Ask The Cabinet Guy

I have worked as a “Kitchen Designer” for Home Depot for a couple of years, and let ME tell YOU that there are many cabinet options on the market that won’t make you break the bank!

First of all, let me introduce you to a product I learned about;

RTA Cabinetry – Ready to assemble, all wood, with a large variety of door styles and wood options to choose from. Try this link to get a look at some of the considerations you need to evaluate.

http://www.rtacabinethub.com/ready-to-assemble-kitchen.html

Prices are based on the type of wood the cabinets are made from, and some of the usual candidates are:

Maple – a medium light color wood, very smooth with an even grain. Many people love the fact that Maples color is consistent, that is because maples mineral absorption is not very visible, however there is some, and it will affect stain absorption.

Ballpark for a 10’x10’ area of RTA maple cabinets – around $2,000 (only the cabinets, not installation)

Oak – a light color wood, well known and loved for its BOLD swirling grain, it is a classic in Americana Style. Very strong, it can have color variations within planks which will affect stain absorption. Many people love this characteristic, feeling it adds a rustic charm.

Ballpark for a 10’x10’ area of RTA Oak cabinets – around $1,500

Hickory – This one is MY VERY FAVORITE! The hardest of the hardwoods, its color variations go from the palest of tans, to the darkest of cocoa browns. With swirling, arched, and sometimes combined patterns, people like me who love the random beauty will frequently opt for a clear or very lightly tinted stain.

Ballpark for a 10’x10’ area of RTA Hickory cabinets – around $ 2,000

Cherry – Mid tone in color, warm, with reddish tints. Cherry richens and darkens over time, and its’ even graining makes it a great choice with a wide and elegant array of colors.

Ballpark for a 10’x10’ area of RTA Cherry cabinets – around $2,000

RTA cabinets are also available at:

http://www.homedepot.com/Kitchen-Cabinets/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xr5Zas87/h_d2/Navigation?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Notice I stated only “ballpark” figures. Cabinets are not all the same, and a basic hanging wall cabinet is less costly than a base (on the floor) cabinet, a corner cabinet (wall or floor) and so on.

Another factor to consider in deciding which direction to go with your dream of a new kitchen cabinet project is:

Installation – This is not a project for a beginner. Even an intermediate! Installing cabinets is a precise art. It involves quite a bit of physical strength. Really consider having a professional handle this job. The angles of the home, (they have CHANGED! Homes “settle” into the ground as they age, there is no such thing as a plumb line in an older home)

Want another ballpark? Figure you will spend as much on the installation as you do on your new cabinets.

So, figure for new cabinets in a 10’x10’ space, you will spend about $5,000 if you have a Pro install for you.

More than you want to spend? My next article, “Reface Your Kitchen Cabinets” may be the home run for YOU!

Written by Claudia

Hello Do It Yourself Friends! Before we dive into out step by step guide, here are some points for you to consider before you begin the Refinishing or Repainting Cabinets project you’ve decided on. Before you begin any painting project, be sure to read my helpful tips, and links to products, to make the job smoother, your results FABULOUS, while containing the cost.

Done correctly, a cabinet “job” can entirely remake the look of your kitchen, and done properly, cut the cost of redoing that major room in your home to a FRACTION of what remodeling, resurfacing, or refacing (those two terms really mean the same thing) your cabinets can cost.

Before I begin the step by step project guide for refinishing your cabinets, here are some terms that you will like knowing, facts you will need, and tips to help you on your pathway to beautifying your cabinets.

1)     Refacing is changing the doors, and applying a thin veneer to the old, visible parts

Of the “box” BOX is the contractor/builder term used for the cabinet itself with

No doors or shelves.

2)     Resurfacing is the SAME AS refacing

3)     Re painting or re staining is the cleaning, sanding, removal of doors; then the

• Oil based paints don’t leave brush strokes like latex paints do, and they cover stains very well. However, oil based white paints are likely to yellow with age.
• Paint additives like Flotrol can reduce brush strokes in latex paints. For more information on this handy additive, copy and paste the following into you search engine:

The article goes a bit in depth regarding thinning paint for use in a paint sprayer, but the product is easy and effective when added to paint you apply by hand.

• Oil based paint may peel off eventually. But in places where you want a great surface for cleaning, is the best performer.

• Read the label of the bonding agent carefully. A bonding agent is also called a primer. Check to see if it will bond latex to oil.

• Consider a marine varnish which is more water repellent than traditional, so when you are planning to redo either kitchen or bathroom cabinetry, go in this direction. 

