Kitchen Updates On A Budget: Cabinet Resurfacing, New Countertops And More

If you’re tired of looking at your old kitchen, but you don’t have $25,000-$50,000 for a complete remodel, consider less expensive projects that can add up to a big change. Instead of scrapping your cupboards and appliances, consider cabinet resurfacing and using a large magnet to update the appearance of appliances. Granite countertops can be expensive, but there are less expensive options that can give you a great look for less. Consider these points before spending the money on a pricy remodel.

Cabinet Resurfacing

Replacing cupboards can be very expensive and can quickly skyrocket the cost of any kitchen remodel. If your cupboards are in good condition, but just need a facelift, consider cabinet refinishing. Cabinet refinishing uses the existing cupboards, doors and drawers. You simply need to remove the doors and drawers, sand down all the surfaces and then paint or re-stain before reattaching them. This fresh look is often updated with new hardware and drawer and door pulls.

Cabinet refacing is another option for cabinet resurfacing. This is a little more expensive, as the doors and drawers will be completely discarded and new ones ordered. If you decide to use cabinet refacing, make sure to measure carefully, as the new doors and drawers will be ordered off your measurements. Once the new doors and drawers arrive, the existing structure will be sanded and a fresh veneer applied. The doors will be added and the look is completely new.

Replace Countertops

Replacing old, worn out countertops instantly updates the look of your kitchen. While granite and other solid surfaces are popular, these options can be very pricy. If you have a smaller surface space, you may be able to find a granite remnant that’s large enough to cover your kitchen, or you could use granite tiles instead of a one-piece slab of granite. However, if you’re really working with a meager budget, consider using laminate instead. Laminate has come a long way in recent years and homeowners have many more options than traditional beige. It’s possible to find laminate with patterns that are similar to granite, which helps improve the look of your kitchen at a budget price.

Update The Look Of Old Appliances

If you want the look of stainless steel, but new appliances aren’t in your budget, consider finding a large magnet to cover the surface of your dishwasher, refrigerator and oven. These magnets cost a fraction of the cost of replacing appliances and are an eco-friendly option since you won’t be throwing out a perfectly good appliance just because it doesn’t look the way you want it to. These magnets are typically sold as one big sheet and are designed to be easily cut with a sharp straight razor or pair of scissors. Measure more than once to ensure your measurements are correct before cutting the magnet and you can help ensure a perfect fit.

These three steps can help you get a new-to-you kitchen, without spending a lot. Anyone who comes to your home will think you did a total kitchen makeover and won’t know that you completed the entire project on a budget.