How to Modernize Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget

Several low-cost methods exist for updating your kitchen cabinetry. Instead of spending more money on a complete redesign, think about refacing if you want to modify the appearance of your kitchen.

This DIY project is also eco-friendly because you’re not disposing of old cabinetry. Plus, it’s easy to do on a weekend.

Paint or Stain

You can give your kitchen cabinets a fresh look by painting or staining them. Both options can be used to update your cabinets and add value to your home, but you must choose your style.

Paint can give your cabinets a more premium finish, but it’s more expensive and requires more preparation. Stain, on the other hand, is cheaper and easier to apply.

Unlike paint, stain seeps into the wood and enhances its natural colors. The color becomes more vibrant and glossy, and the original furniture looks better.

Stain is also available in different sheens and finishes, making it easier to touch up areas later on. It also contains fewer pigments and dyes than paint, making it easier to achieve color uniformity.

Hardware

Kitchen cabinets are essential to any kitchen, and updating them on a budget is easier than you think whether renting or just dabbing your feet in DIY, updating your kitchen cabinets is a great way to get your home back on track without breaking the bank.

One inexpensive and easy update is to change out the cabinet hardware. You can switch out knobs for pulls or use a mix of both to add a new look and feel to your cabinets.

You can find various styles, finishes and price points to suit any kitchen cabinets near me. Popular options include chrome, satin nickel, bronze and stainless steel.

If you want to add a modern touch, brass is another trending option for kitchen cabinet hardware. It’s a classic that will work with current and farmhouse-style kitchens.

Add a Backsplash

Backsplashes can add a unique, personal touch to your kitchen design and help protect your walls from stains, water, and other messes. One of the simplest additions to a kitchen renovation on a budget, they can also be a terrific way to personalize your house to your taste.

A backsplash can be installed on drywall, tile, or other materials and should extend at least as far as the end of your cabinets. It should also be sized to match the cabinets and counters.

Another popular option is beadboard or shiplap, which can add a rustic, finished look to your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of tiles or marble. It’s a good choice for homeowners who want a traditional backsplash but need more money to install a tile or marble backsplash.

The average cost of installing a backsplash is about $1,150, but it can vary greatly depending on your area’s materials and labor costs. Getting quotes from a few local pros before deciding is best.

Refacing

If your cabinets need to be updated, but you want to spend less on a full remodel, refacing is an easy way to update your kitchen without breaking the bank. Refacing involves replacing old cabinet drawers and doors with new ones, plus adding veneers to the frame.

Refacing cabinets is less expensive than getting bespoke cabinets for your kitchen, but you shouldn’t rush into it thinking it’s a much cheaper than getting new cabinets. Refacing by an installation professional often costs 30 to 50 percent less than replacing bespoke cabinets.

Cabinet refacing is a common specialization for businesses. A skilled and persistent DIYer may also reface cabinets by purchasing a veneer kit that includes the wood veneers and application supplies and then ordering custom cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

Refacing can be completed in as little as a week, which makes it a great choice for busy homeowners who need more time or budget to undergo a full remodel. In addition, refacing offers many options that can be customized to your kitchen design preferences and needs.

Refacing can help extend the life of your kitchen cabinets by up to 20 years. It also uplifts the space, making it more appealing to potential buyers.