FINISHES – Paints and varnishes/polyurethanes come in different finishes. For paints, look for:

• Flat – this is not a good finish for a room where you will want to wipe dirt off the painted surface, as the name implies, it is not shiny at all
• Eggshell – a bit more desirable as far as ongoing ease to clean, it also has a bit more of a shine. Still not shiny enough for my eye yet however.
• Semi gloss – Much better finish if you need to wipe, for example near handles and knobs

• Gloss – Very shiny and this will include almost all enamels.

Varnish and polyurethanes come in differing glosses or levels gloss ranging from:

• Satin - flat
• Semi gloss – kinda shiny
• Gloss – shiny

Choose a suitable brush that is recommended for the type of paint, stain, or varnish you plan to use. In general, natural bristle brushes give better results with oil-based products, while nylon or polyester brushes are good for latex based finishes. The ultra cheap foam “brushes”, though nice because you can just toss them when finished, do not work well.

YOU CAN GET DRAMATIC RESULTS!      YOU CONTROL COSTS!

Refinishing kitchen cabinets is a fabulous way to give your kitchen a fresh new look, without the high price tag of new cabinetry, and a fraction of even re facing them!

As with ALL do it yourself projects, the first step is to PREPARE. Before refinishing kitchen cabinets, or any type of cabinet, thoroughly clean them. Dirt, grease and grime will prevent your paint from adhering, and stains from penetrating the wood.

STEP #1 – Assemble your materials, placing them where you will be working.

• Degreaser
• Cleaner containing solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) or a good phosphate-free substitute. This removes dirt and grime that would keep new paint from adhering.
• Bucket, latex or other inexpensive gloves
• Hand tools such as scrapers, screw drivers, a hammer, sanding blocks, paint brushes.
• Painter’s tape (or masking tape).
• Newspapers, a drop cloth, or other material to protect adjacent surfaces while working. LOTS of newspaper.
• Paint stripper if desired. Check in the paint aisle at retailers for this. If your surface

Has been painted before, likely you will need to do this to maximize your results.

• Quality paint brushes or a sprayer suitable for the finish you plan to use

STEP #2 – Empty the cabinets.

It is much easier to clean and work with the cabinets without things knocking around inside of them.

STEP #3  - Remove hardware, shelves, and CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN.

First, remove hardware such as shelf pins (Most shelves are held up by pins that are easily removed by hand, located under the shelf. You will see them when you lift up the shelf) drawer pulls, knobs, handles and hinges These need to be cleaned with a degreaser, such as these, available at Home Depot:, and most retailers.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?keyword=degreaser&selectedCatgry=SEARCH+ALL&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&Ntpc=1&Ntpr=1

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, put degreaser in a bucket, and the hardware in the solution to soak. Put the doors out of the way, and placed for convenience while you clean THEM.

First, remove any surface dirt, grease, or dust using a mild cleaner suitable for wood.  I recommend a product that is a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) or a good phosphate-free substitute.

a)     Remove old finish – This step is optional if you are opting to repaint, but if you are going to stain or varnish a unit that has been painted previously, you will need to strip the paint, then sand. A chemical found in the paint section is best. Be aware that if you choose to remove an old finish/paint, it will add quite a bit of time to the project. The cabinets will need to be removed from the wall, and after stripping and filling any cracks, splits or holes, sanded smooth.

b)     If are NOT removing the previous paint or finish, then after cleaning cabinets

Fill any cracks, splits or holes with wood putty. After it is dry, sand smoothly.

Step #4 – If you are painting to refinish your kitchen cabinets, prime them.

A primer will act as a bonding agent for your paint to the cabinets, and it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions CAREFULLY, as different finishes will require different types of prime. ALSO IMPORTANT is to paint within time frame noted by the prime’s manufacturer. They will recommend you paint within approximately an hour of the primer drying to get the best possible results. The primer will help conceal deficiencies in your cabinets, such as stains, or areas where you have wood puttied, so it is REALLY BIG STEP of your project.

Step #5 – Refinish/paint your cabinets.

You will want to apply at least two coats of your product, allowing plenty of time for the first coat to dry. Don’t try to apply a thick layer of color, it will run while drying if it does not do so immediately. NOTHING will look worse to your eye when surveying your beautiful new kitchen cabinets than a big fat drip mark!

TIP  

ATTACH A “CUP SCREW” TO THE BACK OF YOUR CABINET DOORS, NEAR THE TOP BEFORE YOU PAINT OR STAIN.

