Replacing Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts: How To Update Cathedral Style Cabinets
Replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts is a significant step in updating cathedral-style kitchen cabinets. This process allows for a dramatic change in the kitchen’s aesthetic, enhancing both its visual appeal and functionality. Careful planning and execution are crucial for achieving a professional-looking result.
Material Selection for Replacement Doors and Drawer Fronts
The choice of material significantly impacts the final appearance, durability, and cost of the updated cabinets. Several options exist, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
| Material | Pros | Cons | Finish Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Wood (e.g., Maple, Cherry, Oak) | Durable, classic look, can be refinished, high resale value. | Expensive, requires more maintenance, susceptible to warping or cracking if not properly sealed. | Paint, stain, lacquer |
| Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) | Cost-effective, smooth surface for easy painting, readily available. | Less durable than solid wood, susceptible to damage from moisture, cannot be refinished easily. | Paint, veneer |
| Thermofoil (PVC) | Moisture-resistant, easy to clean, wide range of colors and finishes. | Can chip or peel with impact, less aesthetically pleasing than wood to some, limited repair options. | Various pre-finished colors and textures |
| RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) Cabinet Doors | Affordable, readily available in various styles and finishes, often pre-assembled. | May require more assembly than custom doors, potential quality variations between manufacturers. | Wide variety depending on manufacturer and material. |
Measuring and Ordering Replacement Doors and Drawer Fronts
Accurate measurements are paramount to avoid costly errors. Inaccurate measurements can lead to gaps, misalignments, and the need for costly remakes. The following steps should be meticulously followed:
How to update cathedral style cabinets – Before commencing measurements, ensure all existing doors and drawer fronts are removed to access the underlying cabinet framework. This provides a clean surface for accurate measurements.
- Measure the width and height of each cabinet door and drawer front to the nearest 1/16th of an inch. Multiple measurements should be taken for each dimension and averaged to minimize error.
- Note the thickness of the cabinet door or drawer front. This is crucial for ensuring proper fit with hinges and hardware.
- Document the style and type of hinges and hardware currently used. This information is necessary for ordering compatible replacements.
- Create a detailed list of all measurements, including the quantity needed for each size and style. This list serves as the basis for ordering replacement doors and drawer fronts.
- Consult with a cabinet supplier or manufacturer to confirm measurements and specifications before placing the order. They can provide expert guidance and ensure the order aligns with the existing cabinetry.
Installation of New Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts
The installation process requires precision and attention to detail. Improper installation can result in uneven gaps, misaligned doors, and a less-than-professional finish.
Prior to commencing installation, ensure all necessary tools and materials are readily available. This will streamline the process and minimize interruptions.
- Carefully remove all existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts, noting the position and orientation of each.
- Clean the cabinet frames thoroughly to ensure a secure bond for the new hardware.
- Install new hinges and hardware according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pay close attention to alignment and spacing.
- Attach the new cabinet doors and drawer fronts, ensuring proper alignment and even gaps.
- Inspect the installation carefully for any gaps or misalignments. Make necessary adjustments as needed.
- Test the functionality of all doors and drawers, ensuring smooth operation and proper closure.
Tools and Materials Checklist
A comprehensive checklist of tools and materials is essential for a successful cabinet door and drawer front replacement. This ensures that the project proceeds smoothly and efficiently.
- Measuring tape (accurate to 1/16th of an inch)
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Drill with various drill bits
- Level
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- New cabinet doors and drawer fronts
- New hinges and hardware
- Wood filler (if needed)
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain (if needed)
Updating Cabinet Hardware and Finishes
Transforming cathedral-style cabinets involves more than just replacing doors and drawer fronts. Updating the hardware and refinishing the cabinet surfaces significantly impacts the overall aesthetic and perceived value of the kitchen. Careful selection of hardware and meticulous application of paint or stain are crucial for achieving a professional and long-lasting result.
Cabinet Hardware Options, How to update cathedral style cabinets
The choice of cabinet hardware significantly influences the kitchen’s style. Consider the existing architectural details and desired aesthetic when selecting knobs, pulls, and hinges. High-quality hardware enhances both functionality and visual appeal.
- Knobs: Available in various materials (ceramic, glass, metal), styles (traditional, modern, rustic), and sizes. Ceramic knobs offer a classic, often more delicate, look; glass knobs provide a modern or vintage feel depending on the design; metal knobs (brass, nickel, chrome) are durable and offer a range of finishes.
- Pulls: Pulls offer a more substantial grip than knobs. Materials include metal (stainless steel, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze), wood, and even leather. Styles vary widely, from sleek and minimalist to ornate and traditional.
- Hinges: While less visually prominent, hinges are crucial for smooth door operation. Options include self-closing hinges for convenience, concealed hinges for a cleaner look, and various finishes to match the knobs and pulls.
Hardware Removal and Installation
Precise removal and installation of hardware is essential to prevent damage to the cabinets. Using the correct tools and techniques ensures a clean and professional finish.
- Removal: Carefully examine the existing hardware to determine the type of screws used. Use the appropriate screwdriver to avoid stripping the screw heads. If the screws are stubborn, apply a small amount of penetrating oil to loosen them. Gently remove the hardware, keeping all screws organized in labeled containers to avoid mixing them up during reinstallation.
- Installation: Before installing new hardware, clean the mounting holes. Use a pencil to mark the placement of the new hardware. Align the hardware with the markings and gently insert the screws. Avoid over-tightening, which could damage the wood.
Cabinet Refinishing Techniques
Proper surface preparation is paramount for achieving a smooth, even finish when repainting or staining cabinets. Thorough cleaning, sanding, and priming ensure optimal paint or stain adhesion.
- Surface Preparation: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the cabinet surfaces with a degreasing agent. Allow to dry completely. Sand the surfaces using progressively finer grit sandpaper to smooth out imperfections and create a better surface for paint or stain adhesion. For significant imperfections, consider using wood filler before sanding. Apply a high-quality primer appropriate for the chosen finish (paint or stain).
- Application Techniques: Apply paint or stain in thin, even coats, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Use a high-quality brush, roller, or spray gun for a professional finish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times and recoating. For paint, multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat to avoid runs and drips. For stain, work with the grain of the wood for an even finish.
- Finishing Touches: After the final coat has dried, apply a clear coat sealant to protect the finish and enhance durability. This is particularly important for painted cabinets to prevent chipping and scratches. For stained cabinets, a clear coat can enhance the wood’s natural beauty and provide protection from UV damage.
Paint and Stain Options
A wide variety of paints and stains are available, each with its own characteristics and maintenance requirements. Careful consideration of these factors is crucial for selecting the optimal finish.
| Finish Type | Appearance | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gloss | High shine, reflects light | High | Easy to clean, shows scratches more easily |
| Semi-Gloss | Moderate shine | Moderate | Easy to clean, less prone to showing scratches than gloss |
| Matte/Flat | No shine, hides imperfections | Lower | More difficult to clean, shows marks more easily |
| Satin | Slight sheen | Moderate | Easy to clean, good balance of durability and hiding imperfections |
