The kitchen is often called the center of the home, and for good reason. Preparing meals and sharing them is one of the most important things a family can do together. But if the kitchen is not inviting, these important activities become a chore. With new kitchen cabinets, you can bring the joy back to your meals.

Selection of new cabinets

The first thing to do is take a lot of measurements. Measure everything several times and take lots of notes. The last thing you want is to find out that your new countertop is 2 inches shorter. Then take a step back and take a good look at it. How do you want your kitchen to be? There are many different building styles to choose from, from the simple Shaker style to those with ornate crown molding and sleek modern designs. You can choose from many different wood finishes or any paint color you can imagine. Explore your options at an improvement store or designer showroom, and discuss your options with a professional, to ensure you get what you’re looking for.

When you have an idea of ​​what you want, you should consider your budget. The fastest and cheapest option is stock cabinets, which you can buy directly from your home improvement store. Your options are limited, but you can still find plenty to choose from. You can also order a semi-custom set, with more options. If you’re ready to take the plunge, you can also order a custom cabinet set from your contractor, built exactly to your specifications.

remove old cabinets

Removing old kitchen cabinets can be a disaster. The upper cabinets need to be very well supported to support their contents, and the lower cabinets are often sealed by the floor, not to mention the often heavy countertop! Additionally, there are large appliances to consider and plumbing near the sink and dishwasher. Many people choose to have their cabinets removed by the same contractor who will be installing the new ones, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t DIY friendly. You’ll need safety equipment, industrial-grade trash containment, and demolition tools like sledgehammers and nail pullers.

Cabinet Installation

When your old cabinets are gone, it’s time to bring in the new ones! Before installation, be sure to check each piece individually to make sure it’s what you wanted! Installing cabinets in an existing kitchen can be a difficult process and is definitely a team job, not just one or two people. Save yourself the headache and danger and hire your local contractor to come and do it for you. Each piece of your cabinets will need to be placed and secured with care. Upper cabinets may require up to four people to install. Once the frame boxes are in place, the doors will be fitted with hardware and hung in place.

Countertop and Appliances

With all the cabinets finished, it’s time for the countertop. Chances are you’re not reusing the old one – it’s almost impossible to remove it whole and undamaged, and what good are new cabinets if you’re putting a dirty old counter on top of it anyway? You also have many options for your kitchen countertop, from inexpensive laminate to elegant granite to warm butcher block. Whatever you choose, you will have to bring it in and place it very carefully. Once you are sure, the sink will snap into it, and the rest of the appliances can move again.

Replacing kitchen cabinets is one of the biggest home improvement projects and it packs a punch too. New cabinets change the look of the entire kitchen. With thousands of different option combinations, your kitchen will feel like home in no time.