Even though your old kitchen cabinets are still serving, you may be already tired of them. Or maybe your requirements have changed over the years, so you would like to upgrade your cabinets. Is it possible without significant problems?
It is crucial, what exactly you want to change, so let’s talk about the individual elements.
A Worktop
The replacement is not complicated. Uninstall the appliances and other elements, remove the old worktop, fasten a new one in place and install all the appliances, sink and taps back. First of all, you have to measure the worktop thoroughly. When mounting a worktop made of stone, glass or ceramics, any additional adjustments are impossible. You can adjust the laminate or the solid wood ones to a certain extent, however you need the professional equipment and an experienced worker.
What Materials Are In? The selection is large, worktops can be made e.g. of laminate, glass, natural or artificial stone, wood or ceramics.
A New Sink
In this case, you can choose from a wide range of sizes, materials and ways of installation into the countertop. Attention must be paid to the size of the sink which is related to the size of the cabinet underneath it: the cabinet´s width is the maximum width of the sink. And if you want a smaller sink than you have now, you need to replace the worktop, as well.
Changing Of Taps
The taps can be changed virtually anytime, whether they are built into the sink, into the worktop or into the wall. When purchasing the taps, keep in mind the dimensions and try out in rough outline, how comfortable the work at the sink will be (e.g. compare the taps with the short and the long arm).
The Cabinets´ New “Guts” Or A More Comfortable Opening
Is it manageable to replace the old shelves with the modern retractable ones with the storage systems? Theoretically it is, but practically it is not common. You would have to dismantle the entire cabinet, have the necessary components installed in it, assemble it and install it back – provided the material of the cabinet can carry the load. ..
This solution is not recommended, not only for economic reasons, as a quality assembly e.g. of the running gear is implemented and guaranteed by the manufacturer of the cabinets. However, it is possible to replace a cabinet with another cabinet or to add additional storage space.
Likewise, the way of opening is solved during the assembly of the cabinets (not later): if you want the flaps or a more comfortable opening of the drawers, i.e. by simple touching or tapping.
There Is Never Too Much Light
Maybe you have not considered yet, if your work area is lighted well or if you can navigate in the cabinets easily. You can fix this issue later by installing an additional lighting, which may be placed on the rail above the worktop, below the bottom of the upper cabinets or by means of the LED strips. Some kinds of lights can be cut into the bottom of the cabinet, without having to remove the cabinet first.
However, you cannot update anything; this applies to the lights which have been mounted into the cabinets directly in the production (however, the glass bottom lights are practical).
The Backboard Between The Upper And The Lower Cabinets
Similar to replacing a worktop, a new backboard is one of the most widely implemented enhancements to an existing kitchen, which promises functionality and a significant visual change. If the base is flat and in good condition, you can stick the new material on the old one. Again, it is necessary to measure everything thoroughly, including the locations of the electrical outlets etc., since many materials cannot be adapted later.
The Glass Tiling – You can install new tiling made of tempered glass directly on the old one. It is advisable to degrease the old tiling with the soap water or technical alcohol before applying any special adhesives with high adhesion to various construction materials.
Replacing The Doors Or The Face Boards Only
Undoubtedly, you can revive an old kitchen with new cabinet doors, if they match the dimensions, hinges and their spacing. However keep in mind, that the doors generally mean the most expensive part of the kitchen cabinets.
The Built-In Appliances
The replacement seems to be easy, if you find the appliance, which corresponds to the measures of the old one. If the new dishwasher is lower than the old one, you can simply add the missing inches by a base. In addition to the measure, the structure of the appliance, the size of the doors and the type of hinges are important, too. It also holds for a fridge: the cabinet door can be hinged to the cabinet body or permanently attached to the door of the fridge.
And if your kitchen’s dimensions allow it, you can get a new cooking island additionally. It is especially suitable, if it will serve for preparing as well as for serving food, and it may be possibly equipped with a bar.
