Refacing Laminate and Oak Cabinets DIY
- By Joan
- September 22, 2014
- 5 Comments
When we moved into our home in 1992 we had no cabinets in our laundry room. We needed some type of storage, and what was current at the time, but probably on their way out, were these fantastic laminate and oak cabinets. You could wipe them down easily, they could be bought off the shelf at the nearby home improvement store, they could be hung easily and the oak at the bottom of the cabinet would match perfectly with our builder grade cabinets right around the corner in the kitchen. OK, now I just seem to be making excuses why we bought the same ugly cabinets that have overstayed their welcome.
Well time passes, albeit a little too fast for my taste, and these cabinets are doing nothing for me. I was in desperate need of a change, but there was one problem, there really is absolutely nothing wrong with the cabinets. They are not falling apart, they’re sturdy, and they are definitely large enough to hold all my soaps, bleaches and spot removers. I really hate to be wasteful.
So we came up with a plan. The doors would get refaced with leftover wainscoting we had taken off our bedroom walls. The two cabinets would be lifted to the ceiling and installed in opposite corners with a hanging rod in between. A countertop would be installed over top of the washer and dryer and shelves built in under the cabinets. That thing to the right of the washer and dryer is where we currently have a trash can and tray tables, so they can stay for the moment and until I can find a nice looking laundry sink, the old one can stay.
I don’t have pictures of the cabinets in progress but these are the materials for the cabinet doors. The wainscoting molding comes with a lip so that the paneling can fit snugly under without any ragged edges.
Corners had to be mitered with a miter saw. All was attached with the aid of liquid nails and finishing nails where needed.
The cabinets were lifted up to within a couple of inches from the ceiling to allow for decorative trim at the top. It wasn’t quite crown molding, but some extra molding we had around the house.
Plain boards were attached to the sides of the cabinets extending down 7 extra inches to allow for a shelf, An extra piece of molding was also attached to the side of the cabinet to allow a shelf to sit in between the cabinets.
Hopefully I included enough pictures to give you a basic idea of the finishes. All you really need is a plan (and a saw, and some paint, and some glue…..)
And if you liked the cabinets you will love the countertop!
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Nice improvement!
I am currently looking for ways to update and recondition my cabinets. I am leaning toward bead board. Your cabinets look wonderful. I like the idea of raising them with the hanging bar and shelf between them. Thank you so much for sharing these at Make It Monday!
Love this project. I read all three posts (the pallet crates and the countertop). Love what you did with this room. And love that the cost was so low for such a huge transformation. Thank you for sharing and thank you for the inspiration!
I’m so glad you could find inspiration. I love using what I already have especially when it’s still in good shape. Good luck with your projects.
What a great idea!! I would never have thought those were inexpensive white laminate cabinets under there. Great job! Thank you for linking up at The Handmade Hangout!