HANG THE DOORS FROM A LINE, SO THEY CAN DRY VERTICALLY…THIS WILL MINIMIZE DUST AND DIRT ADHERING TO THE TACKY SURFACE WHILE THEY DRY.

THE CUP HOOKS WILL WORK ON A HANGERS BAR, THEN PUT THEM IN AN OUT OF THE WAY PLACE TO DRY.

Hello again my DIY explorers!  Deciding to change your bathroom vanity, and improve the room that almost all of us the world over begin and end our day, is sure to dramatically enhance the elegance of your home.

Regardless of the style you select, the process of installing your new bathroom vanity remains the same. Bear in mind that usually a new vanity does NOT come with a counter or sink included in the price, nor a faucet.  The line I’ve used to illustrate those that do is available in Home Depot stores, but most cabinet retailers will have an in stock line that may include the top/sink.. You will certainly want to include them in your change, as the existing items simply will not be easily unattached from the old, and undoubtedly look worn and unacceptable. Kits do not normally have the quality of construction I like, but if you are looking for the MOST cost effective refresh, make sure to check them out first hand.

Ok, lets get started. Here is another little grid for you. One of the details of quality cabinetry is judged on is the connection used to join pieces of wood together. Dovetailing is a method similar to interlocking puzzle pieces, and where you find  it, you find cabinetry that takes time to produce fine quality wood products.  I have indicated also where designer services are available for no charge at the retailers. The two big home improvement retailers, Home Depot and Lowes,  both include this enticement.

So, after you have done the hard part, which is to select your new furniture, the second hardest looms! Remove the existing vanity top, sink, and cabinet. And discard.

Since I like a nice bulleted list when working on a project, here we stand for this one.

1)      View options on line, narrow down your tastes. Visit a retailer, inspect construction

• of the in stock items, and also of the semi customer displays. Remember to check drawer joins, and make sure that hinges are adjustable after installation (there is not now, or has there ever been, a perfectly plumb house. If the hinges do not adjust and you like the unit, change them. Doors need to hang straight relative to the lines of your bath vanity cabinet while it is in place, not in place at the factory)

2)      After ordering and getting a delivery date on semi customs, remove your old materials, and discard. Hopefully you have an alternative bathroom to use while the work is in process, however, if not, remember you can use the kitchen sink to wash your face and brush your teeth for a little bit. (don’t laugh, I have had customers who needed this piece of wisdom. Both can also be done in the tub)

3)      Leaving ½ inch clearance at any wall, to accommodate the vanity top, place your bath vanity cabinet against the wall where you want it. Trace its outline against the wall and move out of your way for a moment.

4)      Using a studfinder, locate studs within the area the vanity will go and mark the locations.

Drill holes into the studs, where you will use screws to connect vanity to the wall.

5)      If the cabinet has a back, position again to the wall, so you can mark where the water and drainage pipes need to go into the base, and then cut out holes for them in the back of the vanity.

6)      Position the unit where it will be, and secure it firmly into the stud holes you placed in step 4.

7)      If there are gaps or spaces, for example the ½ inch clearance you left for top clearance, use matching quarter round trim to conceal it.

8)      Attach the toe kick, a piece of matching wood, placed where the cabinet “cuts in” at the bottom to accommodate your toes, to give a finished appearance.

9)      Add top.

10)  Add faucet.

11)  Admire and show off your beautiful New Bathroom Vanity!

vanity cabinets for bathrooms

White Bathroom Cabinet

Perhaps the kitchen can be considered as one of the busiest rooms of the house; therefore, it is important to make sure that we are comfortable at our workspace to be efficient when preparing meals for the whole family.

Organizing can be a real exhausting task if we don’t have enough storage for each utensil and appliance in the kitchen, that’s why finding the right kitchen cabinets for our specific needs is essential in keeping our kitchen clutter-free.

Types of kitchen cabinets:

• Stock kitchen cabinets - come in standard sizes — are displayed in shops, and ready for installation.
• Custom kitchen cabinets - built specifically for your appliances and storage needs.

There are different types of materials for kitchen cabinets.

Woods such as: Oak, Mahogany, Maple, Hickory, Cherry, and Walnut.          Metals and laminated materials are also commonly used.

