What's an inexpensive way to upgrade my kitchen?

Question

My appliances are all new but my cabinets & counter tops need a facelift.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Cabinet re-facing is a great way to upgrade providing the 'bones' of your cabinets are sound. Any cabinet work should precede counters. Take a look at this article I wrote on cabinet re-facing. http://www.networx.com/article/about-cabinet-facing For lower cost counters (lower cost than granite slab) I have used large granite tiles as in this project. http://www.hometalk.com/Kevin/project/2473

Mona N · Answer

I was thinking about painting my cabinets and putting new hardware on them.  Is this a good idea?  What about my counter tops?  Any inexpensive way to re-do those?

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Painting is an option as well...the trick to a good kitchen cabinet paint job, like most paints jobs, is good prep.  TSP and light sanding.

Counters can be painted too...as others here have done...but I'm a fan of the granite tile.  For more saving new laminates can be installed that 'look' like granite.  These have really improved over the last few years.

Miriam Illions · Answer

There is a huge discussion going on about painting counter-tops. It's a lot of info to sift through, but you can see pictures and feedback from people who have done it: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/countertops/i-finished-painting-my-kitchen-countertops-this-weekend-144797

Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc. · Answer

Mona, I agree..paint them and maybe a glaze over that. I would have to see a photo to determine.  Remember to prep well so that they will not chip. New hardware is a must. As far as the countertops I would advise real stone if it is in the budget, if not, cement is a great inexpensive option.

Mona N · Answer

Cement?

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Mona...are you thinking concrete counters?.  These are not very DIY friendly and generally not cheap either.  I have seen many done that actually come in at a higher price than granite slab.

Mona N · Answer

Oh wow!

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Concrete...when done well can be attractive to some, I have seen some great color combos with iridescence and flame type patterns.  Others that were simple tints.  Personally I'm not a huge fan of them as they have a bit of an 'industrial' look in many cases.

From a DIY and cost stand point I'm sticking with the granite tiles I mentioned earlier.

Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc. · Answer

Yes Mona, if yo9u have a company such as Stilestone do it for you, it is very expensive, but you can do it yourself. Here are 2 websites that will help. http://www.walttools.com/servlet/StoreFront & http://concretecountertopsolutions.com/

Richard V · Answer

You might have a look at Wilsonart for counter tops. The almost look like granite.

Designs by BSB · Answer

Would you be willing to share a photo or two of your kitchen?  Great recommendations so far!

Sandy T · Answer

I just used the Rustoleum Cabinets Transformation and am amazed at how well they turned out.  We're going to put on a new laminate and  tile the backsplash. Will post pics when finished, It was a cheap fix for good cabinets that need to be updated. used the glaze finish. LOVE it.

What's an inexpensive way to upgrade my kitchen?

I finished painting my kitchen countertops this weekend.

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What's an inexpensive way to upgrade my kitchen?

I finished painting my kitchen countertops this weekend.

Suggested Project Book