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