Refurbishing Tired Old Kitchen Cabinets

Refurbishing old kitchen cabinets involves transforming outdated, worn cabinets into refreshed, stylish storage solutions. Rather than replacing cabinets entirely, refurbishing allows breathing new life into existing cabinetry on a budget.

The refurbishing process includes thorough cleaning, structural repairs, resurfacing, replacing hardware, adding storage solutions, updating lighting, and styling. With some elbow grease and creativity, you can give your old kitchen cabinets a whole new look and improved functionality.

Preparing Cabinets for a Makeover

Before painting, staining, or refacing cabinets, proper prep work ensures results. First, remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware (knobs, pulls, hinges) to allow full access to the cabinet box. Use a mild detergent and warm water to wash away dirt, debris, grease, and grime from all cabinet surfaces, inside and out. Allow to fully dry.

Fill any holes, cracks, or imperfections with wood filler. Sand cabinets lightly to rough up the surface so primer and paint can properly adhere. Thorough sanding also helps remove more stubborn stains. Clean up any dust before priming. Prepare surrounding surfaces like walls and countertops to prevent damage during the refurbishing process.

Structural Repairs

Inspect cabinets for damage or wear beyond surface level, like sagging shelves, drawer glides sticking, doors misaligned, or unstable boxes. Repair structurally compromised areas before refurbishing. Adjust hinges and realign doors. Reinforce sagging shelves with extra brackets. Replace worn glides and tracks. Stabilize loose cabinet sections by refastening to walls or adding supports.

• Glues, screws, power tools, wood, drywall anchors may be needed for repairs.
• Hire a carpenter for more complex reconstruction needs.

Choosing Paints, Stains, and Finishes

The type of paint, stain, or finish depends on your cabinets' material and the desired style. Proper primer establishes a uniform base, allowing even adhesion and hiding imperfections. For the smoothest finish, sand lightly between coats.

• Paint: Durable for a vibrant, updated color change. Use cabinet/trim enamel for a smooth, hard finish.
• Stain: Penetrates wood grain to alter color while allowing some natural wood to show. Consider gel stains.
• Varnish/polyurethane: Clear topcoat to refresh existing wood stain color and add protection.
• Glaze: Subtle, transparent color wash over stained wood, focused on recesses.
• Whitewash: Thin, milky white coating over wood, letting grain show through.

Distressed paint techniques involve applying then removing paint to mimic signs of wear. Sponging, rag rolling, and stippling add texture for a unique look. For a modern high-gloss look, spray lacquer finishes professionally mimic luxury store-bought cabinets.

Handling Leftover Hardware and Doors

As you remove doors, shelves, and hardware from cabinets during the refurbishing process, have a plan for handling the unneeded pieces. Here are some options:

• Sell on resale sites
• Donate to Habitat for Humanity or community center for reuse
• Upcycle into other DIY household projects
• Properly dispose of any irreparable or hazardous items

Refacing for a Facelift

Refacing keeps existing cabinet boxes while replacing visible exterior surfaces. New doors, drawer fronts, and veneer facings modernize without removing cabinets. Materials like high-grade MDF, wood veneers, thermofoil, and laminates offer designer options cheaper than new cabinet sets.

Door Design and Hardware

Swap out dated doors for rediscovered style. Shaker style doors nicely complement most decor. Refacing often includes new hardware. Matte black, brass, or nickel knobs and handles pair nicely with crisp white for classic, modern, or traditional flair.

• Add glass insert doors to give glimpses of organized contents.
• Try open shelving to showcase dishes, cookbooks, decor.

Adjusting and Installing New Doors

New doors often need adjusted for ideal alignment, closing, and opening. If new hinges are included, follow manufacturer instructions carefully during replacement. Adjust tension screws and alignment on old or new hinges once doors are hung. Check drawers for proper shutting without rubbing.

Interiors and Organizational Updates

Refurbishing inside cabinets enhances storage efficiency. Consider additional racks, pull-out drawer storage, lazy susans, and slide-out shelves for optimized space. Line shelves with non-slip liner or self-adhesive vinyl. Install task lighting inside upper cabinets or under cabinets to illuminate work areas.

A Kitchen Work Triangle Completed

Updating related kitchen elements completes the refreshed look. Replace worn laminate countertops with materials like quartz, granite, or solid surface. Coordinate with a matching backsplash for seamless style. Add accent lighting under or inside cabinets to highlight tasks, displays, or decor. The work triangle connecting the sink, stove, and refrigerator dictates kitchen layout and traffic flow. Use refurbishing as an opportunity to reconfigure for improved ergonomics.

Styling with Accessories

Accessorize revamped cabinetry to maximize visual appeal. Add plants, cookbooks, ceramic pieces, or glassware to upper shelving or glass door cabinets. Try removable wallpaper or chalkboard contact paper on interior back panels. Use baskets, turntables, or risers for organized storage style. When styling open shelving, keep everyday items handy while highlighting favorite serveware.

Caring for Refurbished Cabinets

Properly caring for refreshed cabinets helps maintain their renewed beauty. Use microfiber cloths for dusting. Clean wood or laminate cabinet surfaces with mild soap and water, avoiding excessive moisture. Reseal countertops annually. Touch up paint scratches. Treat cabinets gently to enjoy the results longer. Consider having an extra batch of paint mixed for future nick and scratch repairs.

Refurbishing kitchen cabinets skillfully applies elbow grease, creativity, and strategic changes to transform existing cabinetry. Instead of defaulting to full-on replacement costs, consider a facelift or makeup application through refacing, painting, staining, hardware and lighting swaps, storage solutions, and accessories. With some patience and imagination, as well as the right materials and techniques, you can breathe astonishing new life into worn and outdated kitchen cabinets.