Reface or Replace Kitchen Cabinets ?

When you want a new look in the kitchen, probably the first thing you think of is re-doing the cabinets. Before you rip out those old cabinets and head down to the DIY warehouse, take a moment to consider your options. If replacing the kitchen cabinets is not in your budget, you can still update the kitchen by painting or refacing the cabinets. If you have a substantial remodel budget, then consider custom cabinets.

Painting Kitchen Cabinets - This is the cheapest and most comoon DIY way to update a kitchen cheaply.

Painting your kitchen cabinets is an easy and inexpensive way to liven up dull, boring cabinets. Plus, painting cabinets does not require a lot of skill. You can completely customize the look of your kitchen by finishing your cabinets in vibrant, eye-catching color.

To paint your kitchen cabinets yourself, first remove the doors. If the cabinets themselves are easy to remove, take them down as well. Be sure to take the hinges and hardware off and put them in a bag or a container for safe keeping.

Take the cabinets or the doors outside or into a well ventilated garage, and create a workspace by laying out newspaper, a tarp, or an old sheet.

The next step is to sand the cabinets to prepare them to receive the paint. Don't neglect this step even if you can't get your cabinets down, because this will ensure the quality of your work. Use first a medium and then a fine grade sand paper with the sanding attachment on your rotary drill. You will want to take off all the original finish and leave the cabinets with bare, smooth wood for painting.

The sheen of the paint you use will determine how many coats of the paint you will need to apply. Flat and eggshell paints require fewer coats than semi-gloss and gloss. Always paint with a latex based paint to make clean-up easier.

Paint in the direction of the grain of the wood. This technique keeps the paint strokes from looking like they go against the natural grain.

After you have painted the doors allow them to dry in a well ventilated, shaded area. Then return to the kitchen and repeat the process on the inside and underneath of the cabinets. Keeping all the windows and doors open, and keeping the house at room temperature should provide adequate ventilation.

Once the doors and cabinets are completely dry, simply reattach the hinges and doors. With the money you saved doing it yourself, you can buy brand new hardware. At the end of the day you will have a new kitchen and the pride of doing it yourself.

Refacing Cabinets

Refacing cabinets can provide an easy and affordable alternative to purchasing new cabinets. Instead of replacing your kitchen cabinets, all that is required to spice up the old cabinet is a new finish. With a minimum of effort, and expense, you will be pleasantly surprised how good your cabinets will look.

If your kitchen cabinets are in good structural condition, and you have enough storage and counter space, then refacing is for you. To reface your cabinets you will cover the exterior surfaces with new laminate. Replace the doors and drawer fronts, and finish the front and side panels with new veneer. These materials are available at your hardware store in a stunning variety of styles.

Refacing your kitchen cabinets is a more difficult DIY project. There is no damage to your walls and floors, and minimal mess. Most refacing jobs take only a few days.

Custom Cabinets

If your kitchen remodel ideas run to completely new cabinets, rather than buy stock (or modular) cabinets off the shelf, consider the grandeur and convenience of custom built cabinets.

Cabinets are one of the main focal points of a kitchen. Custom cabinets will add that little something extra to the beauty and value of your home. A home with custom cabinets will have a higher market value than one with stock cabinets. In addition to value and aesthetic appeal, custom built cabinets will easily accommodate a modern family with options like organizational tools and space saving storage devices.

Custom cabinets are designed especially for you and are built to accommodate your needs. They can be made in any material and style you wish, and the style can be mixed and matched to your preference. You no longer have to be stuck with boring knobs, with custom cabinets you have your choice of hardware.

But the real beauty of custom cabinets are the organizational tools, such as lazy susans, boxes, and separation racks. These features are designed especially for your kitchen and your family. If you want specially sized cabinets or a unique design feature, you will have to have custom built cabinets. They are expensive, but, if your kitchen is a work of art, they are worth it.