Shaker style easy option for DIY kitchens

If you are looking for do-it-yourself options for a kitchen renovation or revamp, or even for a new kitchen installation, a Shaker style kitchen offers an affordable and easy way to build a new kitchen from scratch with basic power tools and a bit of DIY savvy.

 

 

 

 

 

Shaker kitchen design is a very basic style that can be dressed up or down according to the look you want for a finished kitchen.

 

 

Most Shaker kitchen designs start off as basic cabinets, onto which various elements are added to enhance and  dress up cabinets and trim. See bottom of this page for a quick and easy view on home to assembly a basic Shaker style kitchen cabinet, or visit www.DIY-Divas.co.za to sign up for a kitchen cabinet workshop.

 

 

 

 

The basic design is what allow easy assembly and installation of a Shaker style kitchen. To illustrate the simple design of a Shaker kitchen, take a closer look at some of the Shaker kitchen ideas below.

 

 

 

 

To make your own kitchen cabinets you can use various materials. Take a look at BisonLam, SupaLam and SupaWood. A standard thickness for kitchen cabinets would be 16mm. SupaWood is the most affordable option, but you will need to paint both inside the cabinet and the frame, whereas using BisonLam or SupaLam for the frame means that you only have to paint the door.

 

 

As mentioned above, to dress up a basic Shaker style kitchen various elements can be added to add architectural detailing. Extruded (hard) polystyrene moulding, pine or supawood trim are all elements that can be added onto basic cabinets to achieve a finished look that meets with your personal requirements.

 

 

 

 

Finishing off with detailing on a basic design depends on the look you want for the kitchen. Shelves, corbels and brackets can be sourced or made to add even more detail.

 

 

This is where tools such as a router or Dremel Trio come in very handy. These tools allow you to add decorative edging and detail to plain timber or board.

 

 

 

 

You can achieve a more authentic look for a basic Shaker kitchen by incorporating features such as Butler or Belfast sinks, open shelving for storage baskets, and installing reproduction or vintage lighting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A basic shaker style kitchen cabinet features a solid door topped off with a surrounding frame. The basic frame can be the sole decorative finish, or you can add even more detailing.

 

 

 

 

The advantage of installing a Shaker style kitchen is the ability to do-it-yourself in one go, or add on components as and when you can afford to. You can start off with a small layout that allows for  essential elements such as a hob / oven, a sink unit, and add other element to complete the kitchen over a period of time.

 

 

 

 

 

A do-it-yourself kitchen installation is not a difficult project, and having done my own kitchen I say this in all honesty. It can be time consuming and you do need a basic skill set to build a kitchen that is professionally finished, but with the right tools and equipment you can easily save yourself thousands of Rands and have your dream kitchen at the end of the day.

 

 

 

 

Another advantage of designing and installing your own Shaker kitchen is that you can choose your own colour option. Since you are painting your own cupboard once the installation is done - your choice of colour is unlimited and you can change this at any time in the future. Paint cabinets in your choice of colour.

 

 

 

 

 

Shop around for hardware and knobs for your Shaker kitchen. You will find a varied selection at your local Builders Warehouse, but you will find plenty of online options for different styles or custom fittings.

 

 

 

 

 

Finish off a Shaker style kitchen with your choice of countertops and tiles. When looking at the ideas on this page you will notice that a wide variety of countertop options and tile styles are featured. Granite, Formica, Wood are all countertop options that look good when mixed with Shaker styles, as do composite or ceasarstone.

 

 

 

 

 

A Shaker style kitchen allows you the freedom to design a do-it-yourself kitchen that fits into the space and your lifestyle. Play around with designs and ideas to incorporate  unique elements that you wouldn't normally be able to afford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assemble a basic Shaker kitchen cabinet 600 wide