Changing laminate cabinets typically involves either refacing the existing cabinets or replacing them entirely. Refacing is often a more budget-friendly option, while complete replacement offers the opportunity to redesign your kitchen or bathroom layout. Here's a breakdown of common approaches:
1. Refacing Laminate Cabinets
Refacing involves keeping the existing cabinet boxes (the structural part) and replacing the visible parts: doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. You can also apply a new laminate or veneer to the existing cabinet boxes.
Steps for Refacing:
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Remove Existing Doors, Drawers, and Hardware: This involves unscrewing hinges, handles, and pulls. Keep track of which hardware belongs to which cabinet if you plan to reuse anything.
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Prepare the Cabinet Boxes: Clean the surfaces of the cabinet boxes thoroughly to remove grease, dirt, and debris. Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth. Lightly sand the existing laminate to provide a better surface for the new laminate or veneer to adhere to.
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Apply Laminate or Veneer to Cabinet Boxes: Use contact cement or a similar adhesive to apply the new laminate or veneer to the exposed surfaces of the cabinet boxes. Ensure a smooth, bubble-free application. Trim any excess material with a router or utility knife.
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Install New Doors and Drawer Fronts: Choose new doors and drawer fronts that fit your cabinet boxes. You can purchase pre-made doors and drawer fronts in a variety of styles, materials, and finishes. Install hinges and drawer slides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Install New Hardware: Install new handles, pulls, and knobs on the doors and drawers. This is a simple way to update the look of your cabinets.
Refacing Pros:
- Less expensive than complete replacement.
- Faster than complete replacement.
- Less disruptive than complete replacement.
Refacing Cons:
- Doesn't address any structural issues with the existing cabinets.
- Limited to the existing cabinet layout.
- Requires careful preparation and application of laminate/veneer for a professional finish.
2. Replacing Laminate Cabinets
Replacing your cabinets involves removing the old cabinets entirely and installing new ones. This is a more significant undertaking but offers the most dramatic transformation.
Steps for Replacing:
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Demolition: Carefully remove the existing cabinets. Disconnect any plumbing or electrical connections before removing cabinets near sinks or appliances.
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Planning and Design: Plan the layout of your new cabinets. Consider your storage needs, countertop space, and overall kitchen or bathroom design. Measure the space accurately.
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Ordering Cabinets: Order new cabinets from a supplier. Choose cabinets that fit your budget and design preferences. Consider stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets, or custom-made cabinets.
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Installation: Install the new cabinets according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually involves attaching the cabinets to the wall studs with screws. Ensure the cabinets are level and plumb.
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Connect Plumbing and Electrical: Reconnect any plumbing or electrical connections that were disconnected during demolition.
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Install Countertops, Backsplash, and Appliances: Install countertops, backsplash, and appliances to complete the project.
Replacing Pros:
- Allows for a complete redesign of the kitchen or bathroom.
- Addresses any structural issues with the existing cabinets.
- Offers a wide range of cabinet styles, materials, and finishes.
Replacing Cons:
- More expensive than refacing.
- More time-consuming than refacing.
- More disruptive than refacing.
Choosing the Right Method
The best method for changing your laminate cabinets depends on your budget, timeline, skills, and design goals. If you're happy with the existing layout and the cabinets are structurally sound, refacing may be a good option. If you want to completely redesign your kitchen or bathroom or the existing cabinets are damaged, replacement may be a better choice. It's always recommended to get quotes from contractors for both options to help you make an informed decision.
