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Buying & Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets are one of the most important aspects of any kitchen.
Quality can increase the selling value of a home, while poorly constructed ones can detract from not only the value of a home but also the beauty and efficiency of a kitchen. In this article you'll learn more about the different types, as well as what to do if they are less than ideal.
There are many different types, made out of many different types of materials. The most popular material is, of course, wood. The least expensive type of woods that these storage units are made of are sometimes crafted from choices like poplar, birch and maple. If you go with one of these woods, you will probably want to paint them. This is an excellent idea if you are buying a used kitchen cabinet. How to paint kitchen cabinet? Easy, just read on!! Some homeowners choose to go with designer effects like faux finishing to give lower grades of wood a classic kitchen and sophisticated look. A step up from these low grade woods would be choices like oak and pine -- durable woods that are fairly affordable. Looking to spend a bit more for high quality wood? Then you should consider woods such as maple, cherry, or hickory. Which one is best for you depends on your personal preferences and what you feel looks best in your kitchen.
Now, if you're looking for materials that are truly spectacular, you could go with expensive choices like mahogany, walnut or ebony. Not only are these woods exotic and attractive, they're durable and long-lasting.
Just as there are lots of various wood types that they can be crafted from, there are also various types to suit every price range and preference. Stock units are the most affordable, however you won't have a lot to choose from as far as design is concerned. These types are made in large quantities in a factory. The next step up from stock is semi-custom cabinetry. While these are also factory made, you are given more choices in the size, material and finish.
The third, and most expensive types are custom. Custom units are crafted especially for you and meet your every specification and need from start to finish. This type takes longer to build and costs a lot more than the other two options, but can be worth the time and expense.
Maybe you're a homeowner who has cabinets that are less than satisfactory. If so, there are two choices available to you. You can have your existing ones removed and replaced or you can simply refinish them.
Which option you choose will have a lot to do with your kitchen storage needs and the quality. If they are crafted from a low-quality wood and you would prefer a higher grade, then replacement is probably your best bet. If they do not provide you with the storage space you need, this may be another reason to replace. However, if your existing units are made from an acceptable wood and provide you with enough storage, then refinishing, also known as refacing, might be the way to go. Refinishing
Refinishing is something you can hire a contractor to do, or handle yourself. The first step is to remove your doors and all kitchen cabinet door hardware, then label the inside of each door with a sticky note. The reason for labeling is so that it will be easy to replace them when you're done refinishing. After you've labeled everything and removed all the hardware, it's time to remove the finish from the doors. This can be achieved with a varnish removal product purchased from your local home improvement store. These products can be quite toxic so always be sure to wear proper safety equipment like goggles and gloves. Also, it's crucial to ventilate the room with plenty of fresh air. If you can, doing the work outdoors is an even safer option. After the varnish remover has done its job, rinse the wood clean and let it dry. Once dry, sand them to a smooth finish, then brush away all excess sanding dust. You might want to start with a coarse sandpaper to smooth rough areas and finish with a finer grade for an even finish. After the sanding is complete, you can apply the stain or varnish of your choice.
If you use more than one coat, allow each coat to dry before adding another. Make sure the stain is completely dry before touching the cabinets. Once you're sure they are fully dry, you can reinstall them in your kitchen. To give them a shiny new look, replace your old hardware with new hardware. No matter what type of kitchen you have, good quality and looks is a must. Not only can the right cabinets add to the look of the room, they can give you all the space you need for storing your kitchen related items.
If you ever sell your home, you can be sure that prospective buyers are going to examine the kitchen! With that in mind, take a good look at your existing units. Is it all you think it should be? If not, there are many options available to you.
For ideas, check out some books on the subject or flip through some home improvement magazines. Even a leisurely trip to your local home improvement store can be enough to get you thinking about the upgrades you can make.
Whether you do the work yourself or hire someone to do it for you, you'll find that the end result is definitely worth the time and expense!
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