What Is The Cheapest Way To Update Kitchen Cabinets?

Are you tired of looking at your outdated kitchen cabinets, but don’t want to break the bank with a complete renovation? Fear not, there are affordable ways to update your cabinets and give your kitchen a fresh new look. In this article, we will explore some of the cheapest ways to update your kitchen cabinets without sacrificing style or quality.

Upgrading Your Kitchen Cabinets: A Low-Cost Guide

1. Paint Your Cabinets

If you want to give your kitchen a fresh and updated look without breaking the bank, painting your cabinets is a great option. Painting your cabinets is an easy and affordable way to give your kitchen a whole new look. You can choose from a wide range of colors to match your kitchen’s decor and style.

To start, you’ll need to remove the cabinet doors and hardware. Clean and sand the cabinets to remove any dirt and rough patches. Apply a coat of primer and let it dry. Then, you can apply the paint of your choice. Use a brush or roller to apply the paint and let it dry completely before adding a second coat.

2. Reface Your Cabinets

If you are looking to upgrade your kitchen cabinets without spending a lot of money, refacing is a great option. Refacing involves replacing your cabinet doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. This option is less expensive than replacing the entire cabinet, and it can give your kitchen a fresh look.

You can choose from a wide range of materials for your new cabinet doors, such as wood, laminate, or veneer. You can also add new hardware to your cabinets to complete the look. Refacing is a great way to give your kitchen a new look without spending a lot of money.

3. Add New Hardware

Adding new hardware to your cabinets is an affordable way to update your kitchen’s look. You can choose from a wide range of hardware options, including handles, knobs, and pulls. Hardware comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can find the perfect match for your kitchen’s decor and style.

To install new hardware, remove the old hardware and fill any holes with wood filler. Then, drill new holes for the new hardware and attach the hardware to the cabinets. Adding new hardware can give your cabinets a fresh and updated look without a lot of effort or expense.

4. Install Open Shelving

Installing open shelving is an affordable way to update your kitchen cabinets and give your kitchen an open and airy look. Open shelving is also a great way to display your favorite kitchen items, such as dishes and glassware.

To install open shelving, remove the cabinet doors and hardware. Measure and cut the shelves to fit your cabinets. Install brackets to hold the shelves in place. You can also paint or stain the shelves to match your kitchen’s decor and style.

5. Add Glass Inserts

Adding glass inserts to your cabinets is an affordable way to update your kitchen’s look. Glass inserts can give your cabinets a modern and stylish look. They also allow you to display your favorite kitchen items.

To add glass inserts, you’ll need to remove the cabinet doors and hardware. Measure the doors and order the glass inserts. Then, install the glass inserts into the doors. You can also add new hardware to complete the look.

6. Use Wallpaper

If you want to add some color and pattern to your kitchen cabinets, wallpaper is a great option. Wallpaper is an affordable way to update your cabinets and give your kitchen a fresh look.

To use wallpaper, remove the cabinet doors and hardware. Measure the doors and cut the wallpaper to fit. Apply the wallpaper to the doors and let it dry. Then, reattach the doors and hardware. Wallpaper is an easy and affordable way to give your kitchen a new look.

7. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

Installing under-cabinet lighting is an affordable way to update your kitchen’s look and add some extra light to your workspace. Under-cabinet lighting can also create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen.

To install under-cabinet lighting, measure the area where you want to install the lights. Choose the type of lighting you want, such as LED or fluorescent. Install the lights under the cabinets and connect them to a power source. Under-cabinet lighting is an easy and affordable way to update your kitchen’s look.

8. Use Contact Paper

Using contact paper is an affordable way to update your kitchen cabinets and give them a new look. Contact paper is available in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect match for your kitchen’s decor and style.

To use contact paper, remove the cabinet doors and hardware. Measure the doors and cut the contact paper to fit. Apply the contact paper to the doors and let it dry. Then, reattach the doors and hardware. Contact paper is an easy and affordable way to update your kitchen’s look.

9. Use Chalk Paint

If you want to update your kitchen cabinets with a vintage or shabby-chic look, chalk paint is a great option. Chalk paint is an affordable way to give your cabinets a distressed and aged look.

To use chalk paint, remove the cabinet doors and hardware. Clean and sand the cabinets to remove any dirt and rough patches. Apply the chalk paint to the cabinets and let it dry. Then, use sandpaper to distress the cabinets and create a vintage look. Chalk paint is an easy and affordable way to update your kitchen’s look.

10. Use Vinyl Decals

Using vinyl decals is an affordable way to update your kitchen cabinets and give them a new look. Vinyl decals are available in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect match for your kitchen’s decor and style.

To use vinyl decals, remove the cabinet doors and hardware. Measure the doors and choose the decals you want. Apply the decals to the doors and let them dry. Then, reattach the doors and hardware. Vinyl decals are an easy and affordable way to update your kitchen’s look.

Conclusion

Updating your kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be expensive. With these affordable options, you can give your kitchen a new look without breaking the bank. Whether you choose to paint, reface, or add hardware, these low-cost options can help you create the kitchen of your dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking for an affordable way to give your kitchen a new look? Updating your kitchen cabinets can be an excellent way to do so, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some common questions people ask about updating kitchen cabinets on a budget.

What are some inexpensive ways to update kitchen cabinets?

Painting your cabinets is an inexpensive way to update your kitchen cabinets. You can change the color of your cabinets to match your new decor, or you can add a pop of color to your kitchen. Another inexpensive way to update your cabinets is to replace the hardware. By replacing your cabinet knobs and pulls, you can give your cabinets a completely new look.

Another option is to add molding or trim to your cabinets. This can make them look more expensive and add dimension to your kitchen. You can also replace the cabinet doors with new ones or remove them entirely for an open shelving look.

Can I update my kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

Yes, you can update your kitchen cabinets without replacing them. You can paint or stain your cabinets, replace the hardware, add molding or trim, and even add new doors. All of these options will give your kitchen a new look without the expense of replacing your cabinets entirely.

You can also consider adding lighting to the inside of your cabinets or underneath them to create a warm and inviting ambiance. This can be achieved with battery-operated lights or with LED strip lighting that can be easily installed by a professional or DIYer.

Is it cheaper to paint or replace kitchen cabinets?

Painting your kitchen cabinets is generally cheaper than replacing them entirely. It can cost thousands of dollars to replace your kitchen cabinets, while painting can cost a few hundred dollars or less, depending on the size of your kitchen. However, if your cabinets are damaged or outdated, it may be worth the investment to replace them entirely.

If you are considering selling your home, replacing your cabinets may also be a wise investment as it can add value to your home and attract potential buyers. But if you are looking for a quick and easy update, painting your cabinets is the way to go.

What type of paint should I use to update my kitchen cabinets?

It is essential to use the right type of paint when updating your kitchen cabinets. You should use a high-quality, paint specifically designed for cabinets. Look for paints that are durable and easy to clean, as your kitchen cabinets will be exposed to grease, moisture, and other elements.

Oil-based paints are known for their durability and are an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets. However, they can be difficult to work with and require proper ventilation. Alternatively, water-based or latex paints are easier to work with and dry quickly, but may not be as durable as oil-based paints.

Can I update my laminate cabinets?

Yes, you can update your laminate cabinets. One way to do this is to paint them with a special paint designed for laminate surfaces. You can also cover the laminate with contact paper, adhesive film, or even wallpaper to give them a new look. Another option is to replace the cabinet doors with new ones or add molding or trim to the cabinets.

Keep in mind that laminate cabinets may not be as durable as other types of cabinets and may not be able to withstand heavy use. So, it’s essential to choose the right paint or covering and handle them with care to ensure they last for years to come.

In conclusion, updating kitchen cabinets can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. However, there are a few budget-friendly options that can give your kitchen a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

Firstly, painting your cabinets is a cost-effective way to update the look of your kitchen. With a little bit of elbow grease and a fresh coat of paint, your old and tired cabinets can look brand new. Additionally, you can choose from a variety of paint colors to match your existing decor.

Another option is to replace only the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This is a great way to update the look of your cabinets without having to replace the entire cabinet. You can purchase new doors and fronts from a variety of retailers and install them yourself to save money.

Finally, adding new hardware to your cabinets is a small but impactful change that can make a big difference in the overall look of your kitchen. New knobs and handles can give your kitchen a fresh new look without spending a lot of money.

In conclusion, there are a few budget-friendly options to update your kitchen cabinets, including painting them, replacing only the doors and fronts, and adding new hardware. With these tips, you can give your kitchen a fresh new look without breaking the bank.