How to Repurpose Cabinets

Repurposing cabinets can save you money.

To repurpose a worn or dated cabinet, first repair and refinish it. Then you can reuse it -- either for its intended purpose or for something else altogether. Repurposing is a good way to save money and to keep a cabinets from going to a landfill.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Sanding block
• Tack cloth
• Knobs or handles
• Semi-flat latex paint or wood stain
• Paint roller or microfiber cloth
• Sandpaper
• Enamel paint

1. Remove the knobs or handles from the doors on the cabinets. In most cases, you will locate either one or two screws inside the door. Remove them with a screwdriver.

2. Remove the screws that secure the hinges to the door and to the cabinets with a screwdriver.

3. Sand the cabinet and doors with a sanding block to remove old paint or stain.

4. Wipe the surfaces with a tack cloth to remove any paint or wood dust.

5. Paint the cabinets with an interior semi-flat latex paint and a paint roller with a paint color that will complement the room where you will use the cabinets. If you do not want to paint, apply two or three coats of wood stain with a microfiber cloth.

6. Sand the old hinges with sandpaper to remove any old rust or finish. Spray the hinges with enamel paint if you do not like bare metal hinges.

7. Reattach the hinges to the cabinets and the doors to the hinges.

8. Place the new knobs on the doors and secure them with the screws. Most knobs will retrofit into the holes used for the hold knobs or handles.

References

• Kitchen Cabinets and Hardware: How to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets