The kitchen is often called the center of the home, and for good reason. Preparing meals and sharing them is one of the most important things a family can do together. But if the kitchen isn’t inviting, these important activities become a chore. With new kitchen cabinets, you can bring joy back to your meals.
Selection of new cabinets
The first thing you need to do is take a lot of measurements. Measure everything multiple times and take lots of notes. The last thing you want is to find out that your new countertop is 2 inches shorter. Then take a step back and take a good look at it. How do you want your kitchen to be? There are many different building styles to choose from, from the simple Shaker style to those with ornate crown molding and sleek modern designs. You can choose from many different wood finishes or any paint color you can imagine. Explore your options at a home improvement store or designer showroom, and discuss your options with a professional, to make sure you get what you’re looking for.
When you have an idea of what you want, you should consider your budget. The quickest and cheapest option is stock cabinets, which you can buy directly from your local home improvement store. Your options are limited, but you can still find plenty to choose from. You can also order a semi-custom set, with more options. If you’re ready to take the plunge, you can also order a set of custom cabinets from your contractor, built exactly to your specifications.
remove old cabinets
Removing old kitchen cabinets can be messy. Upper cabinets must be very well supported to support their contents, and lower cabinets are often sealed by the floor, not to mention the often-heavy countertop! Also, there are major appliances to consider and plumbing near the sink and dishwasher. Many people choose to have their cabinets removed by the same contractor who will install the new ones, but that doesn’t mean it’s not DIY-friendly. You will need safety equipment, industrial-grade trash containment, and demolition tools like sledgehammers and nail pullers.
Cabinet Installation
When your old cabinets are gone, it’s time to bring in the new ones! Before installation be sure to check each part individually to make sure it is what you wanted! Installing cabinets in an existing kitchen can be a difficult process and is definitely a job for a team, not just one or two people. Save yourself the headache and danger and hire your local contractor to come and do it for you. Every piece of your cabinetry will need to be placed and secured with care. Upper cabinets may require up to four people to install. Once the frame boxes are in place, the doors will be fitted with hardware and hung in place.
Countertop and Appliances
With all the cabinets finished, it’s time for the countertop. Chances are you’re not reusing the old one – it’s almost impossible to remove it whole and undamaged, and what good are new cabinets if you put a dirty old counter on top of it anyway? You also have many options for your kitchen countertop, from inexpensive laminates to elegant granites and warm wood butcher blocks. Whatever you choose, you will have to bring it in and place it very carefully. Once that’s secure, the sink will snap into it, and the rest of the appliances can move again.
Replacing kitchen cabinets is one of the biggest home improvement projects and it also packs a punch. New cabinets change the look of the entire kitchen. With thousands of different option combinations, your kitchen will feel like home in no time.