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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/1991 builder grade cabinets
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Question
Hello! I have a house that came with what I can only call cheap-popular-1991-builder-grade-cabinets. They're white/off white in color, plain fronts, and have a wood strip to grip to open across the bottom. I absolutely hate them. Luckily, you can't see the formica (?) frame around them, as the cabinets are the same length as the frame. I would love the get all new cabinets, but it's just not in the budget. Unfortunately, this is a townhouse that I am just trying to fix up so I can sell it when the market turns around, so I don't want to invest a lot of money into re-doing the kitchen. I've lived there for 4 and a half years so far, and I realize it's going to be hard to sell without doing a few upgrades.
Most people I have talked to suggest just putting on new knobs - but there are no knobs - it's the wood strip at the bottom that is used as a handle. I considered painting them with stuff designed to paint formica type cabinets, but I am still stuck with the wood grip handle at the bottom. I can't remove it because then there will be a gap, and I don't want to paint the wood because that always looks horrible.
I think they might in fact be melamine cabinets. They don't appear to have a coating that can be peeled off.
Any suggestions you have to fix these cabinets or spruce them up is greatly appreciated. I'm wondering if I'm in a situation where my only real option is to have at least the cabinet doors just replaced. I'm not picky when it comes to color either - I'd be happy with basic white cabinets (all appliances are stainless).
Thank you!!
Hi Leeshie, I think you're best bet is to replace the doors with a raised panel type with a knob or pull. I wouldn't think twice about trying to paint or refinish these....a kitchen refacer could help you, or you could just go it alone with some guidance to save the most money....a good Home center has these services as well...hope that helps- post back if need be- Greg
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Answers by Expert:
Greg Scholl
Expertise
Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.
Experience
Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.
Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")
Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.
Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.
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