Is it better to refinish cabinets or replace them?

• <div><p>In most cases, it’s more affordable to refinish your cabinets than replace them, with <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-to-refinish-cabinets.htm">refinishing costs</a> averaging <b>$3,000</b> and replacement costs around <b>$9,000</b>. However, there are some instances in which it’s better to replace your cabinets, like if they’re an outdated style, badly damaged and beyond repair, or a sub-par material, like fiberboard. In all other cases, it’s usually a better idea to have a professional refinish them to save money and restore their original condition.</p></div>

Get matched with top cabinet makers in Albert Lea, MN

Q: What is the difference between laminate and melamine cabinets?

• <div><p>Since melamine is a type of laminate, both types of cabinets are similar in features and benefits, but they also differ in some ways. Melamine is generally more affordable than laminate, while also being resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. However, melamine cabinets are also heavier and may easily splinter during installation. All in all, the choice between melamine and laminate cabinets will depend on your specific needs.</p></div>

Q: How far from the ceiling should kitchen cabinets be?

• <div><p>In many homes, upper cabinets are installed with a 1- to 2-foot gap between the tops and the ceiling. However, many homeowners extend their cabinets to the ceiling to gain extra storage and a polished, built-in look. </p></div>

Q: Is it better to refinish cabinets or replace them?

• <div><p>In most cases, it&rsquo;s more affordable to refinish your cabinets than replace them, with <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-to-refinish-cabinets.htm">refinishing costs</a> averaging <b>$3,000</b> and replacement costs around <b>$9,000</b>. However, there are some instances in which it&rsquo;s better to replace your cabinets, like if they&rsquo;re an outdated style, badly damaged and beyond repair, or a sub-par material, like fiberboard. In all other cases, it&rsquo;s usually a better idea to have a professional refinish them to save money and restore their original condition.</p></div>

Q: What is the 1/3 rule for cabinet hardware and why is it important?

• <div><p>The 1/3 rule is a design guideline used by interior designers and cabinet installers to select appropriately sized pulls for cabinets and drawers. The rule suggests that for a balanced and cohesive look, a cabinet pull should be approximately one-third the height of the cabinet door or one-third the width of the drawer face. This guideline helps create a symmetrical appearance because the human eye tends to follow the length of the pull across the cabinet face.</p><p>While the 1/3 rule is a helpful starting point, it is not the only option. If a measurement falls between available pull sizes, it's generally best to size up. For an ultra-contemporary aesthetic, you can also opt for full-width pulls that span the entire drawer.</p></div>

Q: Do you install base or wall cabinets first?

• <div><p>We recommend installing wall cabinets first so the base cabinets aren&rsquo;t in the way. This order also prevents damage to the base cabinets if you drop tools or materials when installing the upper cabinets.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Cabinet Making pros in Albert Lea, MN

*The Angi rating for Cabinet Making companies in Albert Lea, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Cabinet Making needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Cabinet Making companies in Albert Lea, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Cabinet Making needs.

Last update on May 22, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
I would highly recommend this guy for any service updates needed to be done inside or outside projects! He is very smart & a hard worker. Does not leave any job undone & if there’s a mistake that happens, he will not quit till it’s done right. He is very kind and friendly and makes the...
Dwight Sargent II
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Reviewed in November 2024
Although the price of my tub to shower conversion was quite high, a LOT of things were considered before making the choice. This house is over 135 years old and the tub and tile had been hiding who knows what for probably 8 decades or more so the guarantee that they would fix any and everything...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in April 2023
We had our soffit and fascia replaced by Joseph. He did a great job making sure the finished project looked perfect. We also had our backdoor replaced. He was great to work with and completed the project quickly. His attention to detail was great. Joseph is a great guy to work with on project....
Goldsmith Remodel And Design LLC
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Reviewed in November 2021
Let me start off by saying this was the best experience that my husband and I had with a business since we have started working on our home projects! I am glad to say when I see a smile on my husband face, just after the first window was put in, letâ s s just say I knew I had the right...
Minnesota's 1st Choice, Inc.
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Reviewed in November 2020
My living room was stunning!!!! He did an amazing job on walls I wasnâ t sure would be able to be painted without being textured first! Iâ m in love with it! Canâ t wait to have him do more rooms!!!!! Also went above and beyond to make sure everything looked great and was willing to give...
Olsons Residential Painting, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2015
I was given three recommendations from HomeAdvisor. This was the first one I called. I needed work done on my house, to be completed inf four days. I was given a quote of $2800 and the person I spoke to told me that his price was competitive. He also wouldn't work with me on the payments. I...
Aldridge Enterprises, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2013
Brought in a climber to trim large ash tree in backyard. Backyard didn't have access for large equipment. Not only did they trim the tree I called them in for, but they also took out hanging branches in the tree next to it. After trimming, they cleaned up the yard so well you'd never know they...
Albert Lea Tree Service
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Reviewed in May 2013
We have a Whirlpool washing machine that is full of bells and whistles, which is nice - except when it breaks down. We bought it at Sears and they wanted $300 plus dollars for insurance, but for that price, we'd rather invest in a new one. Their repairmen are crazy expensive, too. Plus, their...
TNT USED APPLIANCES
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Reviewed in December 2012
Make sure you get a solid estimate. He said it was a range of about $200.00 but I wanted something very specific. <br /> It turned out to be $5.00 a square foot. <br /> <br /> <br />
Joshua Parks Construction LLC
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Reviewed in November 2008
They did an excellent job working with our contractor to figure the best way, the least obtrusive way, and the most efficient and economical way to install all the things we needed. When another company said it couldn't be done the way I wanted it....Geno's figured out the way to get everything...
GENO'S PLUMBING & HEATING
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Find Cabinet makers in Albert Lea

