Discover What You Must Know About Updating Kitchen Cabinets

By Matthew Kerridge

Kitchens need upgrading and updating from time to time. Whether this is due to time wearing on, moving into a new property, to refresh the space, or for a myriad of other reasons. But this can be expensive of course. An excellent way to keep costs down therefore, is to upgrade, rather than replace, the kitchen cabinets.

It is highly likely that your cabinets will be structurally sound. But before deciding the exact course of action; it is well worth giving them a thorough clean and a quick once over. If there is any damage, it should be easy to spot and most likely simple to repair.

If there are any panels that are beyond repair, simply replacing these will be the best solution. Often this could be done by yourself, possibly with off cuts of materials you have used elsewhere. Failing that, a local timber yard should be able to help.

Having completed this, it is time to start really giving the cabinets a lift. Often, this can be achieved with nothing much more than a new coat or two of paint or varnish. To get ideas, take a look round kitchen showrooms, and match up paints you can get hold off easily and affordably.

Alternatively, certain types of detailing can be added; such as moldings or certain veneers that can really lift the feel. These can be very simple to apply; often with strong self adhesive backs, so should not require the expense of a professional fitter.

Whether you choose to paint, or veneer, kitchen cabinets can be really well enhanced with new handles. There is a host to choose from, and to really save money, a quick visit to a local reclamation yard could reap rewards.

Possibly the best way to give kitchen cabinets a whole new look is through replacing the doors in their entirety. It is the doors that will be showing the most wear and tear anyway; so this just makes sense and can give years of further use.

It is important that accurate measurements of all doors are taken separately. Whilst it is likely they were designed to be much the same size, there will be vagaries. Doors can be made to order of course, but again, costs can be kept down by visiting reclamation yards. It is also worth asking at local hardware stores as they may have surplus doors at a knock down price.

If the doors on the kitchen cabinets themselves are fairly sound, an excellent alternative to replacing them is through the addition of glass paneling. With frosted, clear, or even cut options, a modern, contemporary or even traditional look can easily be achieved. - 33383

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