July 2025 - LNL Construction Archive

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Cabinet Refacing vs Painting: Which Is Better For Your Home?

Posted on: July 22nd, 2025

A Sacramento Homeowner’s Guide to a Stunning Kitchen Cabinet Refresh

A dated kitchen can drag down the feel of your entire home. For many homeowners in the Sacramento area, the high cost and disruption of a full gut renovation isn’t feasible. Fortunately, there are powerful alternatives that can completely transform your space: cabinet painting and cabinet refacing. Both options offer a significant aesthetic upgrade for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets, but they suit different goals, budgets, and kitchens.

Understanding the key differences in process, cost, and outcome is crucial for making a smart investment in your home. As a family-run general contractor with over 30 years of experience, LnL Construction has helped countless homeowners across Sacramento, Elk Grove, and Roseville navigate this very decision. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about cabinet painting versus refacing.

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At a Glance: Painting vs. Refacing

Before diving into the details, let’s look at a high-level comparison. While both methods refresh your kitchen’s look by utilizing your existing cabinet boxes, the approach and results are distinct.

Feature	Cabinet Painting	Cabinet Refacing
Process	Cabinet doors and fronts are removed, cleaned, sanded, primed, and painted. Cabinet boxes are prepped and painted in place.	Old cabinet doors and drawer fronts are completely replaced. Cabinet boxes are covered with a new wood or laminate veneer.
Cost	Most budget-friendly option.	Mid-range cost; more than painting but significantly less than full replacement.
Best For	Good condition cabinets, changing color scheme, budget updates.	Structurally sound cabinets with outdated styles, achieving a brand-new look.
Customization	Unlimited color choices. The style of the doors remains the same.	New door styles, materials, textures, and finishes, plus new hardware.
Durability	A professional job with high-quality materials lasts years but can be prone to chipping over time in high-traffic areas.	Factory-finished new doors and durable veneers offer excellent longevity and resistance to wear and tear.

A Deeper Dive into Your Options

The Power of Professional Cabinet Painting

If you’re happy with the current style of your cabinet doors but want a fresh, modern color, cabinet painting in Sacramento is an excellent choice. This process is much more involved than a simple DIY weekend project. Professional painters meticulously prepare every surface by cleaning away years of grease and grime, sanding to create an ideal surface for adhesion, and applying high-quality primer. The final color coats are often sprayed on to achieve a smooth, flawless finish that you can’t get with a brush or roller.

This is the most cost-effective way to achieve a dramatic kitchen cabinet refresh. It’s perfect for homeowners who want to brighten their kitchen, switch to a trendy color, or prepare a home for sale on a tight budget.

The Transformation of Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing, sometimes called cabinet resurfacing, goes a step beyond painting. This is the ideal solution when you want to change not just the color, but the entire style of your kitchen. The process involves keeping your existing cabinet boxes but giving them a complete makeover. We remove the old doors and drawer fronts and install brand-new ones in the style, material, and color of your choice—from classic Shaker to modern slab doors.

At the same time, the exterior of your cabinet boxes is covered with a matching, durable veneer. The result is a kitchen that looks and feels brand new, without the expense or mess of tearing out the existing structures. This makes cabinet refacing a fantastic middle ground for a full kitchen remodel in Sacramento.

Should You Paint or Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Did You Know? Quick Facts

Value Increase

Both painting and refacing offer a high return on investment. A kitchen refresh is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to increase your home’s appeal and value.

Hardware Matters

With either method, installing new handles, knobs, and pulls is a must. This small detail completes the transformation and is a standard part of any professional refacing or painting project.

Structural Integrity

Before any cosmetic work begins, a professional will assess your cabinet boxes. If issues like water damage or Sacramento dry rot repair are needed, they must be addressed first.

Making the Right Choice for Your Sacramento Home

In the greater Sacramento area, your kitchen has to stand up to busy family life. The choice between painting and refacing often comes down to three factors: the condition of your current cabinets, your desired new look, and your budget.

Choose Painting If: Your cabinet doors are in great shape and you like their style. You want a color change to modernize the room, and your primary goal is a fast, budget-conscious update.
Choose Refacing If: Your cabinet boxes are solid, but the doors are warped, damaged, or hopelessly out of style (think cathedral arches from the 90s). You want the look of a brand-new kitchen and are willing to invest more for a higher-end, more durable finish.

