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Wondering what to do with your tired-looking kitchen
cabinets? Do you dream of installing a
new set of cabinets just to update the look of your kitchen? Wait!
Don’t do that just yet! You
might still have your dream kitchen without spending too much for it.
Kitchen cabinets can be considered as one of the most crucial elements in any
kitchen. And why not? They unquestionably take up a large space as
compared to all other kitchen elements and it requires quite a large sum of
money to have a set of new ones installed.
But before you go on spending your precious dollars, why not take a
closer look at your kitchen cabinets?
They might just need some refinishing or refacing jobs to make them look
like new! Consider these options and
see if you can squeeze out some more functional years from your existing
cabinets for a fraction of the cost!
Consider Refinishing Your Cabinets
If you decide that your kitchen cabinets are still structurally sound, you can
consider updating their look by merely refinishing them. Some of the most common options include
doing some simple painting and staining jobs, undertaking complicated glazing
procedures or employing a more elaborate wood-grained and marbleized faux
finishing project.
Refinishing projects can be considered as the most affordable solution for this
problem but it can be backbreaking and is extremely messy. Be prepared to shell out at least $50 per
cabinet door if you wish to pay someone to do the job for you.
Is Refacing the Right Option for You?
Refacing can be the best way to go if your kitchen cabinets are in need of a
facelift but are otherwise plumb, square and sturdy. Refacing your cabinets will give them a long-term lift and you
can even make them match your new countertops.
This, however, is not applicable if you have metal cabinets or if your
cabinets are otherwise flimsy or sagging.
This is not a good option also if you are planning on moving the
cabinets someplace else.
The process is swift and can be completed in a matter of days. First, the cabinets are covered with new
“skins". These skins can range anywhere
from white thermofoil and brightly covered laminates to 3/16 inch thick solid
wood veneers. Soon after, new doors,
drawer faces and hardware are added to complete the new look. For this type of project, allot at least
$150 to $300 per cabinet door (cost of materials and installation included) to
be sure that you are on the safe side.
You’ll Know It’s Time for a Replacement When…
If your kitchen cabinets are already failing or when major layout alterations
are called for, you definitely have to save for purchasing a set of new
ones. Do your interior design research
well to make sure that you get the perfect set of cabinets that will match the
interiors of your kitchen perfectly. It
would be wise to make up your mind on the design, the material and the finish
that you prefer so that you would not get inundated with all the choices
available in the market today!
If you are planning to replace your old kitchen cabinets with stock cabinets,
expect your kitchen to be out of commission for a few days. Allow a longer time (say, a few weeks time)
if you are having custom-made cabinets installed. How much do you need to prepare when you are undertaking such
projects? $300 and up per door opening
(materials and installation cost included) will pretty much cover the
cost!
So, you see, updating the look of your kitchen does not need to put a lot of
strain in your budget!
Michael Russell
Your
Independent guide to Cabinets
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