied to a cabinet refacing project. WalzCraft’s Cabinet Refacing System utilizes four distinct Refacing Methods. Material Options include:
- PSA and Non-PSA Veneers
- Veneer and MDF Core Plywoods
- 3D Laminate / RTF Sheet Goods
- Solid Wood Refacing Stock
Choosing a Refacing Method
Which material you choose for the sides and/or the fronts will be determined by the following factors:
- Condition of the existing cabinet sides and fronts
- Your preferences based on knowledge and experience
- Your customer’s preferences based on knowledge or experience
- Space limitations
- Desired appearance of the corners where sides and fronts meet
- Restrictions because of particular species, grades, or finish choices
Refacing Method 101 (RM101) – Veneer Face (Front) / Plywood Side
Refacing Method 101 (RM101) utilizes wood veneer on the face/fronts and plywood on the sides of the cabinet. Materials For the sides, this method can be used with either 1/8″ or 1/4″ plywood with either a veneer core or MDF core. For the face, this method can be used with either Paper Back, Wood Back, or Resin Back Wood Veneer.
Corner Treatment Options
- FOJS (Finish on Job Site) – If choosing not to use an Outside Corner Molding, the raw edge will need to be finished on the job site during installation.
- Outside Corner Molding Options – There are numerous options that can be added as an alternative to the FOJS Outside Corner Treatment shown.
*Please note that some moldings can only be used with certain thicknesses of refacing material.
Advantages
- Provides a custom cabinet look at the outside corners
- There is only a thin line on exposed edges, which requires less finish work
- Less dust created on the job site (your customer’s home)
- Stile/Rail strips can be easily cut right on the job site
Disadvantages
- Corners are susceptible to damage when using the FOJS Corner Treatment Option (no outside corner molding applied)
- It is necessary to order separate types of material for the sides and fronts of the cabinet
- Requires more face frame preparation than other methods using thicker materials
- Method is not the ideal choice if the existing face frames are in rough condition
Refacing Method 102 (RM102) – Plywood Face (Front) / Plywood Side
Refacing Method 102 (RM102) utilizes plywood on both the face (front) and sides of the cabinet. Materials This method can be used with either 1/8″ or 1/4″ plywood with either a veneer core or MDF core.
Corner Treatment Options
- FOJS (Finish on Job Site) – If choosing not to use an Outside Corner Molding, the raw edge will need to be finished on the job site during installation.
*Please note that the raw edge of veneer core and MDF core plywood will stain up darker than the face of the veneer. This method is not recommended when using a SolidTone® finish.
- Outside Corner Molding Options – There are numerous options that can be added as an alternative to the FOJS Outside Corner Treatment shown.
*Please note that some moldings can only be used with certain thicknesses of refacing material.
Advantages
- Method utilizes the same material for the entire job, which simplifies the ordering process
- Utilizing the same material for the entire project also enables the most efficient use of your materials
- Condition of the existing face frames is less critical with this method
- Generally has the lowest material cost
Disadvantages
- May be necessary to create dust on the job site (your customer’s home) if pieces are cut oversize
- There is a thicker visible core of plywood that is exposed at the edges
- Requires more time for finish work on the exposed edges
- There are challenges with the FOJS option with this method that may require an outside corner molding treatment
- Provides the least perfect color/grain match between face frames and doors & door fronts
Refacing Method 103 (RM103) – Veneer Face (Front) / Veneer Side
Refacing Method 103 (RM103) utilizes wood veneer on both the face (front) and sides of the cabinet. Materials This method can be used with either Paper Back, Wood Back, or Resin Back Wood Veneer.
Corner Treatment Options
- FOJS (Finish on Job Site) – If choosing not to use an Outside Corner Molding, the raw edge will need to be finished on the job site during installation.
*Please note that this method is not recommended when using a SolidTone® finish.
- Outside Corner Molding Options – There are numerous options that can be added as an alternative to the FOJS Outside Corner Treatment shown.
*Please note that some moldings can only be used with certain thicknesses of refacing material.
Advantages
- Creates a custom cabinet look at the outside corners
- There is only a thin line exposed at the edges, which requires less finish work
- Less dust is created on the job site (your customer’s home)
- Stile/Rail strips can be easily cut right on the job site
- It is possible to use the same material on the entire job, making your ordering process easier & more efficient
Disadvantages
- Corners are susceptible to damage when using the FOJS Corner Treatment Option (no outside corner molding applied)
- Requires more meticulous preparation for the sides of the cabinets than if using plywood
- Requires more face frame preparation than other methods using thicker materials
- This method is not the ideal choice if the existing face frames are in rough condition
Refacing Method 104 (RM104) – Solid Wood Face (Front) / Plywood Side
Refacing Method 104 (RM104) utilizes Solid Wood Refacing Stock on the face/fronts and plywood on the sides of the cabinet. Materials For the sides, this method can be used with either 1/8″ or 1/4″ plywood with either a veneer core or MDF core. For the face, Solid Wood Refacing Stock is available in 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, & 3/8″ thicknesses.
Corner Treatment Options
- PRFN (Pre-Finished) – When choosing to have Solid Wood Refacing Stock pre-finished by WalzCraft, one (1) face and all edges will be finished. The back side is left raw for proper glue adhesion.
- Outside Corner Molding Options – There are numerous options that can be added as an alternative to the PRFN Outside Corner Treatment shown.
*Please note that some moldings can only be used with certain thicknesses of refacing material.
Advantages
- Creates durable corners, even without a corner molding treatment
- Allows for fast installation if the order is accurately placed
- Requires very little finish work on exposed edges
- Method can provide a perfect match between face frame and door & drawer fronts
Disadvantages
- Higher cost of materials
- Requires a detailed measuring system prior to placing an order as precise sizes are necessary
- Diminishes installation flexibility (due to precise part sizes) unless extra material is ordered