As experienced general contractors in Sacramento, we’ve seen homeowners in Folsom, Davis, and Rancho Cordova achieve incredible results with both methods. The key is professional execution. Proper surface preparation and the use of right materials ensure your investment looks great for years to come.

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Whether you’re leaning towards a fresh coat of paint or a complete style transformation with refacing, the first step is a professional consultation. Let the experts at LnL Construction help you explore the possibilities for your kitchen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does cabinet painting or refacing take?

Professional cabinet painting typically takes 3-5 days, depending on the size of the kitchen. Refacing is also quite efficient, often completed in 2-4 days, as the new doors and drawer fronts are fabricated off-site.

Can I change the layout of my kitchen with refacing?

Cabinet refacing utilizes your existing kitchen layout and cabinet boxes. To change the layout, you would need a full kitchen remodel. However, we can often make small modifications, like adding a pantry cabinet or a new set of drawers, as part of the project.

Is my kitchen usable during the process?

For the most part, yes. Your kitchen remains largely functional. While the cabinet doors and drawers will be removed for work, you can typically still access your appliances and countertops during the evening.

What if my cabinet boxes are damaged?

Before any project, our team inspects the structural integrity of your cabinets. Minor damage can often be repaired by our skilled carpenters. If the damage is extensive, we will advise on the best course of action, which might involve replacing a specific cabinet box.

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Glossary of Terms

Cabinet Boxes: The main structure of the cabinets that is fixed to the wall. This is the part that is preserved in both painting and refacing.

Veneer: A thin, decorative layer of real wood or a synthetic material (like laminate or thermofoil) that is applied to the exterior of the cabinet boxes during refacing.

Thermofoil: A vinyl material that is heated and pressure-molded onto a substrate, usually MDF, to create a smooth, durable cabinet door finish.

MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): An engineered wood product made by breaking down wood residuals into fibers, which are then combined with wax and resin and formed into panels under high temperature and pressure. It’s a stable substrate for many cabinet doors.

What Is Dry Rot? The Causes, Prevention & Repair Guide

Posted on: July 21st, 2025

Most people have heard of dry rot and know it’s not a good thing. But what is dry rot, really? It’s one of those home issues that sounds simple but can cause big complications if ignored. If you live in California, where weather and moisture can be extreme, it’s something worth knowing how to spot. We’re here to help you get a clear idea of what it is, how to prevent it, and what to do if it shows up around your home. If you need dry rot repair for your home, we serve the entire Sacramento area, including Auburn and Folsom, with home remodeling and general contracting.

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Sacramento Dry Rot Repair

What Is Dry Rot?

Dry rot is a type of decay that affects wood, causing it to lose strength and structural integrity. Despite the name, dry rot requires some moisture to develop, but once present, it can continue to spread even in relatively dry conditions. It targets the cellulose in wood, breaking it down and leaving the material brittle and weakened. Left untreated, dry rot can seriously damage wooden structures, often leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Is Dry Rot a Fungus?

Yes, dry rot is indeed caused by a type of fungus. The specific fungus responsible is usually Serpula lacrymans, which feeds on the components of wood and spreads through fine root-like strands called mycelium. Once established, this fungus can move across and through materials like plaster or masonry in search of more wood to consume. That’s part of what makes dry rot particularly destructive. It’s not limited to one isolated area and can continue spreading if left unchecked.

Why Dry Rot is Bad

Because it weakens the structure of wood, dry rot can make areas of a building unsafe and unstable. Over time, it spreads through walls, floors, and framing, causing serious damage. The cost to fix the problem can also be high, especially when repairs involve hidden or hard-to-reach areas. If ignored for too long, it can compromise the integrity of the entire structure.

What Causes Dry Rot

Dry rot often begins due to poor moisture control in or around a structure. Leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and poor ventilation are common culprits. Water seeping in from outside can also create the damp conditions wood needs to become vulnerable. Even if moisture isn’t obvious, small problems over time like crawlspace condensation or an unnoticed roof leak can trigger it. It’s usually not caused by one big event. Instead, ongoing exposure gives the fungus the time it needs to spread.

