About Kitchen Cabinet Remodeling

Updating a kitchen adds to the value and appeal of a home, and one of the most cost-effective and visible kitchen improvements is remodeling the cabinets. Kitchen cabinet remodeling can be done by hiring contractors or thrifty do-it-yourself enthusiasts can update kitchen cabinets for a completely new look at a fraction of the cost of replacing them.

Painting Wood Cabinets

For instant kitchen cabinet remodeling, painting existing cabinets is an easy and affordable way to give a kitchen a much needed face-lift. Paint is a good choice for wood, pressed-board or fabricated cabinets. Paint can be applied directly to an old finish after a paint primer has been used or after cabinets have been stripped of old paint.

Metal Cabinets

Painting is one of the few options available for metal cabinets. To avoid peeling paint on metal cabinets, be sure that the surface is primed and the paint is for metal surfaces. Another option for metal cabinet remodeling is powder coating, as this process involves dry paint and helps create a more uniform finish on metal surfaces. For stainless-steel cabinets, that have seen better days, baking soda and a good buffing will remove many surface stains and discolorations.

Refinishing Wood Cabinets

Refinishing solid wood cabinets is one of the most common methods of remodeling kitchen cabinets. As wood cabinets need to be stripped of old paint and varnish before they can be refinished, this method is also the most time consuming. When applying a new finish to existing cabinets, care must be taken to ensure that all of the old finish is removed and the wood will need to be sanded before applying new stain and varnish.

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Attaching laminate or wood veneer panels to existing kitchen cabinets is an affordable option for many homeowners who want lasting and durable kitchen cabinets without the time and effort required with more traditional cabinet remodeling projects like refinishing and painting. Plastic laminates are generally cheaper and more durable than wood veneers and offer a variety of colors to choose from. Wood veneers are an option for individuals that want to look and feel of solid wood without the cost of replacing kitchen cabinets with expensive hardwoods.

Molding and Hardware

Hinges, knobs and any other metal hardware should be removed before remodeling kitchen cabinets. The hardware should be cleaned and buffed before being reused. To update the look of kitchen cabinets, replace old hardware with knobs and pulls that compliment the decor. Decorative moldings of wood or laminate applied to kitchen cabinets are an affordable and easy way to remodel existing cabinets.