Updating kitchen reusing cabinets?

2 years ago

I'm looking to update a kitchen which has oak doors. The wall units are ok but the drawers on the base units are coming apart. I also want to incorporate another base unit and wall unit to add a return to the L shape. Could I just add new doors to the present carcasses and buy one new base and one new wall unit? Will full height doors fit the base unit if I scrap the doors. I'm intending having new worktops and a new sink but don't want to rip everything out and send to landfill if I don't have to.

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Comments (4)

Daisy England
2 years ago
Normal base unit carcases are 720mm high. I‘m led to belive that Ikea are higher. As long as your carcases are standard height there is nothing wrong with just swapping the fascias. If your drawers are falling apart you could replace the actual drawer boxes.
Beverley Alexander
Original Author
2 years ago
Yes, carcasses are standard height. But can't match the kitchen with new fascias. Also wish to add a corner return. Not sure oak for the top cupboards and different base cupboards will look right.
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PRO
The Kitchen Lady UK
2 years ago
Hi Beverley,

Are you looking at keeping the kitchen natural oak in colour? It sounds like you are after a bit of a bespoke job if keeping oak as no doubt the oak has aged slightly over time - your best bet would be to use a cabinet maker/joiner to be able to mimic the existing doors/drawers you have and attempt to age them to match the rest of the kitchen. If you are looking for a painted oak front then a finisher would be your best to paint the kitchen and then a joinery firm to recreate the door in another material (or a veneered panel/frame so the cost is slightly less but you would still get the same matching effect you are after).

Drawer box replacements could be ordered or made depending on what material they are.

Otherwise if you are looking to replace all the doors & drawer fronts on the kitchen then as long as the carcasses are 'standard' size then this wouldn't be a problem either- new drawer boxes for those that need it, new plinth for the kitchen, new cornice/pelmet and end panels too.

If you would like a hand on getting quotes or would like any proposed images/advice please do let us know as we specialise in design advice and are able to source quotes on your behalf.

Our website is below, and we do offer an hour consultation free of charge :)

Kind regards,

Charlie @ The Kitchen Lady UK

www.thekitchenladyuk.co.uk
Beverley Alexander
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you Charlie. I was considering whether I could keep the top cupboards and replace the bottom doors. I hadn't thought that the oak would be difficult to match because of the age. Think the thing will be to replace the doors and add some new cupboards for the return. New plinth, cornice and end panels. New sink and worktops. Keeping the same carcasses will save removing the oven and mean less upheaval and save landfill. Sorting the drawers will mean I don't need to buy a separate drawer unit.

Updating kitchen reusing cabinets?

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Daisy England

Beverley Alexander
Original Author

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Updating kitchen reusing cabinets?

Comments (4)

Daisy England

Beverley AlexanderOriginal Author

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The Kitchen Lady UK

Beverley AlexanderOriginal Author

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Beverley Alexander
Original Author

Beverley Alexander
Original Author