Dry Rot Prevention

Preventing dry rot mainly comes down to keeping wood dry and well-ventilated. Here are some of the best ways to help stop it before it starts:

Fix leaks quickly – Whether it’s a roof, pipe, or window, repair any water leaks right away.
Improve ventilation – Make sure crawlspaces, attics, and basements have proper airflow to reduce moisture buildup.
Seal wood surfaces – Use paint, sealant, or wood preservatives on exposed wood, especially outdoors.
Direct water away from your home – Keep gutters clean and ensure downspouts move water away from the foundation.
Check for pooling water – Avoid having standing water near wooden structures or along the base of your home.
Inspect regularly – Look for signs of moisture or damage in vulnerable areas so you can catch problems early.

Dry Rot Repair

Repairing dry rot begins with removing all affected wood. Cut out any soft, brittle, or crumbling sections. Keep going until you reach solid, healthy wood. If the damage is widespread, you may need to replace beams, joists, or framing. After removing the damaged wood, treat the area with a fungicide. This helps kill remaining spores and prevents future growth.

Once treated, the next step is rebuilding. You may need to install new wood and reinforce nearby structures. Seal or paint exposed areas to protect against moisture. In severe cases, professional help might be required.

Dry Rot Repair Costs

The cost to fix dry rot can vary widely depending on how much damage there is and where it’s located. Small, surface-level repairs might cost a few hundred dollars, especially if only minor wood replacement is needed. However, if the rot has spread to structural parts of the home like framing, beams, or subfloors, the cost can climb into the thousands. Labor, materials, and the need for specialized treatments like fungicide also factor into the total. If areas behind walls or under flooring are affected, demolition and rebuilding may add even more to the price. In general, the sooner dry rot is caught and repaired, the less expensive it is to fix.

How to Repair Siding Dry Rot

Inspect the area – Look for soft spots, discoloration, or swelling in the siding. Tap gently to check for hollow or brittle areas.
Remove damaged siding – Use a pry bar or saw to carefully remove rotted pieces. Be sure to cut beyond the rot into solid, unaffected material.
Check the underlying structure – Examine the sheathing or framing underneath. If it’s also damaged, it will need to be removed and replaced.
Treat the area – Apply a wood preservative or fungicide to surrounding wood to kill any remaining spores and prevent future rot.
Install new siding – Cut new siding to fit the repaired area, making sure it matches the existing layout and overlaps properly.
Seal and paint – Prime and paint the new siding, sealing all joints and gaps to keep moisture out.

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How To Repair Door Dry Rot

Repairing dry rot on a door is similar to fixing siding, but there are a few important differences. With doors, you usually deal with smaller parts like the bottom rail, door jamb, or trim instead of large panels. The first step is to inspect and remove all the damaged wood. Because doors have more detail, this often means using chisels or multi-tools to carefully remove rotted areas.

Unlike siding, small sections of a door can sometimes be repaired using wood filler or epoxy if the damage isn’t too deep. Once the rot is removed and the area treated with fungicide, filler is added, sanded smooth, and then painted or primed. If the damage is more severe, it may be necessary to replace the affected section or even the whole door or frame. Door repairs are often more focused on appearance and detail compared to the larger, more straightforward replacements needed with siding.

Stages of Dry Rot

It usually begins with excess moisture creating the right environment for fungal spores to settle on wood. In the early stage, the fungus starts to grow and spread its network of fine threads, called hyphae, into the wood. As it progresses, these threads develop into a larger mass known as mycelium, which helps the fungus spread to new areas.

Next, the wood starts to break down internally, losing its strength and becoming brittle. In advanced stages, you may see fruiting bodies, which release more spores into the air, continuing the cycle. By this point, the damage is often extensive and requires major repair.

How Does It Spread?

What makes dry rot especially damaging is its ability to spread through materials that are not wood. It doesn’t rely solely on direct wood-to-wood contact. If nearby areas are damp, the fungus can move through walls or across building materials until it finds more wood to consume. Poor ventilation, trapped humidity, and hidden leaks can accelerate this process, allowing the rot to move silently until the damage is widespread.

How To Identify Dry Rot?

One way to identify dry rot is by noticing subtle changes in how your home feels or sounds. Floors may start to feel uneven, spongy, or springy underfoot, especially in areas that used to feel solid. You might also hear creaking or groaning noises where there weren’t any before. Doors and windows that suddenly stick or don’t close properly might also point to hidden wood damage, especially if they’re near areas prone to moisture. These functional changes often show up before any visible signs appear.

