Instructions for Refinishing Cabinets or Selecting New Kitchen Cabinets

By: Lee Bell
Submitted: 2008-10-10 17:21:26
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

The kitchen is one of the rooms in which a homeowner will spend the most time and money. So, whether you are planning to spend the rest of your life in your current home or you want to put it up for sale next month, it is no surprise you are looking to give your kitchen an upgrade. Because of how visible and functional they are, cabinets are a great place to begin. But many homeowners find themselves faced with the same question: Should I start from scratch or just update with what I have?

Your remodeling budget, the condition of your existing kitchen cabinets and the time you have to complete the project are three key factors in your decision to install new kitchen cabinets or update your kitchen's current cabinets. If you have an ample budget and your current cabinets have seen better days or do not have enough storage for your family's needs, you may want to opt to install new cabinets. However, if your budget is tight and your current cabinets are in great shape and you have free time to work, re-facing your kitchen cabinets may be the best option for you.

Guidelines for Buying New Cabinets

If you have opted for new cabinets, picking the new ones can be a daunting task. Before you purchase anything, consider a few guidelines so that you be more prepared. Look through catalogues and websites to see what the current styles, sizes and colors are. Next, you can start to think about which cabinets will look best with your kitchen's design.

Staying with the same size cabinets that you already have is the easiest option. All you need to do is provide the retailer that you are purchasing your cabinets from the measurements of your current cabinets. Likewise, if you are going to go with a bigger cabinet, you will have to carefully measure how much space you actually have. Depending on where you are purchasing your cabinetry, the retailer may send someone to your home to measure the space for you.

Take stock of your do-it-yourself skills before you decide to complete the installation on your own. Remember that this project requires removal of the old cabinets as well as the installation. Don't hesitate to hire a contractor to finish the project for you if you need to. You can also ask your home improvement store if they provide installation options.

Doing Your Cabinet Re-Facing on Your Own

Although it may sound difficult, re-facing your kitchen cupboards is not actually that hard of an undertaking. It is a fantastic way to save money while giving your kitchen a fresh, new look. There are a number of websites and magazines that will explain the process, but basically to reface your cabinets you need to complete several steps. To begin, remove the hardware and doors from the cupboards that you currently have.

Then, take off the finish that your old cabinets have. This is best accomplished using sandpaper or an orbital sander. You will need various grades of sandpaper and you will also be able to eliminate any scratches that the cabinets have. If you have a deep gouge, you will need to use wood filler.  With a cleaner that is safe for wood, carefully clean all of the dust off the cabinets before you go to the next step.

Now the cupboards are ready for the stain and sealer so be put on. Some DIYers prefer to use paintbrushes, but others opt for soft cloths. Make sure you follow the specific application instructions, and make sure you allow each application to thoroughly dry.  Finally, put on your cabinet doors and hardware.

You can really give your cabinets a new look by changing the hardware of the doors and drawers.

Take a look at the kitchens in Haltom City, TX real estate. Even better, check out kitchens in University Park homes for sale.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Home Improvement category

  • Kitchen Remodeling Brooklyn - Revamp the Look of Your Kitchen at Affordable Rates - By: James Peligrino
    Kitchen remodeling design allows you to revamp the old look of your kitchen and create more space in it without shelling out huge bucks.
  • Guarding Your Valuables: Keeping Your Family Safe - By: April Walters
    Keeping your family safe can be easy if you follow these fire prevention steps. A few adjustments can not only protect your possessions but it can potentially save lives.
  • Photo Enlargement on Canvas delivers breathtaking quality photo canvas - By: Sonarish web
    If you are struggling to find out terrific personalized photo canvas gifts for your family or looking for an alternative to promote your product or service, the best option that suits both as a personalized photo gift and promotional product can be none other than photo canvas enlargement.
  • Judging a Cabinet's Craftsmanship - By: Dennis White
    When picking a kitchen cabinet that is made of wood, it is important to consider the overall look of your kitchen. Would traditional custom kitchen cabinets blend more perfectly with modern kitchen setups as opposed to something more contemporary?
  • Air Duct Cleaning - Air Quality Quiz - By: Elizabeth K
    How is the air in your home? If you are like most people you probably think it is fine but chances are you are sadly mistaken.
  • Kitchen Cabinets Brooklyn for More Storage and Enhanced Look of Your Kitchen - By: James Peligrino
    Kitchen cabinets Brooklyn is a great way to change the face of your kitchen and create storage in it at the same time.
  • Prevent Pinhole Leaks, Slab Leaks and Conserve Energy by Controlling Your Hot Water Circulation Pump - By: Mark Franklin
    Pinhole leaks in hot water recirculation lines are very common. Take preventive measures to dramatically reduce or even eliminate the leaks and protect yourself from the potential damage and expensive repairs caused by leaky hot water pipes.
  • Be Your Own Culinary Coordinator - By: Justin Lee
    Realizing that something was amiss with her new kitchen, my friend hired a Culinary Coordinator at a consulting rate of $75 an hour (apparently a bargain) to help organize her cupboards. Here is a summary of her three hour consultation:
  • Importance Of A Sump Pump In Your Basement - By: Jonathon Lester
    A sump pump prevents water flooding in your basement. Since the basement of a house is built under ground, when the soil of the ground gets saturated with rain water it can leak into the basement. And leaking in the basement can cause an enormous amount of damage. Most basements have a sump pit that is designed to collect water that leaks in. The sump pump is specially designed to remove this water accumulation from your basement without incident.
  • Use Your Air Conditioning More Efficiently - By: April Walters
    Many people don't know that with a few adjustments lowering your energy is easy. This article provides simple tips to help you go green with your air conditioner but still stay cool.