Refacing Cherry Kitchen Cabinets
Refacing your cherry kitchen cabinets offers a budget-friendly alternative to a full kitchen remodel. It involves replacing the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while keeping the existing cabinet boxes intact. This process significantly updates the look of your kitchen without the hefty price tag of new cabinets. This method is particularly suitable for cherry cabinets, as their rich tone can be easily enhanced or subtly altered with a fresh coat of paint or stain.
Refacing Process: Removing Existing Doors and Drawer Fronts
Carefully removing the existing doors and drawer fronts is the first crucial step. Begin by taking detailed photos or creating a diagram of the cabinet layout and the position of each door and drawer front, including hinges and hardware placement. This will be invaluable during reassembly. Use a screwdriver appropriate for the type of screws used on your cabinets, taking care not to damage the surrounding wood. Gently remove the hinges from the doors and drawer fronts. Once the hinges are removed, the doors and fronts should come off relatively easily. If you encounter any resistance, carefully investigate the connection points to avoid breaking anything. Remember to label each piece clearly to ensure correct reinstallation.
Materials Needed for Refacing, How to update cherry kitchen cabinets
A successful refacing project requires careful planning and the right materials. Here’s a comprehensive list:
- New cabinet doors and drawer fronts: These can be custom-ordered to match your existing cabinet dimensions or purchased pre-made from home improvement stores. Consider the style and material—solid wood, MDF, or veneer—that best suits your budget and desired aesthetic. Remember to account for any differences in the door and drawer front sizes and styles.
- Primer: A high-quality wood primer is essential for ensuring a smooth, even finish for your paint. Choose a primer specifically designed for cabinets and wood surfaces.
- Paint: Select a paint designed for kitchen cabinets, offering durability and resistance to moisture and scratches. Consider a semi-gloss or satin finish for easy cleaning. Choose a color that complements your kitchen’s overall style and existing appliances.
- New hardware: New knobs, pulls, and hinges can dramatically change the look of your cabinets. Choose hardware that complements the style of your new doors and drawer fronts.
- Sandpaper: Various grits of sandpaper are needed for smoothing surfaces before priming and painting.
- Wood filler: To fill any minor imperfections or holes in the existing cabinet boxes.
- Cleaning supplies: Degreaser, tack cloth, and rags are necessary for preparing the cabinet surfaces for painting.
Preparing Cabinet Surfaces for Painting
Proper surface preparation is key to a professional-looking finish. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the cabinet boxes with a degreaser to remove any grease or grime. Allow them to dry completely. Next, sand the surfaces lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for better paint adhesion. Fill any imperfections with wood filler, allowing it to dry completely before sanding smooth. Finally, use a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris before applying the primer.
Sample Budget Breakdown for Refacing Cherry Kitchen Cabinets
This budget is an estimate and may vary based on the size of your kitchen, the materials chosen, and whether you hire professional help.
| Item | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| New doors & drawer fronts | 20 | $50 | $1000 |
| Primer | 1 gallon | $30 | $30 |
| Paint | 2 gallons | $40 | $80 |
| New hardware | 20 | $10 | $200 |
| Sandpaper & Supplies | 1 set | $25 | $25 |
| Labor (if hiring) | 1 day | $500 | $500 |
| Total | $1845 |
Replacing Cherry Kitchen Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts: How To Update Cherry Kitchen Cabinets
Replacing your cherry kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts offers a dramatic transformation, breathing new life into your kitchen without the expense and disruption of a full remodel. This approach allows you to maintain the existing cabinet boxes, saving time and money while achieving a significantly updated look. Choosing between custom and pre-made options, and then carefully executing the installation, are key to a successful project.
Custom vs. Pre-made Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts
The decision between custom-made and pre-made replacement doors and drawer fronts hinges on budget, design flexibility, and timeline. Custom options provide unparalleled design freedom, allowing you to select exact dimensions, wood species (including cherry to match your existing cabinets), and intricate detailing. However, custom doors are significantly more expensive and have longer lead times. Pre-made options, while less customizable, are readily available, more affordable, and offer faster installation. They often come in standard sizes, making them a good choice if your cabinets are standard size. A compromise could be to use pre-made doors for the majority of cabinets and custom-made doors for unique or difficult-to-match areas.
Removing Old and Installing New Doors and Drawer Fronts
Accurate measurements are paramount. Before removing any doors or drawer fronts, carefully measure each piece, noting the width, height, and thickness. This ensures a perfect fit for your replacements. To remove the old doors, carefully unscrew the hinges. For drawer fronts, remove the drawer slides and then the fronts themselves. When installing the new doors and drawer fronts, align them precisely with the cabinet boxes, ensuring even gaps between the doors and consistent spacing. Use shims to achieve perfect alignment if necessary. Secure the new doors and fronts using the appropriate screws.
Installing New Cabinet Hardware
Replacing the hardware is a final, crucial step in completing the transformation. This guide assumes you’re using standard hinges and drawer slides. The exact process might vary slightly based on the specific hardware you choose.
- Begin by carefully removing the old hinges and drawer slides. Note the placement of the screws and any other relevant details.
- Clean the cabinet faces and drawer fronts thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion.
- Position the new hinges on the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, using the provided templates or markings as a guide. Secure the hinges using the appropriate screws.
- Install the new drawer slides, ensuring they are properly aligned and securely fastened to both the drawer and the cabinet frame. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance.
- Attach the new cabinet knobs, pulls, or handles. Ensure that they are securely fastened and aligned correctly.
- Finally, carefully re-install the doors and drawer fronts, making sure everything is properly aligned and functioning smoothly.
Selecting New Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts that Complement Existing Design
To maintain a cohesive look, consider the existing style and finish of your cherry cabinets. Matching the wood species is ideal but may not be necessary if you’re opting for a style update. You can choose from various door styles, such as raised panel, flat panel, or shaker style, to achieve the desired aesthetic. Select a finish that complements your existing countertops and backsplash. Consider paint colors that work well with cherry wood, such as creamy whites, soft grays, or even a darker shade of brown to create a more dramatic contrast. For example, pairing a light-colored shaker-style door with your cherry cabinets can create a modern farmhouse look, while a darker, more traditional style might suit a more classic kitchen.