What It Smells Like

A musty, damp, or earthy odor is often one of the first signs something could be wrong. The smell is similar to that of wet socks or mushrooms and usually lingers in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. It tends to be stronger near the source, especially in areas where moisture has been trapped for a while.

What Is Dry Rot? The Causes, Prevention & Repair Guide Conclusion

Dealing with dry rot isn’t just about fixing something that looks bad. It’s about protecting your home and catching problems before they get expensive. Whether it shows up in your siding, door frames, or somewhere unexpected, it’s one of those issues that won’t go away on its own. At LNL Construction, we know how frustrating that can be. Our team specializes in dry rot repair and takes the time to do it right, so you’re not facing the same issue again down the road. We also offer full remodeling services, custom design work, and more, so whether you’re fixing damage or planning something new, we’ve got you covered.

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The Wood Floor vs Engineered Wood Floor Guide

Posted on: July 11th, 2025

Trying to decide between real wood floors and something more budget-friendly? If you’re stuck on wood flooring vs engineered wood floor options, you’re not alone. The difference between solid hardwood flooring and engineered wood flooring isn’t always obvious at first glance, but it definitely matters. From durability and water resistance to cost and installation, each one has its perks. Let’s break it all down so you can pick the best flooring for your space, your lifestyle, and your budget. If you need new wood flooring for your home, we serve the entire Sacramento area, including Roseville and Folsom, with home remodeling and general contracting.

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Wood Floor vs Engineered Wood Floor

Engineered hardwood and solid hardwood are both top-tier flooring options made from real wood. They offer a natural beauty that fake wood floors like laminate or vinyl just can’t match. At first glance, they look the same, but the differences start just below the surface.

Engineered hardwood has a thin layer of hardwood on top of strong plywood. That design makes it more affordable than solid wood. Solid hardwood, on the other hand, is made from one solid piece, which is usually oak, maple, or walnut. It’s tougher, lasts longer, and can be refinished more times over its life.

The biggest difference is the core, and that matters for water resistance. Neither option is great for bathrooms. Kitchens are a maybe, but it depends on how much water and spills the floor might face.

Pros and Cons of Both

Engineered Hardwood

Pros:

Looks just like solid hardwood
Usually more affordable
More stable in humid environments
Easier to install (can be floated or glued)
Often better for basements or concrete subfloors

Cons:

Can only be refinished once or twice
Not as long-lasting as solid wood
Still not great with heavy water exposure
Quality varies by brand and thickness

Solid Hardwood

Pros:

Made from solid wood throughout
Extremely durable and long-lasting
Can be refinished many times
Adds strong resale value to homes
Timeless, classic appearance

Cons:

More expensive upfront
Prone to expanding or shrinking with humidity
Installation is harder and usually nailed down
Not ideal for bathrooms or damp areas

Which is More Durable?

Solid hardwood holds up better over time because it’s one thick piece of wood. It can take more wear and tear and still be sanded down and refinished multiple times. That gives it a longer life, especially in high-traffic areas.

Which Lasts Longer?

Solid hardwood usually lasts longer because it can handle more refinishing over the years. Even after decades, it can be sanded down and refreshed to look like new. Engineered wood has a thinner top layer, so once it wears down, it can’t be refinished as many times.

Which is Easier to Clean?

Both engineered and solid hardwood are easy to clean, but engineered hardwood has a slight edge. Its factory-finished surface is often more resistant to stains and moisture. That makes it easier to wipe up spills without damage, especially in busy households.

Which is More Soundproof?

Solid hardwood is generally more soundproof than engineered hardwood. Its dense, solid construction helps block and absorb sound better. Engineered wood has a layered core that can create more echo or noise, especially if not installed with a quality underlayment.

Which is Better For the Environment?

Engineered hardwood is often considered better for the environment because it uses less solid wood overall. Its plywood core is made from fast-growing, renewable wood species, which helps conserve slow-growing hardwoods like oak or walnut. It also produces less waste during manufacturing, making it a more resource-efficient option.

Is Engineered or Solid Hardwood Better for Homes with Pets?

If you have pets, your floors need to stand up to scratches, messes, and constant movement. Between engineered and solid hardwood, engineered tends to hold up better in a pet-friendly home. That’s mostly because of its durable factory-applied finishes, which can be more resistant to claw marks and surface wear.

