Line Your Kitchen Cabinets: A Guide
Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Do your cabinets show signs of wear and tear after years of use? Upgrading your kitchen with new cabinets can be expensive. An affordable solution is to give your existing cabinets a makeover by adding lining.
Lining your cabinets with laminate, wood veneer, thermofoil or paint creates a protective barrier that conceals scratches and damage. It also allows you to update the color and style of your cabinets without a full replacement. Read on to learn why lining can breathe new life into your old kitchen.
Breathe New Life into Old Cabinets with Lining
Cabinet lining comes in many options to suit your style and budget. Popular materials include:
- Laminate – plastic coating with adhesive backing. Affordable and available in endless colors and patterns.
- Wood veneer – thin sheets of real wood. Provides a natural look.
- Thermofoil – plastic laminate fused to substrate. Resists scratches.
- Paint – liquid coating in any color. Budget-friendly update.
The main advantage of lining is it hides existing damages like cracks, stains and worn areas. Old dated oak cabinets can look bright and new again without the high cost of brand new custom cabinets.
Lining also creates a smooth and durable surface inside your cabinets that’s water-resistant and easy to clean. No more struggling to scrub stains out of old worn cabinets!
Laminate: Affordable and Durable Lining
Laminate offers the benefits of being affordable, easy to install, and available in a limitless array of colors, finishes and patterns. Even better, laminate stands up well to moisture, stains, scratches and everyday wear and tear.
On the downside, laminate can crack or peel away at the edges if water seeps beneath it. Careful installation and sealing the edges is key to preventing damage.
For best results, thoroughly clean cabinets, lightly scuff the surface and apply adhesive before firmly pressing on laminate backing. Use a utility knife with a sharp blade to trim excess material at edges and openings.
Wood Veneer: Natural Look and Feel
Wood veneer brings the warmth and elegance of real wood to your cabinets. It can be stained or painted just like natural wood for a fully customized finish. Wood veneer is also durable and long-lasting.
On the cons side, quality wood veneer costs more than laminate or paint. It’s also prone to scratches, chips and dents with heavy use over time. Careful handling is required during installation to avoid damage.
Proper preparation is key to achieve the smooth finish of wood veneer. Sand cabinets completely, fill any holes and apply adhesive before carefully pressing on the wood veneer sheets. Use a roller to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles.
Factors to Consider When Lining Cabinets
To achieve the best results from your new lined cabinets, there are some important factors to consider first:
Inspect cabinets carefully to identify any repairs needed before lining. Lining material won’t fix broken hinges, sagging shelves or splitting wood. Handle any structural repairs for lasting results.
Measure precisely inside cabinet dimensions to calculate the square footage for purchasing lining materials. Leave excess for trimming when cutting lining to fit.
Proper prep work like cleaning, sanding and repairing cabinets results in a smooth finished surface. Take time to address any uneven areas for your lining to properly adhere.
Consider your skill level for the installation process. Laminate and paint can be DIY-friendly if you have experience. Wood veneer often requires hiring a professional carpenter for the best outcome.
Cost Considerations
Material costs vary based on type of lining:
- Laminate: $2-$8 per sq. ft. installed
- Wood veneer: $10-$30 per sq. ft. installed
- Thermofoil: $5-$12 per sq. ft. installed
- Paint: $4-$15 per sq. ft. for labor, materials extra
Factor approximately 15-20 square feet per standard cabinet. The investment in new lined cabinets can increase your home’s value from $2,000 up to $10,000 or more.
Maintenance costs are low, limited to occasional touch up of finishes. However, any repairs of future damage are simplified with a protective lining in place.
How Long Does the Project Take?
DIY installation typically takes 2-5 days working at a steady pace. Hiring a professional can reduce installation time to 1-2 days.
Typical process includes: fully cleaning and preparing cabinets (1-2 days), applying adhesive and allowing to set (30 mins), cutting lining materials to fit and adhering to cabinet interiors (1-3 days), trimming excess edges and allowing to fully cure (24 hours).
Maintenance Tips for Lined Cabinets
With proper care, your newly lined cabinets will maintain their refreshed, like-new look for years to come:
- Use only soft cloths and gentle cleaners formulated for laminate, wood, or painted finishes.
- Avoid abrasive pads or scouring powders that can scratch surfaces.
- Immediately wipe spills and stains to prevent absorbing into lining material.
- Periodically inspect for any cracks, peeling edges or damage to address right away.
By taking a bit of care when cleaning and handling your lined cabinets, you’ll be rewarded with a kitchen that looks professionally designed with a only fraction of the cost.
Upgrading existing cabinets with new lining gives kitchens an instant facelift. Lining conceals damages, provides updated color and style, and creates a durable and easy-to-clean finish inside your cabinets.
Consider factors like your budget, lining material, installation requirements and follow proper maintenance guidelines. With the right prep work and materials, lining your kitchen cabinets provides the ultimate affordability upgrade and protection for years of enjoyment.
Looking to upgrade your kitchen on a budget? Request a free quote to see how cabinet lining can transform your space today!