Build a dream kitchen you can afford

If you need to give your kitchen an update, you don't need to replace the whole kitchen to get a brand new look.

 

Most fitted kitchens are made in such a way that the units are almost completely hidden by the doors, which are probably made from melamine-faced chipboard or supawood, and you can easily replace or update these at a fraction of the cost.

 Do-it-yourself

Removing the doors and drawer fronts is a simply matter of unscrewing them from the carcass; unscrew the door hinges from the carcass, unscrew the front from the drawer itself, or from the drawer runner assembly. Once removed, you can use these to get the measurements that you need to order new doors, sand down the old doors, or make up your own doors using either MelaWood or SupaWood (if you're going to paint them).

Have your doors cut and trimmed

If your existing doors have standard kitchen hinges that fit into 35mm diameter holes in the door, then there's no reason why you can't re-use these on your new doors if they are still in working order. Your local Timbercity will be able to pre-drill hinge holes on the new doors as long as you buy your MelaWood or SupaWood from them. They also provide an edging service - trimming your new doors to match the fronts.

Buy ready-made doors

Assuming your kitchen units are of a standard size, you could easily pick up updated versions from the company that originally fitted your kitchen. Failing that, there are many companies that will provide you with finished or unfinished doors.

Finishings and trim

For a perfectly finished look add trim to cabinet edges. You can purchase edging strips in various widths and lengths to perfectly match the finish on your doors and drawer fronts.

If you need to finish off open sides, you can easily purchase Formica Laminates to coordinate the look. Supplied in various finishes in 0.8mm thick sheets, your hardware store can cut this to the exact sizes required. Use Alcolin Contact Adhesive to apply to cabinet sides.

Spend a little more on accessories

Even if you've gone for budget doors, spend any extra cash on the best handles you can afford. These will be the part of the door you will handle everyday and provide eye-catching detail to a kitchen.