Can I Replace My Counter Tops & Sink Without Changing My Cabinets?

Cabinets and Counter Tops

• Cabinets and counter tops are two of the most expensive aspects of a kitchen remodel. It is possible to replace just the sink and counter tops while leaving existing cabinets intact. This option will save a significant amount of money or leave funds available for other projects. Before choosing this option, it is essential to make sure that cabinets are structurally sound and that they are in good enough shape to be refinished. If the cabinets look old or outdated, the remodel will feel incomplete and is less likely to add any real value.

Refinishing Cabinets

• Refinishing a set of cabinets is easy enough for novice do-it-yourselfers, but is often time-consuming. For cabinets that are well constructed with good quality faces, a simple sanding followed by a stain or thorough painting is usually sufficient. Once this is completed, some new hardware and hinges will give a clean, modern look to old cabinets. If the faces of the cabinets and drawers are outdated or damaged, refacing them is a bit more expensive, but often worth the investment. This process requires removing and replacing existing doors and drawer fronts with newer styles. The cost is more than simply refurbishing but significantly less than replacing the whole set.

Moldings

• Crown moldings are a simple way to modernize existing cabinets. These pieces come as narrow as three inches and as wide as 8 inches, depending on the space available. Adding a molding will cover spaces left between the cabinet and ceiling and will disguise minor damage or scratches along the tops of the cabinet. These simple accents are generally easy to install and are paintable or stainable to match any cabinet color.

Layouts

• Layout is perhaps the most important aspects of kitchen design. It decides the efficiency of the space and makes working and entertaining easier. Leaving existing cabinets in place will only work if they are well laid out and work well with appliances. The kitchen triangle is a design theory that outlines efficient kitchen layout. Each point of the triangle represents an appliance -- the sink, refrigerator and range -- and each should be within roughly equal distance of each other on the triangle. This walking path should be uninterrupted and provide enough space for easy movement. If the current cabinet arrangement doesn't follow this ideal, replacement is probably a better option.