If you’re wondering what to expect during a cabinet refacing project, this guide breaks down the entire process step by step.
What to Expect: Our 5-Day Oakville Kitchen Transformation Process
Cabinet Refacing Process: What to Expect
Most cabinet refacing projects Cabinet Refacing – Oakville in Oakville take just 3-4 days from start to finish. But what actually happens during those days? And will your kitchen be completely unusable while the work is happening?
If your wondering what to expect during a cabinet refacing project, this guide breaks down the entire process step by step. You’ll know exactly what happens each day, how long things take, and what you can (and can’t) do in your kitchen while we work.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
What happens before the work starts
The step-by-step refacing process
How long each phase actually takes
What you can expect in your home during the project
Tips for making everything go smooth
Before the Project Starts – The Planning Phase
The refacing process actually begins before anyone shows up with tools. This planning phase is super important because it sets up everything for success.
One homeowner in Old Oakville told us she appreciated that we walked through everything step by step. She knew exactly what to expect and when, which made her way less stressed about the whole thing.
Here’s what happens during planning:
Initial Consultation
- We come to your home and look at your existing cabinets
- Measure everything to make sure we get accurate numbers
- Check the condition of your cabinet boxes to confirm they’re strong enough for refacing
- Talk about what style and color you want
- Show you samples of door styles and finish options
Design Selection
- You pick your new door style (shaker, flat panel, raised panel, etc.)
- Choose your finish color or stain
- Select new hardware if you want it
- Decide on any upgrades like soft-close hinges or pull-out organizers
Timeline Planning
- We schedule your project start date
- Order your custom doors and drawer fronts (usually takes 2-3 weeks)
- Plan around your schedule so the timing works for your family
Before the Project Starts – The Planning Phase
The refacing process actually begins before anyone shows up with tools. This planning phase is super important because it sets up everything for success.
One homeowner in Old Oakville told us she appreciated that we walked through everything step by step. She knew exactly what to expect and when, which made her way less stressed about the whole thing.
Here’s what happens during planning:
Initial Consultation
- We come to your home and look at your existing cabinets
- Measure everything to make sure we get accurate numbers
- Check the condition of your cabinet boxes to confirm they’re strong enough for refacing
- Talk about what style and color you want
- Show you samples of door styles and finish options
Design Selection
- You pick your new door style (shaker, flat panel, raised panel, etc.)
- Choose your finish color or stain
- Select new hardware if you want it
- Decide on any upgrades like soft-close hinges or pull-out organizers
Timeline Planning
- We schedule your project start date
- Order your custom doors and drawer fronts (usually takes 2-3 weeks)
- Plan around your schedule so the timing works for your family
Day 1 – Removal, Protection, and Initial Prep (6-8 Hours)
8:00 AM – Arrival and Setup
We arrive with tools, equipment, and protective materials
8:30 AM – Door and Drawer Removal
All cabinet doors and drawer fronts come off, old hardware removed and discarded
10:00 AM – The Big Job: Protection Setup
This is where most of Day 1 goes. We carefully mask and protect:
All countertops (granite, quartz, laminate)
Backsplash areas
Appliances (stove, fridge, dishwasher)
Floors throughout work area
Windows and walls near cabinets
Any furniture or items that can’t be moved
1:00 PM – Lunch Break
2:00 PM – Continue Protection Work
More detailed masking around cabinet edges, outlets, and tight spaces
3:30 PM – Initial Cleaning
Clean cabinet box surfaces, remove grease and debris
4:30 PM – Final Prep
Light sanding to rough up surfaces for paint adhesion
5:30 PM – Day 1 Complete
Your Kitchen: No cabinet doors, but everything’s protected and ready for spray painting tomorrow
Day 2 – Spray Painting the Cabinet Boxes (5-8 Hours)
8:00 AM – Final Prep Check
Verify all masking is secure, surfaces are clean and ready
8:30 AM – Spray Equipment Setup
Professional spray guns, compressors, ventilation ready to go
9:00 AM – First Coat Application
Spray paint applied to all cabinet box edges and visible surfaces
11:00 AM – Drying Time
First coat needs to cure before second application
12:00 PM – Lunch Break
1:00 PM – Second Coat
Additional coverage for perfect finish
3:00 PM – Final Coat if Needed
Some colors need 3 coats for solid coverage
4:00 PM – Quality Check
Inspect all surfaces for even coverage
4:30 PM – Initial Cleanup
Clean equipment, let paint cure overnight
Why Spray Instead of Veneer:
Spray painting creates a smoother, more durable finish that’s easier to clean and maintain. It also matches your new door finish exactly.
Your Kitchen: Sealed off during active spraying. Not usable on Day 2. Plan to eat out or order in tonight.
Day 3 – New Doors Go On (6-8 Hours)
What Happens:
- New hinges installed on cabinet boxes
- All new doors hung and aligned
- Drawer fronts attached
- New hardware (handles, knobs) installed
- Adjustments made for smooth operation
- All protection removed
- Everything cleaned and ready to use
The Best Part:
Watching your kitchen transform as each new door goes up. By end of day, you’ve got a completely different kitchen.