Engineered wood is also less likely to expand or shrink when things get wet. That’s helpful if you’re cleaning up spilled water bowls, accidents, or muddy paw prints. Its layered construction gives it more stability, which means fewer problems with warping over time.

Solid hardwood can still work with pets, but it’s a bit more high-maintenance. You’ll want to choose harder species like oak or hickory and keep area rugs in play zones. It’s also more vulnerable to scratches and moisture, so you’ll need to stay on top of cleaning to keep it looking good.

What is the Average Lifespan of Engineered Wood Flooring

The average lifespan of engineered wood flooring typically ranges from 20 to 30 years, but it can last even longer with proper care. The key factor is the thickness of the top veneer layer. Thicker veneers allow for light sanding and refinishing, which can help extend the life of the floor when it starts to show wear.

Daily habits also play a role in how long your engineered floors will hold up. Using furniture pads, keeping floors clean, and avoiding standing water can make a big difference. Homes with lighter foot traffic may see engineered floors last decades without needing major touch-ups, while busier spaces might show signs of aging sooner.

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What is the Average Lifespan of Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring is known for its impressive lifespan, often lasting 50 years or more. In many older homes, the original hardwood floors are still in place, proof of just how long they can endure when taken care of properly. As mentioned earlier, one reason solid hardwood lasts so long is that it can be sanded and refinished multiple times over the years. That means even if it gets scratched, dull, or worn down, you can refresh the surface and keep it looking like new. With routine maintenance and occasional refinishing, solid wood floors can easily outlast most other flooring types.

Best Brands for Engineered Hardwood

Mohawk

Mohawk is one of the largest and most trusted flooring brands in the U.S. Their engineered hardwood lines are known for durability, style variety, and eco-friendly practices. Mohawk uses a special finish called “ArmorMax” that adds extra protection against wear and stains. They also focus on sustainability, using recycled and responsibly sourced materials.

Shaw

Shaw offers a wide range of engineered hardwood products with beautiful finishes and trendy styles. They’re especially popular for their scratch-resistant coatings, which make them ideal for homes with kids or pets. Shaw floors are also designed with stability in mind, making them a solid choice for areas with changing humidity.

Anderson Tuftex

A premium brand under Shaw, Anderson Tuftex blends craftsmanship with style. Their engineered hardwoods often feature wide planks, hand-scraped textures, and rich stains. What sets them apart is their attention to detail. They handcraft many of their products for a more natural, luxurious look.

Bruce

Known for affordability and availability, Bruce offers both engineered and solid hardwood. Their engineered lines are easy to install and come in a wide selection of traditional wood tones. Bruce is a go-to for homeowners looking for dependable, real wood flooring without the high price tag.

Mannington

Mannington’s engineered hardwood combines high style with great performance. They use advanced technologies like ScratchResist® coating, which adds serious toughness. Their floors are also made in the USA and often feature unique patterns and finishes you won’t find with other brands.

Best Brands for Solid Hardwood

Somerset

Somerset is a U.S.-based company that focuses on high-quality Appalachian hardwoods. Their solid wood floors are milled in Kentucky and are known for tight grain patterns and consistency. Somerset offers prefinished and unfinished options, and their products are durable enough for decades of wear.

Mullican

Mullican has a reputation for premium wood selection and expert milling. They harvest much of their lumber from the Appalachian region, known for strong and stable hardwoods. Mullican offers various thicknesses and wood species, giving homeowners flexibility based on their needs and budget.

Bellawood

Sold primarily through Lumber Liquidators (LL Flooring), Bellawood is a favorite for its 100-year warranty and rich finishes. Their solid hardwood flooring is prefinished with an aluminum oxide layer for added protection. Bellawood is a great pick for anyone who wants a luxurious look with serious longevity.

Bruce

Bruce also makes solid hardwood and is one of the most recognizable names in the industry. Their products are widely available, making them a convenient option. While more affordable than other premium brands, Bruce floors still hold up well over time and come in plenty of styles.

The Wood Floor vs Engineered Wood Floor Conclusion

Choosing between engineered and solid hardwood basically comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and the kind of space you’re working with. Each option has its strengths, whether you’re after long-term durability, better moisture resistance, or just want something that fits your home’s style and needs.

If you’re in the Sacramento area and thinking about new flooring or planning a remodel, reach out to our team at LNL Construction. We handle everything from design to installation and take pride in delivering quality work that fits your vision.

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