While updating your cabinetry can be as simple as adding new knobs, pulls, and hinges, or adding organizational accessories such as appliance garages and pullout storage bins, it usually involves resurfacing them as well. If you've decided to update your old cabinets instead of buying new ones or making your own, you have three options:

1. Painting your cabinets
2. Refinishing your cabinets
3. Refacing your cabinets

Additionally, you'll probably want to update your hardware--handles, hinges, knobs, pulls, etc., and consider adding some organizational and decorative accessories. If your existing cabinet finish is in good shape, new hardware may be all you need to give your kitchen a fresh new look!

It's easy to update a dreary and dim kitchen by merely painting your old cabinets and updating your hardware. Like all painting projects, good preparation work is the key to success. If you're keeping your existing doors, make sure that the new hinges you order will work properly with your cabinet doors. This is a swift and simple update, and requires no construction or other major undertaking. Patience is the key to success. If you're operating on a limited budget, this could be a good option for you. The money you save can be put to good use on new hardware, accessories, and other niceties. For step by step instruction, see our article on Painting Your Cabinets .

If you want to maintain the natural wood appearance of your old kitchen cabinets with stain or finish, you will need to strip, restain and refinish them entirely. A wearisome process for sure. To save a lot of time and effort, consider replacing your door and drawer fronts and then refinishing just your cabinet faces to match. See our article on Refinishing Your Cabinets for more advice and how-to instructions.

Refacing typically involves replacing your cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and refacing your cabinet faces with veneer, solid wood, or plastic laminate to match. It's easier than you may think and will produce a completely new look. Best of all, refacing doesn't entail any labor intensive or expensive changes to your plumbing, electricity, ceilings, or fans. The entire job can be completed in a few days or weekends, depending upon the size of your kitchen and the types of hardware and accessories you add. With the right combination, you can create a striking new kitchen that. s customized to your own needs and specifications. And, you can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home in the process. For more information, see our article on Refacing Your Cabinets .

Adding new hardware, knobs, pulls, hinges, and accessories is the secret to achieving a stunning appearance to your updated cabinetry, regardless of the option you choose. An almost unlimited number of styles are available to fit your needs. The addition of sparkling new hardware adds the glow that will make your kitchen shine brightly. You'll be amazed at the dramatic new presentation of your newly refurbished kitchen. The style of hinge you choose, however, is dependent upon the style of cabinet you own, so you'll want to familiarize yourself with hinge options before proceeding .

»»Read About Choosing Your Hinges

»»Read About Knobs and Pulls

Significantly enhance the look of your refinished (or current) cabinetry by adding classy and easy to install accessories and architectural moldings. Friends and family will be astonished at the sensational appearance that you can create in your kitchen with only a few feet of crown molding or dentil molding. If a more exciting presentation is your preference, consider split rope topper molding, fluted and beaded molding with rosettes, or other carvings. And there are lots of awesome accessories to choose from, including pantry slides, corner shelves, drawer organizers, pullout trash bins, and appliance garages. The proper accessories can add a touch of elegance to an otherwise plain and common kitchen space. See our Accessories page for the latest trends.

Remember: Refinishing your kitchen is not a time to be too frugal or thrifty. Pamper yourself, because you can't put a price on comfort.

««« Back to Replace vs. Update