These dramatic kitchen upgrades by American Wood Reface are faster and less expensive than a full tear-out
By Mimi Vanderhaven
Remodeling your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make in your home. It dramatically increases your home’s resale value, and your family and friends can enjoy it right now. The kitchens has become the new den; it’s where we always seem to congregate.
“That’s right,” smiles Jason Hicks of Northeast Ohio’s American Wood Reface. “My grandfather used to say, ‘If I ever build another house, I’m going to make it one big kitchen because everyone gathers there.’”
But the mess and expense of a full kitchen tear-out can make some people hesitate, especially knowing you could be without your kitchen for several weeks. That’s why more and more homeowners are choosing refacing, which—as these before-and-after photos reveal—can be utterly transformative.
“Homeowners are really starting to grasp the benefits of refacing,” Jason says. “We offer kitchen renovations for as little as half the cost of a full tear-out, and we complete the average project in 7-8 days—instead of 7-8 weeks. You end up with a gorgeous kitchen with all of the modern amenities, but without going over your budget.”
In addition, American Wood Reface is a local company—not a franchise—and they source the vast majority of their products in North America. This means lower costs because there are fewer middlemen.
Refacing is an especially good alternative if you are reasonably satisfied with the layout of your kitchen. “In about 90% of our jobs, the client wants to maintain the same basic footprint,” Jason says. “That saves both time and money.”
That said, the professional carpenters at American Wood Reface also extend cabinets to the ceiling, make modifications to fit larger appliances, and add islands and peninsulas. Making room for a larger refrigerator is a popular option, Jason adds. So is installing a microwave in place of a hood fan.
“The time and money you save by refacing can go toward things that are
really important,” he says, “like appliance upgrades, new countertops, flooring, an undermount sink, and lighting. Under-cabinet lighting is becoming extremely popular. Not only does it make your countertop and wall tile pop, it also eliminates shadows cast on work surfaces by your ceiling lights.”
Converting bottom cabinets to drawer banks is one of Jason’s top suggestions for improving the functionality of a kitchen. “We recommend drawer banks to almost everyone,” he says. “These days, no one wants to stoop down to get to the back of a cabinet.”
In spite of its name, American Wood Reface also installs new countertops (including quartz and granite) and gorgeous tile backsplashes. And unlike many companies that cover the market with “good, better, best” options, Jason offers only one option: the best.
“We’re affordable, yes, but we don’t do ‘cheap,’” Jason explains. “We use only high-quality materials, including new solid hardwood doors and premium 1/4-inch solid wood for cabinet refacing. Plus, our craftsmen are the finest in the industry.”
In fact, the company is even being recognized by the industry. Last year—and for the fifth time—American Wood Reface took home a coveted Regional CotY (Contractor of the Year) Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). The firm also has hundreds of five-star reviews online, maintains an A+ rating with the BBB, and has been an Angie’s List Super Service winner since 2009.
Refacing is an environmentally sound alternative because your existing cabinets do not end up in a landfill and there is no wasted energy manufacturing new ones.
American Wood Reface brings the showroom to you and doesn’t charge for an in-home consultation and estimate. And they handle almost every detail so you can avoid having to contact a slew of contractors.
“Our number one goal is to give our clients a high-quality finished project,” Jason says. “But beyond that, we are also driven to make the process fast, affordable and fun. When you see the before and after of your own kitchen, you should absolutely love it.”
American Wood Reface serves all of Northeast Ohio and beyond. For a free consultation and estimate with no obligation, call 1-800-645-4594. For more information or to view featured projects, visit WoodReface.com.