If your kitchen has become tired and outdated and you would love to remodel those kitchen door and drawers of your kitchen cabinets but think it’s just to expensive…think again. There are fantastic ways to update that are surprisingly affordable and will make a dramatic difference.
The first step is to determine how you want your kitchen to look as well as what the budget will allow. If you are unsure about what type or style of design changes you want to make, start by looking at design magazines, books or periodicals.
While browsing, make note of the colors and cabinet styles that catch your eye. Either jot down these favorite indicators or, if allowable, tear out the images and create a visual cork board type collection of your selections. This will provide a general design direction as you begin your kitchen updating.
Most of the current publications will also provide some form of price indicators to help determine if the design choices will fit into the budgeted allowances.
Next, learn quality indicators to ensure you are getting the best kitchen cabinets money can buy by knowing what to look for. You see, there are two ways to buy cabinets: custom or ready made. Do not assume that the ready made will lack the quality of custom nor should you assume the custom cabinets will be the better choice if you don’t know what to look for.
Key quality features available in both custom or DIY cabinets are:
Dove tailed joints rather than stapled joints, particularly in the drawers.
Grooved and glued constructed drawers rather than stapled.
Mortised hinges that are fitted to the doors.
Drawer sides should be 1/2″ to 3/4″ in thickness with 3/4″ frames over all.
Consistent finish on all cabinet fronts and kitchen drawers particularly with the stock cabinets found in home supply stores. The method of mass production can often result in unmatched staining results. Inspect each box that comes with your order to ensure consistent coloring.
If, on the other hand, a major remodeling job is not quite what you are ready for, there are some simple yet powerful ways to update kitchen doors and drawers without major and expensive changes. Consider these just for starters:
Change the appearance of your kitchen cabinets by painting, replacing door panels with glass, replacing the old pulls and hinges with modern styles or hiring a professionals to reface the front surfaces of your cabinets. Adding crown moulding and trim to the top and bottom of the cabinets is also a simple but effective way to create a more customized look in your kitchen.
However you choose to remodel your cabinet kitchen door and drawers, be assured that any level of updating will add to the overall equity of your home as well create a more inviting cooking environment.