Your kitchen is the heart of your home—but over time, even the most beloved space can begin to lose its charm. Faded finishes, chipped corners, and dated wood tones can quietly creep in until one day, it becomes impossible to ignore. Fortunately, you don’t need a full kitchen renovation to breathe new life into your space.

Refinishing your cabinets can transform your kitchen—visually and financially. But timing is everything. The earlier you tackle the signs of cabinet wear and tear, the more cost-effective and rewarding the project will be.

At FHG Contracting, we specialize in refinishing cabinetry using low VOC, water-based products, with custom stain colour matching done right on site. Located in Sherwood Park, Alberta, we help homeowners protect their investment and refresh their living spaces beautifully—without unnecessary waste or expense.

Let’s explore the five key signs that it’s time to refinish your cabinets before the damage gets worse—and more costly.

1. Fading, Yellowing, or Discolouration

One of the earliest signs that your cabinets need attention is a noticeable change in colour. Sunlight, moisture, cooking grease, and time all take their toll on wood finishes. What was once a rich espresso or warm cherry hue can fade into something dull, uneven, or even yellowish. This fading isn’t just cosmetic—it’s a red flag that the protective topcoat has worn thin, leaving your cabinets vulnerable to deeper damage.

Why act now?

Waiting too long can allow UV exposure and water to penetrate the wood itself, causing warping or rot. Refinishing at the early signs of fading allows you to restore the original colour—or update to a fresh one—without having to replace panels or doors.

2. Peeling, Flaking, or Bubbling Finish

If your cabinet doors are starting to peel or bubble, this is a sign that the finish has broken down entirely. Steam from cooking, water splashes near the sink, and changes in humidity can all lead to delamination—especially if your cabinets weren’t sealed properly the first time. Once that top layer starts flaking off, it exposes the raw wood underneath to more wear, stains, and potential mold growth in high-moisture areas.

Why act now?

Cabinets with extensive peeling require more prep work, which means more time, materials, and labour to correct. Refinishing early keeps the job simple—strip, sand, re-stain, and seal—saving you money and avoiding irreversible damage.

3. Outdated Colour or Finish (That Doesn’t Match Your Style)

Trends change. What was stylish ten years ago might now make your kitchen feel stuck in the past. Orange-toned oak, yellow maple, or ultra-dark cherry can clash with modern flooring, countertops, or paint choices.

If you’ve updated other parts of your home but left the cabinets untouched, they may stick out more than you realize.

Why act now?

Refinishing is the perfect solution if your cabinets are still structurally sound but visually dated. Instead of ripping them out and replacing them—an expensive and disruptive option—refinishing gives you the chance to match your evolving style without demolition.

At FHG Contracting, we specialize in custom on-site colour matching, so whether you want a light modern gray, a warm walnut, or a bold espresso tone, we’ll mix the perfect water-based stain to suit your taste and decor.

4. Wear and Tear Around Handles, Corners, and High-Traffic Areas

The areas you touch most are usually the first to show wear. Look closely at the cabinet doors near your stove, sink, and garbage pull-outs. Do you see:

• Fingerprint smudges that no longer clean off?
• Bare wood showing near knobs or edges?
• Nicks, dents, or scratches?

These spots are clear indicators that your cabinets are experiencing friction damage from everyday use. Left untreated, these small problem areas can spread and eventually lead to more significant issues like swelling, splitting, or permanent stains.

Why act now?

Minor wear is easy and affordable to fix with a professional refinish. Don’t wait until entire doors are damaged. Early intervention keeps the job light, quick, and wallet-friendly.

5. You’re Planning to Sell Your Home Soon

If you’re thinking of listing your home in the next year or two, cabinet refinishing offers a high return on investment. Kitchens sell homes—and potential buyers will always notice the condition of your cabinets. Updating their appearance without the cost of full replacement helps you maximize resale value while staying within budget.

A fresh stain or modern colour instantly updates your kitchen, gives the impression of a well-maintained home, and adds significant appeal in listing photos.

Why act now?

Real estate markets can move quickly. By refinishing before you list, you’ll avoid last-minute scrambling or missing out on top-dollar offers because your kitchen looked “tired.”

Why Refinishing Beats Replacing

Let’s break it down:

Refinishing Cabinets

• 1/3 of the cost of replacement
• Minimal disruption—no need to tear out cabinets
• Environmentally friendly—reuses existing cabinetry
• Completely customizable with updated stain/finish
• Fast turnaround time

Replacing Cabinets

• High cost in materials and labour
• Requires demolition, possible rework of plumbing
• Often ends in landfill waste
• Limit to what’s available or in stocked
• Can take weeks to complete

At FHG Contracting, we use low VOC, water-based stains to help protect your family’s indoor air quality while still delivering a stunning, durable finish. We specialize in on-site colour matching, so your new finish blends seamlessly with your home’s style and character.

Why Choose Water-Based Products?

While oil-based products were once the industry standard, water-based stains have come a long way—and now outperform oil-based in many areas:

• Fast drying times = less downtime
• Low odour and low VOCs = safer for your family
• Eco-friendly = better for your home and the environment
• Stable colour retention = no ambering or yellowing over time

We’ve made the switch, and we’re proud to offer refinishing solutions that are both beautiful and responsible.

Let’s Make Your Cabinets Look New Again

You don’t need to wait until your cabinets are falling apart to take action. In fact, the best time to refinish them is before the damage becomes too costly or extensive. Whether you’re ready to modernize your kitchen, planning to sell, or just want to restore a bit of shine and pride in your space, FHG Contracting is here to help.

📍 Located in Sherwood Park, Alberta (T8H 0Z7)

📞 Call us at 1-780-934-4115

📧 Email us at info@fhgcontracting.com

We’ll bring our on-site colour matching expertise, premium low-VOC water-based products, and years of experience right to your door. Let’s work together to transform your cabinets into something you’ll love—without the expense of replacement.