How to Replace Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Countertops

Cabinet Refinishing is Your Best Option

If your shiny new kitchen countertops are drawing unwanted attention to your outdated or dinged-up cabinets, it may be time to consider cabinet refinishing.

Cabinet refinishing is an amazing way to update and refresh those cabinets. Plus, you don't have to sacrifice the structural integrity needed to hold up your counters. It's also the most cost-effective way to achieve an upgraded kitchen.

Simply put, cabinet refinishing includes:

• stripping away the old paint or stain
• repairing any damages
• repainting or staining your cabinets in any hue you choose
  
  

Not only can cabinet refinishing save your countertops, but it also helps to save your cabinets. Which in turn, saves you some serious money and hassle.

In fact, the cost to replace kitchen cabinets can eat up an average of 30 to 40 percent of your renovation budget. So, if you're mostly happy with them, but just want a little refresh, this is a tremendous option.

Finishes That Modernize

Before you begin refinishing your cabinets, think carefully about the colors you'll choose. Aim to choose colors and styles that will modernize your kitchen and complement your countertops.

In general, lighter paint colors will create a more modern, airy kitchen space. Having an open floor plan is especially trendy at the moment. Plus, for smaller kitchens, lighter cabinets can help them feel much larger.

How Does the Refinishing Process Work?

Cabinet refinishing is a relatively easy, inexpensive process, even when done by professionals. In fact, the pros will get it done in four easy steps.

These include:

1.) Preparing Kitchen Surfaces

Professionals will begin by covering the surfaces of your kitchen. This includes those pristine countertops and any appliances. This will keep out any dust, debris, or paint.

Then, technicians will remove the doors. This allows them to cover internal cabinet space, as well. One of the perks of hiring professionals is that the doors will be appropriately marked to ensure they return to their rightful place.

2.) Preparing the Cabinets: Clean & Strip

Once the kitchen surfaces are ready for the refinishing process, it's time to prepare the cabinets. Seasoned technicians will start by cleaning the cabinets, doors, and handles.

Removing any dirt or debris from the cabinets is key to ensuring any new paint or stain will adhere correctly and have a vivid appearance.

Once the wood has dried, technicians will strip its current paint, stain, or varnish. Fine-grit sandpaper or an electrical sander is then applied to remove any remaining paint. Professional technicians take great care to ensure this step won't damage the integrity of the wood.

3.) Prime, Paint, and Stain

The most exciting part of the refinishing process is when it comes time to finally prime, paint, and stain your cabinets.

Priming the wood ensures that the paint appropriately adheres to the cabinet surface. This helps give your new finish a vivid and long-lasting appearance. The right professionals will use low-odor, high-quality paint that is sure to last without leaving behind any dizzying fumes.

If you require any staining, professional technicians will then apply the stain. Technicians take great care to ensure your cabinets have an appealing, even appearance.

4.) Finish and Reinstall

After finishing the paint and stain, technicians will re-install your cabinet doors to their rightful place.

Then technicians will then clean up the covers. Finally, your kitchen will feel brand new with its beautifully refreshed appearance!

Other Renovation Options That Save Countertops

If you find that you're completely unsatisfied with the look of your cabinets and refinishing isn't what you want, refacing your cabinets is another option. Cabinet refacing is more expensive, but can still help you save countertops while replacing the cabinets.

Though it'll feel like a full replacement, the structure of your cabinets will remain the same. Basically, you're only replacing the doors.

In addition to replacing your doors, there are a few other options that can leave your cabinets with a refreshed look.

Swap Out Your Hardware

Sometimes all your kitchen cabinets need are some new handles and knobs. It sounds simple, but can make a world of difference.

The key here is to choose hardware that compliments both your countertops and the new finish or face you've chosen for your cabinets. This can also be a chance to add a funky little accent to your kitchen if you feel so inclined.

Strategic Door Removal

Removing some of your doors is also a great way to not only refresh your kitchen but also leave it feeling more open and modern.

Picking a few doors to leave completely open-faced can give you room to display fun accents and modernize older cabinet faces. Bonus points for giving your cabinets a more spacious look.

Save Your Counters, Refresh Your Cabinets

These are some of the best options for refreshing your kitchen space without sacrificing your countertops (or your renovation budget). For the most cost-efficient remodel out there, cabinet refinishing is the perfect option for just about any homeowner.

Contact us today for a free estimate on your kitchen renovation project, or simply fill out the quick form below. For over 23 years, we've been helping homeowners across New Jersey to upgrade and modernize their kitchen cabinets. We look forward to bringing your vision to life!