Brand new kitchen cabinets can cost over $4,500! Why pay for new kitchen cabinets when you can reface your current cabinets for under $900 and just one weekend? If you’re stuck with out of date cabinets, but aren’t ready to throw down the big bucks just to get them replaced, consider tackling this easy DIY project. Just a few days’ worth of work will leave your kitchen looking fresher than ever and keep your pockets full!

1. The first step is to remove the hardware from the kitchen cabinets and drawers. Then you’ll need to remove the drawers and doors from the unit. Clean off any greasy kitchen residue from the cabinets and doors with a TSP-type cleanser. Give everything a rubdown with sandpaper. You don’t need to take of the entire finish. You just need to roughen up the surface a bit. Finally, wipe everything down with tack cloth so it’s dust-free.
2. Get the measurements on the stiles, rails, sides, doors, and drawers. Jot them down so you don’t forget and so you don’t have to re-measure. Cut the veneer strips leaving ½ inch wider and 2 inches longer than you need. Make sure that you cut the veneer so the wood grain run lengthwise!
3. The best place to apply the first strips of veneer is the side of the cabinet where it’s not completely visible. This way you get some practice. Align the veneer with the side of the cabinet and slowly peel the backing away from the strip. Once the veneer is stuck on, use a wood block to smooth out any bubbles between the cabinet and the veneer. Your finish should look smooth and sleek when you’re finished.
4. Trim up the excess veneer with a sharp utility knife. Make sure you’re using a new blade so ensure a smooth cut.
5. Once the sides are covered, repeat the process on the stiles and then on the rails.
6. Using the same procedure, start on the cabinet doors. You can save some time and hassle by using a wood veneer tape that matches your finish. It’s easily applied on the edges of the doors. Use a clothes iron to activate the pre-stick backing that adheres to your cabinets.
7. Before you put the doors and drawers back on, you’ll want to stain the inside of your cabinet to match the outside. Paint on the stain and wipe away the excess. Let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instruction (usually 24 hours) and apply as many coats as needed to achieve the desired color.
8. After everything is dry, a polyurethane coating will protect your “new” cabinets from the damaging kitchen conditions that could ruin your cabinets, like grease, water and splashes. Be sure you paint the polyurethane on in the direction of the wood grain. Always paint in thin layers as thick layers remain tacky and take longer to dry completely.
9. Finally, reattach the hardware and reinstall the doors and drawers.

That’s it! Just 9 easy steps will get your kitchen cabinets in tip top shape. Refacing kitchen cabinets is an inexpensive project that takes just a weekend from start to finish. Try it next weekend if your kitchen cabinets need a new look.

This article was written by Erie Construction. Follow Erie Construction on Twitter for updates on home improvement.