Factors to consider when choosing the right kitchen cabinet:

• Budget - Other things to consider will depend upon your budget. Custom kitchen cabinets are costly than stock cabinets, but satisfaction is more guaranteed since it is tailor-made according to the size and style you want. While stock kitchen cabinets come in standard sizes because they are mass produced, therefore it’s cheaper. But you can also spot some high-quality stock cabinets — you just have to be keen when choosing.
• Size- We should also consider this when finding the right kitchen cabinet since it should always be according to the size of your kitchen. Kitchens having cabinets that almost occupy the whole area not just tends to look crowded, but also suppresses ventilation of the area.
• Functionality - Aside from having enough kitchen cabinet shelves, it should also be sturdy to support the load, and durable enough to handle years of use.
• Style - Aside from the functionality, we should also consider its appearance since it is best to choose a kitchen cabinet that coordinates well with the style of your home. Good style and color creates good mood.

Whether you end up buying Stocks Cabinets or have it custom built for your kitchen. There are still basic mistakes that anyone can only notice after using it for a while.

• The height of the upper kitchen cabinet - it should be mounted on the wall according to the height of the people who will use it more often, so they can easily reach commonly used utensils without always having to use a stool.
• The kitchen cabinet handle - unbelievable, but there are still handles that are placed in the middle of the kitchen cabinet doors. Again, people have to use a stool just to be able to reach the handle alone. It should always be placed within arm’s reach, which is at the bottom part of the cabinet door.
• Too deep or wide lower kitchen cabinet shelves or drawers - If it is too deep or wide, you tend to place things one after another. You would have to take utensils out one by one just to be able to find what you need. We are in a hurry in most cases, so it’s not impossible that we would end up messing everything when looking for a certain utensil. Drawers should neither be too deep nor wide for easy selection.

In this post we will be talking about these types of cabinets:

medicine cabinets with mirrors

bathroom medicine cabinets with mirrors

medicine cabinets recessed

bathroom mirror cabinets

robern medicine cabinets

This is just one of those ways which you can use your furniture to serve more functions than it was intended to. When it comes to wall bookshelves, you may think that these can only be installed on an existing wall and used to store your books. However, did you know that you could also make the wall bookshelves become the actual wall? How?

Ceiling-high wall bookshelves

This is a great idea especially for those with very large homes or even normal sized homes that have an open floor plan.

What you will first of all need to do is get the measurements of your house from floor to ceiling so you can determine the height of your shelves. Of course, you should pick a position in the room which is central enough to leave either side of the wall bookshelves with enough space for activities you intend to carry out there. Once you have all your measurements down, you may now call in a professional woodworker or if you are experienced, you may do the job of building the ceiling-high wall shelves now.

You can either leave the back of the wall shelves open or cover it up with a board for more privacy on either side of the new wall. When done correctly, one wouldn’t even notice that it is a wall bookshelf as opposed to a wall itself. The best part is, you get to store your books, accentuate your home’s decor and still section off a space which can be used as the bedroom, study room or even just a relaxing lounge! Learn more about this at The Office Hub.

Knee-high wall bookshelves

This is a great way to divide a normal room and create a quiet little corner for reading or just section off a portion to restrict access or something like that. For example, let’s say you would like to create a space in your child’s bedroom or even in the sitting room where they can read, do their crafts or play without getting paint or ink on the rest of the furniture. Knee-high wall bookshelves allow you to do so but still let you get a good view of what your kids are up to from where you’re sitting. Supervision made easier! Plus, the kids will love the fact that they have bookshelves that they can easily reach.

Improvise as much as you want to get the perfect look with wall bookshelves for your storage and sectioning needs at home!

If you are looking to explore storage systems that are easy to install, maintain and are still affordable, then Spur Shelving is a manufacturer and supplier of shelving solutions based in the UK that you should look into. Exactly what should you expect?

Spur shelving have a very exceptional line of wall-mounted shelves which still offer flexibility with movement/relocation. Using adjustable slots within the brackets made for a line named the Spur Steel- Lok^TM, you can easily and safely move the shelves and create a new look each time. Bear in mind that this is just one of the designs available and you can choose from a range which sees your storage needs served efficiently while still adding a beautiful yet simple stylish look to your living space.

The features that come with all shelving storage solutions offered by Spur Shelving are:

1. Easy Installation

Using locks, slots and grooves, shelves from Spur Shelving allow both experienced users and the beginners to assemble the shelves by following simple instructions which can be found in the manuals that come with each package.

2. Versatile

Considering that you can easily change up the look of each shelf as you see fit, that means you only invest once but get to experiment with a whole lot of designs. The versatility of each shelving design incorporated with ease of installation/assembly means you can have a simple bookshelf today and then switch it up to a look that resembles a ladder or anything else you want to the next day!

3. Style

You get to choose from a range of colours and designs within each shelving system you get. This is a simple yet stylish way to improve your home’s appearance while still remaining functional.

