Home Improvement Advice

Give your kitchen a fresh, new look with a makeover for your older cabinets. If you’re happy with your existing cabinet layout, and the cabinets are still in good condition, then cabinet refacing is a smart alternative to replacing them. You’ll enjoy beauty and style, easy care and lo maintenance with kitchen cabinet refacing.

Somewhat new in the kitchen remodeling industry… kitchen cabinets refacing has become a popular alternative for homeowners.

Kitchen cabinet refacing can save you anywhere from 33-60% off the cost of installing new kitchen cabinets. This economical alterative gives you the new design you want for your kitchen, without breaking the bank. In addition to saving money, you can improve their functionality with roll-out shelves, better drawer slides, and other accessories.

Why put new cabinets faces on old cabinets? (more…)

Like many things in the design world, kitchen design is stepping up and upgrading itself by the use of computers. Designing software allow costumers to have a feel of the product before they decide to go for a certain design or features. Since a lot of people have had bad experiences with redesigning parts of their houses, many like to use the technology and see how the thing will look once its done, it is a natural development of design and costumer service.

Kitchen design is a vast area, with creativity and idea going wild, you can only imagine what you can do in a kitchen, using t he different elements to compliment each other and work together to create a unique and special room in the house. The kitchen cabinets, the use of color on the walls, color schemes, wallpaper and other aesthetic additions will make up the design portion of your kitchen. You will realize that the future is already here with the introduction of kitchen design software, providing a vivid image of your future kitchen you no longer have to go to a showroom. Kitchen design software has been helping people come up with great ideas on how to picture their layout before it’s complete, and once you “see” the future kitchen with the kitchen design software you can also decide on adding features to you kitchen or sometime understanding that you will have to part with some.

There is a reason for investing this much energy into the kitchen design, the kitchen is one of the special rooms in they house, it reflects the homes personality and style and since so much time is spent in the kitchen it should be efficient and comfortable, that is why you want to use a kitchen design software. The design of the kitchen cabinets should be such that everything is within easy reach of someone working in the kitchen, sensible use of kitchen cabinets will make the most out of your space and upgrade your kitchen.

When you think of it, most good kitchens are the same, they have the same quality to them and almost the same concepts govern them. Kitchens must have a good working environment, allowing the people working in it for enough space to move around, and appropriate appliance arrangements, with a good perception of what we be needed and what is constantly used. Most good kitchens are not too big or small, they all have quality kitchen cabinets that are used as storage and that are accessible easily. Your kitchen should always serve you, help you to cook better and enjoy your time in the kitchen, the kitchen cabinets should work for you, keeping things tidy and neat, this way you will have a great kitchen.

In the modern time kitchens have moved up from being just another room, to almost the main room of the house, and the heart of the family activity space, any thought and energy you put into a better kitchen design will pay itself back in months and years of have a great central place to enjoy family dinners and simple coffee talk quality time.

Kitchen cabinets are one of the most expensive items in home remodelling. Cabinetry costs more than replacing the kitchen furniture in many cases. If you can afford the expense, there are a wide variety of designs and styles available to update your cabinets. You can add extras like a kitchen island, lazy susan, or built-in appliance centers.

If replacing the cabinetry is too expensive for your budget, refacing is a less expensive alternative. Refacing involves replacing only the cabinet doors and exposed wood areas of the cabinets. The insides are left as they are to save money on the job. Painting is the least expensive option and can give the room new life. The job can be easily done over a long weekend with the right preparation.

You will need to decide if you will paint the entire cabinet, inside and out, or just the outside and the doors. To save time, consider leaving the inside of the cabinet alone, you won’t be able to tell the difference.

Preparing the Cabinets

Start by removing all hardware from the cabinets and remove the doors. Mark the doors, so you will remember which door goes on which cabinet. This will save you time and prevent aggravation later. Protect the countertops and floor with drop cloths, old bed sheets or plastic sheeting. These can be taped in place, especially on the floors. If you will be replacing the flooring, paint the cabinets first.

Clean the cabinets thoroughly before painting. This is important. Grease and oils from cooking will prevent the paint from adhering properly. You could end up with an uneven color. A wood cleaner with orange oil works well for breaking down grease residue. Be sure to let the surface dry thoroughly before you begin to apply the primer.

Primer is an important step in the process. It provides a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere properly. Use a roller for larger areas and a brush for small areas. Be sure to coat all areas, including the underside of the cabinets. Consider using sawhorses for priming and painting the doors, for an easier time and a more even coverage.

Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before you begin to paint. Overnight is generally sufficient for the primer to dry. Apply the paint in thin coats. It’s better to apply a few thin coats than to use one thick coat. Allow twentyfour hours between coats for the paint to dry completely. Sand with a fine grit sandpaper between coats.

When the paint has dried completely, you are ready to put the doors back on and replace the hardware. Consider updating the hardware to match your new look. Door handles and hinges are inexpensive and can make a big difference in the look of the room.

Choosing Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

Don’t skimp on the paint. Use high quality paint that is right for the surface being covered. This will be different for wood or metal cabinets. If you’re not sure, ask for help at the paint store.

In general, you will want to use enamel paint. You have a few choices in the finish. Gloss, semi gloss or satin finishes are most commonly used. The higher the gloss, the stronger the finish and the easier it will be to clean. If you want less shine, consider the semi gloss finish.

Safety When Painting

Be sure to paint in a well ventilated room. Do the job when the weather is warm enough and leave the windows open.

Wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt to protect your skin from the paint. Plastic gloves can be worn to protect the skin on your hands.

Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from paint and fumes.