Kitchen Articles
Remodeling Kitchen Cabinets: Debating Whether to Remodel the Inside or Outside of Your Kitchen Cabinets
Wondering whether to remodel the inside or outside of the cabinet? How can you keep older cabinets sanitary? Here's what you need to know.
Kitchen cabinets are among the most important features of any kitchen. As such, they often take the brunt of the wear and tear from everyday use. If you are casting a critical eye on your cabinets, you may be wondering which area to remodel--the inside or outside? Also:
- How can you tell if your cabinets are sturdy enough?
- Will they give you the long-term durability and cleanliness/sanitation you want?
Some older cabinets have worn interiors, making them unsightly and a potential breeding ground for germs. They may be poorly constructed or suffer from water damage that has eaten away at protective coatings.
As you weigh your remodeling options, look closely at the cabinet boxes. Are they sturdy enough to warrant remodeling? Do they just need another coat of varnish? If they are flimsy with ill-fitting doors, a full kitchen renovation with new cabinets may be a better option.
Short Term Cabinet Remodeling
If your cabinets are sturdy, they likely are good candidates for interior remodeling. If the varnish is fading on the inside, try lightly sanding the sides and bottom and reapplying another coat. This can be a time-consuming project, but it can buy some time before you have to replace the cabinets.
Painting is another way to spruce up old cabinet interiors. This typically involves a light sanding, then priming and painting the insides. White or off-white paint can add a crisp look to any cabinet design and make the inside look larger. Painting is an inexpensive home improvement option and one that many remodeling contractors tackle on a regular basis.
Another option is to add shelf paper to the cabinets. This is a quick and inexpensive home improvement project, because shelf paper costs $2 to $4 per roll, is easy to apply, and comes in many decorative patterns.
Too Late to Remodel the Cabinets?
Some kitchen cabinets, however, have surpassed their usefulness. If your cabinets are 20 years old and the wood is falling apart, you may run the risk of germs and bacteria getting into worn sections of the wood. In this scenario, the potential health risks might outweigh the cost savings of keeping the cabinets. The best approach may be a full kitchen renovation.
Take a close look at the inside of the cabinets, particularly the joints where the sides, back, bottom, and top come together. Use a flashlight or bright work light to see into deep cabinets.
Remodeling Cabinet Exteriors
The outside of the cabinet is another prime area for remodeling. It is a highly visible area that can make or break any kitchen design. Among the key remodeling options are:
- Cabinet refacing. This is an inexpensive alternative to a full-scale kitchen renovation. With cabinet refacing, the remodeling contractor can update the cabinet doors and drawers with a variety of styles, woods, and details. This home improvement project can usually be completed in a few days, compared with the weeks or months typically required for a full kitchen renovation.
- Add molding, glass doors, or other details. Decorative details can turn ordinary kitchen cabinets into dramatic focal points. Rope, dentil or curved crown molding, a few glass doors, or a decorative toe kick can transform a kitchen design. Homeowners should look for ways to frame the cabinets and highlight key areas.
- Changing hardware. Cabinet hardware is often the icing on the cake for many kitchen renovations. Among the popular options are sleek satin nickel knobs, rustic forged iron pulls, or crisp white porcelain hardware with fanciful fruit designs.
- Painting. This relatively inexpensive home improvement option typically provides a big return. Cabinets can be painted on the inside and/or the outside to give a clean, crisp look and is a quick project for most remodeling contractors.
One overriding factor in your decision to remodel the inside or outside of your cabinets-or start over with new cabinets-is the cabinet quality. If you have strong cabinets that are well made, then light remodeling can do wonders. Look at the following to help you judge cabinet quality:
- Construction material. Cabinets are only as strong as the material holding them together. Most cabinets are not made of real wood, because it can warp with moisture and temperature changes. An economic alternative to more durable plywood, many cabinet boxes are made of particleboard, which is more prone to water damage and warping. Given the choice, remodeling contractors like to see lots of plywood.
- Thicker rather than thinner. Many cabinets feature 3/8-inch sections, but 3/4-inch is preferred.
- Dovetail joints in drawers. Joints that 'dovetail' together make for sturdier construction.
- Hinges and door alignment. How the door on the cabinet was originally installed can tell a lot about cabinet quality. The doors should be level and flush with the box, opening and closing smoothly.
As you consider your kitchen renovation options, you should be aware that when cabinets break down they begin to loose their strength and durability. Even a few warped or scraped areas can be magnets for germs, mold, and bacteria. This is particularly true in a kitchen or bathroom where moisture is prevalent. To minimize the potential for germs, consider these options:
- Always keep moisture away from cabinets. If you have spills, mop them up right away. Fix any plumbing problems immediately.
- Wash any untreated or damaged wood with a bleach solution (test it on a hidden spot first), then address the underlying problem. Do you need a stronger vent fan to get rid of odors and moisture? Is a faucet leak causing the problem?
You can also trade in a wooden countertop for laminate, stone, or tile. Plastic cutting boards are also easier to maintain and sanitize.
Sources:
http://www.epa.gov
http://www.sandiegokitchenremodeling.com
www.askthebuilder.com
www.bobvila.com
