My Experience With Updating Builder Grade Kitchen Cabinets

When my husband and I bought our first home, we were thrilled to have a kitchen with plenty of counter space and storage. However, the builder grade cabinets were dated and lacked personality. We quickly realized that updating our kitchen cabinets was a priority. We wanted to give our kitchen a fresh, modern look without breaking the bank. Here’s what we learned:

Step by Step Guide for Updating Builder Grade Kitchen Cabinets

Step 1 – Clean and Prep

Before starting any project, it’s important to thoroughly clean and prep your cabinets. Remove all cabinet doors and hardware, and clean the surfaces with a degreaser. Sand the surfaces lightly and fill any gaps or holes with wood filler.

Step 2 – Paint or Stain

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to update builder grade kitchen cabinets is to paint or stain them. Choose a high-quality paint or stain that will hold up to heavy use. Be sure to apply several coats for a smooth finish.

Step 3 – Hardware

Replacing hardware is an easy way to give your cabinets a fresh look. Choose modern or vintage hardware to match your style.

Step 4 – Lighting

Adding lighting under your cabinets is not only functional, it also adds a modern touch to your kitchen. LED lights are energy efficient and easy to install.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Updating Builder Grade Kitchen Cabinets

Refacing cabinets – this process involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts while leaving the cabinet boxes in place.
Glass cabinet doors – replacing solid cabinet doors with glass doors can add an open, airy feel to your kitchen.
Crown molding – adding crown molding to the top of your cabinets can give them a custom, high-end look.
Two-tone cabinets – painting the upper cabinets a different color than the lower cabinets can add visual interest to your kitchen.
Open shelving – removing some cabinet doors and adding open shelves can create a more open, modern feel.
New countertops – updating your countertops can give your kitchen a whole new look.
Tile backsplash – adding a tile backsplash is a great way to add color and texture to your kitchen.
Chalk paint – this type of paint can give your cabinets a vintage, shabby chic look.
Updated hinges – replacing outdated hinges with hidden or decorative hinges can give your cabinets a fresh look.
Decorative molding – adding decorative molding to your cabinets can give them a custom, high-end look.

Pros and Cons of Updating Builder Grade Kitchen Cabinets

Pros:

Cost-effective – updating cabinets is often less expensive than replacing them.
Customizable – updating allows you to choose the colors, finishes, and hardware that fit your style.
Increased home value – updating your kitchen can increase the value of your home.

Cons:

Time-consuming – updating cabinets can be a time-consuming process, especially if you choose to DIY.
Inconvenient – if you choose to replace cabinet doors, you may have to live without cabinet doors for a period of time.
May not fix underlying issues – if your cabinets are damaged or poorly made, updating them may not fix the underlying issues.

My Personal Review and Suggestion on Updating Builder Grade Kitchen Cabinets

Overall, updating our builder grade kitchen cabinets was a great decision. We chose to paint our cabinets and replace the hardware, and the result was a fresh, modern look that transformed our kitchen. However, it was a time-consuming project that required a lot of prep work and attention to detail. If you’re considering updating your cabinets, I would recommend doing your research and taking your time to ensure a successful outcome.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can I update my cabinets without painting or staining them?

A: Yes, there are other ways to update your cabinets, such as adding new hardware, lighting, or decorative molding.

Q: How much does it cost to update builder grade kitchen cabinets?

A: The cost depends on the extent of the updates you choose. Painting or staining cabinets is often the most cost-effective option, while refacing or replacing cabinets can be more expensive.

Q: Can I update my cabinets myself?

A: Yes, updating your cabinets can be a DIY project. However, it requires attention to detail and some experience with tools and woodworking. If you’re unsure, consider hiring a professional.