Your Kitchen: Back to 100% functional. Use it like normal, just enjoy how good it looks!
Tips for a Smooth Project
–
Before we start:
Empty your cabinets
Plan simple meals for 2-3 days
Set up temporary storage for daily items
Plan simple meals for 2-3 days
Set up temporary storage for daily items
During the work:
Keep pets in another room
Stay out of the work area
Be available for questions
Stay out of the work area
Be available for questions
If problems come up:
We’ll show you what’s wrong and discuss options before continuing.
Most cabinet refacing projects in Oakville
go exactly as planned, but occasionally we find hidden damage that needs attention.
Kitchen Access During the Project
Simple answer: Your kitchen is not usable for all 3 days of the project.
Why: We need the space completely clear to work safely and efficiently. Protection materials, spray painting equipment, and installation work mean the kitchen is a work zone from start to finish.
What to Do:
Plan meals that don’t require cooking
Eat out or order delivery
Set up temporary food/drink station elsewhere in your home
Stock up on snacks and easy food before we start
Timeline: By end of Day 3, your kitchen is fully functional again. Just way better looking than before.
Timeline Summary
Total: 3 days of work, kitchen unavailable entire time
Want to know how much cabinet refacing costs
Cabinet Refacing Cost – Oakville
for a project like this? Check out our detailed cost breakdown for Oakville homeowners.
Before Work Starts:
- 2-3 weeks for planning and door manufacturing
Day 1:
- Remove doors, setup protection, prep surfaces (6-8 hours)
Day 2:
- Spray paint cabinet boxes (5-8 hours)
Day 3:
- Install new doors and hardware (6-8 hours)
Timeline Summary
Total: 3 days of work, kitchen unavailable entire time
Want to know how much cabinet refacing costs
Cabinet Refacing Cost – Oakville
for a project like this? Check out our detailed cost breakdown for Oakville homeowners.
Before Work Starts:
- 2-3 weeks for planning and door manufacturing
Day 1:
- Remove doors, setup protection, prep surfaces (6-8 hours)
Day 2:
- Spray paint cabinet boxes (5-8 hours)
Day 3:
- Install new doors and hardware (6-8 hours)
What Quality Refacing Looks Like
How do you know if cabinet refacing was done right? Here’s what to look for:
Paint Finish:
Smooth as glass, no texture or brush marks
Even color across all cabinet boxes
No drips, runs, or thin spots
Matches new doors perfectly
Door Installation:
All doors aligned with consistent spacing
Open and close smoothly
Soft-close features work properly
No sagging or misalignment
Hardware:
Handles and knobs straight and secure
All screws tight
Everything functions perfectly
If something doesn’t meet these standards, we fix it before the project is complete. Quality materials and expert installation help ensure your refaced cabinets last for decades.
How Long Does Cabinet Refacing Last
After the Project is Done
Once we finish and clean up, there’s a few things you should know about your newly refaced cabinets.
Immediate care:
Let paint and adhesive cure for 24 hours before heavy use
Avoid slamming doors for the first few days
Wipe surfaces gently with soft cloth
Don’t use harsh cleaners right away
Long-term maintenance:
Clean with mild soap and water
Wipe up spills quickly
Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers
Tighten hardware screws if they loosen over time
Touch up small dings or scratches as needed
What to expect:
Your cabinets should look and function like new ones. Doors should close smoothly, finishes should be even and durable, and everything should align properly.
If something doesn’t seem right, let us know. We want you to be totally happy with how everything turned out.
Common Questions About the Process
Will my kitchen be unusable during refacing?
Yes, your kitchen is not accessible for all 3 days of the project. Plan alternate meals.
How much mess does refacing create?
Minimal. We use extensive protective coverings. Some dust from sanding and paint smell from spraying, but we protect everything and clean as we go.
Do I need to empty all my cabinets?
Yes, completely empty them before we arrive. It protects your items and lets us work faster.
What if you find damaged cabinet boxes?
We’ll show you the issue and discuss options. Sometimes simple repairs work, sometimes boxes need replacement.
Can I change my mind about colors mid-project?
No – your doors are custom-made to order. All design decisions must be finalized before manufacturing starts.
Is refacing better than replacing my cabinets?
Learn the key differences between cabinet refacing and replacement to decide what’s right for your Oakville kitchen.
How long before I can use my cabinets normally?
Gentle use right away, normal use after 24 hours once paint fully cures.
What type of materials can I choose for cabinet refacing?
You can choose solid wood, laminate, MDF and thermofoil for your cabinet refacing project. Compare solid wood, thermofoil, painted MDF, and laminate options, check out our guide: Best Materials for Cabinet Refacing
Ready to transform your kitchen?
Call Kitchen Made New at (289) 815-3353 for your free quote today!
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Now you know what to expect during cabinet refacing.
Cabinet Refacing – Oakville
Next step? Let’s talk about your specific kitchen.
Kitchen Made New
Phone: +1 (289) 815-3353
Email: [email protected]
Address: 1155 North Service Rd W Unit 11, Oakville, ON L6M 3E3
We’ll visit your home, show you samples, answer your questions, and give you a clear timeline and quote. No pressure, just information.
Contact us today to get started.
