Inexpensive Updates to Revitalize Laminate Kitchen Cabinets

Outdated laminate kitchen cabinets can make a kitchen appear dark, dated, and dreary. Replacing laminate cabinets entirely can be expensive and time consuming. Fortunately, there are inexpensive ways to update the look of laminate cabinets without taking on a full kitchen remodel.

With some simple DIY projects like painting, adding new hardware, or installing decorative trim, you can give laminate cabinets a fresh, modern look. Read on to learn how to update laminate kitchen cabinets on a budget.

Understanding Laminate Kitchen Cabinets

Laminate cabinets were very popular from the 1970s through 1990s. Laminate is a thin plastic coating that is bonded to a substrate like particle board or MDF. The laminate surface resists scratches, stains, and moisture.

Some benefits of laminate cabinets include:

• Inexpensive compared to solid wood or stainless steel
• Very durable and scratch-resistant surface
• Wide variety of colors and patterns
• Easy to clean and maintain

Some downsides of laminate cabinets include:

• Prone to chipping along edges and seams
• Shows scratches and wear over time with improper cleaning
• Limited styles compared to wood cabinets
• Dated look compared to current trends

If your laminate cabinets are structurally sound but looking worn or dated, a laminate cabinet update is a great option. Updating cabinets is much cheaper than a full replacement, which can cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more.

When to Update vs. Replace

Here are some signs it may be time to update your dated laminate cabinets:

• Discolored surfaces that cleaners cannot remove
• Chipped or peeling edges
• Outdated cabinet styles like heavy woodgrain
• Worn or missing hardware
• Dry, cracked caulking around sinks or backsplashes

However, if cabinets have significant damage like:

• Warping shelves or doors
• Thick layers of paint obscuring details
• Deep gouges, cracks, or holes in laminate
• Laminate lifting away from substrate

A full replacement may be required to address structural and functional issues.

Preparing for a Laminate Cabinet Makeover

Proper prep work before updating laminate cabinets is crucial for achieving the best results:

1. Empty cabinets completely. Remove all contents, shelves, drawers and hardware. Number items to simplify reinstallation.
2. Clean cabinet surfaces thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner like TSP Substitute. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub and remove grease, grime buildup and any existing paint.
3. Rinse cabinets with clean water and let them fully dry.
4. Lightly sand cabinets with 120-150 grit sandpaper. This roughs up the glossy laminate surface so paint can properly adhere.
5. Use caulk to seal any cracks or gaps between cabinets, walls, ceilings and backsplashes.
6. Fill any holes, scratches or flaws with wood filler. Let dry completely.
7. Determine your budget and purchase all necessary supplies and tools for your chosen update method.

Be sure to cover nearby surfaces like floors,countertops and appliances with drop cloths. Have all supplies and tools on hand before starting work.

DIY vs Professional Updates

Some laminate cabinet updates like painting or new hardware can easily be done as DIY projects. But major refacing or replacement may benefit from hiring a professional installer for best results.

Pros of DIY updates:

• Saves money on labor costs
• Total control over project
• Satisfaction of completing transformation yourself

Pros of hiring a professional:

• Experienced installing new cabinets and laminates
• Proper tools to achieve a seamless finish
• Efficiency of project completion
• Warranties on materials and labor

Simple DIY Updates for Laminate Cabinets

Several budget-friendly DIY projects can update the look of laminate cabinets:

Painting Cabinets

Painting laminate cabinets allows you to change the color for a fresh look. Be sure to use bonding primer and cabinet paint:

1. Clean and sand cabinets as described in preparation steps.
2. Apply 2-3 thin coats of high quality bonding primer, sanding lightly between coats.
3. Once primer is fully cured, apply 2-3 thin coats of satin, semi-gloss, or high gloss cabinet paint. Lightly sand and clean between coats.
4. Consider using an accent color on cabinet frames or an island for extra pop.
5. Use painters tape for clean lines and to protect nearby surfaces.
6. Allow paint to cure fully, typically 2-3 weeks, before reinstalling doors and drawers.

New Hardware

Replacing outdated handles and knobs with modern hardware instantly updates the look of laminate cabinets:

• Choose hardware finish like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black or chrome.
• Using consistent hardware throughout the kitchen creates a unified, custom look.
• Modern square, bar and knob styles give a more contemporary feel.
• Make sure new hardware fits existing holes, or fill and redrill as needed.

New Countertops

Countertops also significantly impact the overall aesthetic of a kitchen. Affordable countertop options to consider include:

• Butcher block
• Wood laminate
• Tile
• Engineered quartz
• Recycled glass
• Concrete

Pairing fresh countertops with painted or refaced laminate cabinets results in a completely updated space.

Refacing Laminate Cabinets

For a more dramatic transformation, laminate sheets can be installed over cabinet boxes to entirely replace existing doors and drawer fronts. This is also called cabinet refacing.

1. Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware. Clean boxes as described in prep.
2. Select new laminate color, finish, and pattern to achieve your desired look.
3. Measure cabinet boxes and cut laminate sheets to size.
4. Use contact cement to adhere new laminate to cabinet fronts and doors.
5. Carefully trim excess laminate using a router.
6. Reinstall doors, drawers, and hardware.
7. Optionally, add crown molding, light rails or other trim for a built-in custom look.

Refacing maintains existing cabinet boxes while giving the kitchen a brand new look and feel. It is often much cheaper than full cabinet replacement.