4. Safety

Spur Shelving ensures that all its products are in line with safety measures put in place to protect users from accidents occurring due to faulty workmanship or repeated usage. Heavy duty steel is used to provide sturdy structures which can withstand weight of items stored and locks are put in place to make sure the shelves are firmly held in place so they don’t move easily and fall.

Choose from a wide range of storage systems so you can even buy multiple pieces for a matching look at home and decide whether you want light or heavy duty shelves and enjoy the innovative storage solutions from Spur Shelving!

Your home renovation and improvement project is not complete without paying attention to your storage and display needs. You may not pay very much attention to your current cabinets but these are quite likely among the most important pieces of furniture within the home.

Distinctions cabinets are just one of the many varieties of cabinets you can add to your home and they come in great variety and quality. One of the most important things to do, as with any other purchase, is research and preparation. You must look at your budget, style, space and storage needs before you make any permanent decisions.

If you are asking yourself why you should go with Distinctions cabinets, check out these advantages:

1. Distinctions cabinets have often been referred to as the “middle man’s cabinets” due to their affordability. If you are working within a budget but still want to achieve good quality cabinetry, then these are just right for you!

2. The variety offered by Distinctions cabinets is very wide and allows you to play around with all sorts of styles, designs, colours, finishes, construction materials and even different layouts to come up with a unique personalized look.

3. The best part is that you not only save on the initial purchase, you can also do the installation yourself and save on hiring a professional if you know how to work the cabinets. They come in easy-to-assemble parts which can be easily setup at home.

4. Since the cabinets are easy to assemble and disassemble, transportation or cleaning and maintenance is made very easy. You don’t have to call in an expert every time you need to work around your cabinets.

5. High quality and longer lasting materials means you will use the Distinctions cabinets for a very long time and definitely see a return on your investment. Just look at it this way, you get affordable but quality cabinets! All the makings of a great decision!

6. We cannot overlook the aesthetic value that Distinctions cabinets add to your home. This isn’t just some plain and unnoticeable line of cabinets that only serve your storage needs. Stylish, smooth, polished and sleek designs abound and you also get to pick from wide variety of materials such as maple and oak for majestic looks or thermofoil for a sleek modern/contemporary look.

So go on, visit a Home Depot centre near you and check out Distinctions cabinets to suit your personal style.

This is for my examiner.com application, syncronox@gmail.com

I was recently going through my kitchen with my wife, trying to think of ways to enhance our kitchen a bit. We often find that our spices aren’t as easy to get to when we need them, and we could use a little more cabinet space. The problem is, of course, we don’t live in a mansion and don’t exactly have a huge kitchen. We’re working with limited space, but we still want to get the most out of our kitchen.

What I found was that there are a number of things I could add to what I already have in my kitchen without taking up a lot of space– all I had to do was think of some creative kitchen cabinet ideas.

For example, when it came to the issue with spice availability, I found the Rev-A-Shelf Adjustable Door Mount Spice Rack (http://www.lowes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&cId=SEARCH&productId=3107507&cm_mmc=SCE_gps-_-gps-_-gps-_-Rev-A-Shelf%20Adjustable%20Door%20Mount%20Spice%20Rack%204ASR-15) to be exactly what I was looking for. Not only did it go perfectly with the kitchen cabinets already around my stove, but it didn’t take up any extra room. It makes spices much easier to grab and in turn makes me enjoy cooking more. It’s one of those kitchen cabinet ideas that makes sense in that it accomplishes a lot without requiring much input. Learn more about this at The Office Hub.

I still needed some kitchen cabinet ideas to combat my lack of counter and cabinet space. Thankfully, the OIA Bamboo Kitchen Cart and Cabinet (http://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Kitchen-Stainless-Natural-Finish/dp/B001H35OF0) was there to save the day. Not only does it look fantastic with bamboo and stainless steel, but it actually has a functional “leg up” over installed counter or cabinet space in my book. This is because you can move the cabinet around with you, giving you access to whatever you need exactly where you need it. I love that added versatility, and it’s one of the reasons why you’ll likely hear me rave about islands and kitchen carts a lot.

If you’re looking to upgrade the appearance and function of your kitchen but you don’t have the money to invest in a full-on remodel, these are a couple of kitchen cabinet ideas to get the most out of what you already have. In my opinion, using something like a hanging cabinet rack or kitchen cart is a much better investment for smaller kitchens than a full remodel, and it can definitely be a lot more gentle on your wallet.