Arkansas Wood Doors

5.0(

)

Custom Cabinets - Build

Serving Albert Lea, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1977

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"We love our cabinets! They look fantastic while remaining affordable. The friendly staff at AWD helped us from start to finish. They are very knowledgeable and gave us advice and tips when needed. They were receptive and patient with our ever-changing needs. Once we finalized our purchase, we received our cabinets within two weeks! The cabinets are very sturdy and the color is beautiful. The hinges and hardware are high quality. We are extremely pleased with AWD and would recommend them to any friends or family looking for good cabinets at a fair price."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Cardinal Enterprise Carpentry Creations

5.0(

)

Custom Cabinets - Build

Serving Albert Lea, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Adam did a great job working with his team during our entire kitchen remodel! He has integrity and good ideas!"

New Leaf Filter installed by Cardinal Enterprise Carpentry Creations

+27

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Custom Cabinets - Build

Serving Albert Lea, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Yes I got the job and Homeowner was Happy and I the best was the office Material and everything I needed was Tristen Did Fabulous Job would work with on any project Thank you Tristen awesome Job"

20 neighbors recently requested a quote

Custom Cabinets - Build

Serving Albert Lea, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Ernz Painting is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities. No job is too big or too small! We look forward to working with you!

Response time30 mins

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Cabinet Making questions, answered by experts

Since melamine is a type of laminate, both types of cabinets are similar in features and benefits, but they also differ in some ways. Melamine is generally more affordable than laminate, while also being resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. However, melamine cabinets are also heavier and may easily splinter during installation. All in all, the choice between melamine and laminate cabinets will depend on your specific needs.

In many homes, upper cabinets are installed with a 1- to 2-foot gap between the tops and the ceiling. However, many homeowners extend their cabinets to the ceiling to gain extra storage and a polished, built-in look.

In most cases, it’s more affordable to refinish your cabinets than replace them, with refinishing costs averaging $3,000 and replacement costs around $9,000. However, there are some instances in which it’s better to replace your cabinets, like if they’re an outdated style, badly damaged and beyond repair, or a sub-par material, like fiberboard. In all other cases, it’s usually a better idea to have a professional refinish them to save money and restore their original condition.

The 1/3 rule is a design guideline used by interior designers and cabinet installers to select appropriately sized pulls for cabinets and drawers. The rule suggests that for a balanced and cohesive look, a cabinet pull should be approximately one-third the height of the cabinet door or one-third the width of the drawer face. This guideline helps create a symmetrical appearance because the human eye tends to follow the length of the pull across the cabinet face.

While the 1/3 rule is a helpful starting point, it is not the only option. If a measurement falls between available pull sizes, it's generally best to size up. For an ultra-contemporary aesthetic, you can also opt for full-width pulls that span the entire drawer.

We recommend installing wall cabinets first so the base cabinets aren’t in the way. This order also prevents damage to the base cabinets if you drop tools or materials when installing the upper cabinets.

The Albert Lea, MN homeowners’ guide to cabinet making services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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