How to Update Your Cabinets
Trying to upgrade your house and living spaces often seems like a project that is much too big to ever accomplish. However, taking the steps to make small changes and updates can drastically improve your space and allow you to feel a sense of accomplishment. There are many different things that could be renovated and fixed in order to allow your quality of life to improve. Today’s blog is on updating your cabinets. Whether the update is as small as changing the hardware to the larger task of switching out your cabinets entirely, I’m here to give you a few tips and tricks to begin improving your space today.
Types of Cabinetry
There are a lot of different cabinets, and not all of them need the same types of renovations. In more modern kitchens, one can often find a style of cabinets known as wall cabinets. These cabinets are exactly as the name suggests; they are found above the cabinets attached to the wall. They most often are not found as drawers, as they are a higher fixing. In contrast, shaker cabinets or base level cabinets tend to have more flexibility as they can have drawers attached when part of the countertops. Custom cabinetry can allow for a space that is shaped strangely and difficult to maneuver regular one-size fits all cabinets. This often would take more time and assistance if you’ve never undertaken such a large project. Determining the make of your cabinets and the space you are working with is essential before beginning.
Different Types of Updates
Refacing: Refacing your cabinets is the update you could turn to if you wished to update your cabinets without having to deal with redoing or replacing the entire set. Instead, you simply focus on the outside of the cabinets, specifically the doors and hardware. This could look like removing the doors and painting or refinishing them with a new color. Or, it could look like removing and replacing the veneer of the outer layer. It is a much more affordable option and, to some extent, easier than replacing them altogether.
Changing Hardware: Changing the door knobs and screws can improve the look and quality of your cabinets. Pick a set that is a more interesting shape or more accessible and polished looking. Replacing the screws and hinges can increase the life of your cabinets. It is a great option, and the easiest to do with minimal experience.
Adding Fixtures: If you are looking to utilize and get the most out of all your cabinets then adding some extra items and fixtures could be the answer. Unlike the other changes that focus on the exterior of the cabinets, adding fixtures happens to the inside of your cabinets. Add items like a dish rack to increase your storage and organization in tall shelf cabinets. There are many other inserts for cabinets that are available on the market, including ones you can add to the inside of the doors such as whiteboards for keeping different information close at hand. You can also add labels to the shelves and drawers to specify a home for each item.
Tips and Tricks for Updating Your Cabinets
Refacing: If you decide to reface your cabinets, you will need to decide how much of the outer cabinets you intend or need to reface. Before you begin refacing, it is necessary to determine the state of the cabinets (if they have any damage or extreme wear in certain areas). Some things to check for are mold, chipped paint, loose screws and hinges, etc. These things can often hinder the refacing project and cause greater damage down the road. Mold is especially nasty as it tends to spread and mess with painting and wallpapering. If the mold is not black mold, it can, in many cases, be removed with a solution of vinegar and baking soda or a strong bleach that will kill the mold. Chipped or peeling paint will need to be removed and sanded to ensure even application of new paint or wallpaper. Be sure to clean everything off with some rubbing alcohol or a solution of vinegar and baking soda. And last of all, be sure to remove screws and other hardware before refinishing anything.
Note: Never use bleach or products containing bleach with anything other than water because mixing chemicals could create a toxic gas. When using a cleaning solution, be sure to try the solution on a small area before applying it to the entire affected area, as different solutions may change the color or ruin the material of the cabinets.
Changing Hardware: After removing screws, fill old holes with wood putty if they will not be used with the new hardware. Then, drill new holes. Take extra care measuring where each hole should go, or you may end up creating a sloppy mess of improperly placed holes. Only use the same holes if the measurements are the same as the new ones being installed. Do not be afraid to look for handles that are not only more accessible but also more interesting.
Adding Fixtures: Consider different DIY or custom cabinetry inserts you can utilize in your cabinets. Pull-out trashcans or spice racks tend to improve organization and style within a kitchen. There are many different options out there, so do your research and decide what works best for your space and lifestyle. There is a lot of leeway within the inside of the cabinet. Be sure to know the sizing of your cabinets so that you do not accidentally create or buy something that doesn’t fit within the space provided.
Replacing Entirely: You may need assistance installing or creating new cabinetry. Be sure to collect everything you need before beginning the installation process in order to increase the smoothness and speed of installation. When removing old cabinets, try to see if you can use any of the old fixtures. Old houses often have better hardware than what is available today. You may want to use that hardware for your own purposes elsewhere or on your new cabinets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different options when it comes to updating your cabinetry. If your cabinets are in pretty good shape, you may just need to add a fresh coat of paint or update the hardware. But if your cabinets are showing significant signs of wear-and-tear, it may be time to do some serious updating. Either way, remember that functionality and beauty are important in the kitchen. You don’t need to have the most expensive cabinets, but you should have cabinets that serve you well.
