Updating Options
While updating your cabinetry can be as simple as
adding new knobs, pulls, and hinges, or adding
organizational accessories such as appliance garages and
pullout storage bins, it usually involves resurfacing
them as well. If you've decided to update your old
cabinets instead of buying new ones or making your own,
you have three options:
-
Painting your cabinets
-
Refinishing your cabinets
-
Refacing your cabinets
Additionally, you'll probably want to update your
hardware--handles, hinges, knobs, pulls, etc., and
consider adding some organizational and decorative
accessories. If your existing cabinet finish is in good
shape, new hardware may be all you need to give your
kitchen a fresh new look!
»»» Option 1:
Painting
It's easy to update a dreary and dim kitchen by
merely painting your old cabinets and updating your
hardware. Like all painting projects, good preparation
work is the key to success. If you're keeping your
existing doors, make sure that the new hinges you order
will work properly with your cabinet doors. This is a
swift and simple update, and requires no construction or
other major undertaking. Patience is the key to success.
If you're operating on a limited budget, this could be a
good option for you. The money you save can be put to
good use on new hardware, accessories, and other
niceties. For step by step instruction, see our article
on
Painting Your Cabinets.
»»» Option 2:
Refinishing Your Cabinets
If you want to maintain the natural wood appearance
of your old kitchen cabinets with stain or finish, you
will need to strip, restain and refinish them entirely.
A wearisome process for sure. To save a lot of time and
effort, consider replacing your door and drawer fronts
and then refinishing just your cabinet faces to match.
See our article on
Refinishing Your Cabinets for more advice and how-to
instructions.
»»» Option 3:
Refacing Your Cabinets
Refacing typically involves replacing your cabinet doors
and drawer fronts, and refacing your cabinet faces with
veneer, solid wood, or plastic laminate to match. It's
easier than you may think and will produce a completely
new look. Best of all, refacing doesn't entail any labor
intensive or expensive changes to your plumbing,
electricity, ceilings, or fans. The entire job can be
completed in a few days or weekends, depending upon the
size of your kitchen and the types of hardware and
accessories you add. With the right combination, you can
create a striking new kitchen that's customized to your
own needs and specifications. And, you can add thousands
of dollars to the value of your home in the process. For
more information, see our article on
Refacing Your Cabinets.
Hardware
Adding new hardware, knobs, pulls, hinges, and
accessories is the secret to achieving a stunning
appearance to your updated cabinetry, regardless of the
option you choose. An almost unlimited number of styles
are available to fit your needs. The addition of
sparkling new hardware adds the glow that will make your
kitchen shine brightly. You'll be amazed at the dramatic
new presentation of your newly refurbished kitchen. The
style of hinge you choose, however, is dependent upon
the style of cabinet you own, so you'll want to
familiarize yourself with hinge options before
proceeding .
»»
Read About Choosing Your Hinges
»»
Read About Knobs and Pulls
Accessories
Significantly enhance the look of your refinished (or
current) cabinetry by adding classy and easy to install
accessories and architectural moldings. Friends and
family will be astonished at the sensational appearance
that you can create in your kitchen with only a few feet
of crown molding or dentil molding. If a more exciting
presentation is your preference, consider split rope
topper molding, fluted and beaded molding with rosettes,
or other carvings. And there are lots of awesome
accessories to choose from, including pantry slides,
corner shelves, drawer organizers, pullout trash bins,
and appliance garages. The proper accessories can add a
touch of elegance to an otherwise plain and common
kitchen space. See our
kitchen accessories page for the latest trends.
Remember:
Refinishing your kitchen is not a time to be too frugal
or thrifty. Pamper yourself, because you can't put a
price on comfort.
«««
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