How to Reface Your Under Sink Cabinet

Refacing an under sink cabinet is a much more economic solution than replacing the entire cabinet. In addition, it takes a lot less time than replacing the entire structure. The under sink cabinet needs refacing when the doors and drawers are not working properly, the paint is cracking, or when the cabinet design is simply outdated. Although the refacing process may differ from one under sink cabinet to another, the steps below offer a quick overview.

Step 1 – Planning

When doing a refacing job, take note that the structure needs to remain in order to support the sink above the cabinet. Before deciding to remove any cabinet parts, determine which parts need to go and which parts can remain. Determine as well if the cabinet will be repainted or applied with veneer. Afterwards, check if the door handles, the drawer pulls other hardware can be reused.

Step 2 – Removing the Doors and Drawers

Unhinge the doors and pull the drawers that need replacement. If the door knobs or drawer pulls can be reused, remove them from the doors and drawers and set them aside. Dispose the unneeded materials.

Step 3 – Purchasing

Before going purchasing for materials, measure the dimensions of the doors and drawers to be installed. Go to a supply store to buy replacements. If deciding to build the replacements as a DIY project, purchase the required materials (wood, nails, knobs and pulls, hinges, etc.).

Step 4 – Building

Build the required doors and drawers following the measurements initially taken. Do not install the cabinet hardware yet until the painting or the application of veneer is finished.

Step 5 – Painting or Applying Veneer

Prep the wooden material first before painting or applying veneer. Use a sander to smoothen rough edges on the new doors and drawers. On the cabinet structure, remove any paint or damaged veneer using the appropriate materials. Refer to other articles on this part.

When the cabinet surfaces are well prepped, start the application of the paint or veneer. For painting, apply a primer first. Make sure to consider buying a primer that has water sealing qualities since the cabinet is under a sink. Wait for the primer to dry before applying the first coat of paint. Choose a good color that matches the background when painting. Allow the first coat to dry and apply the finishing coat.

For the veneer, make sure to cut it according to the dimensions on the cabinet surfaces (including the exposed parts of the doors and drawers). Apply veneer adhesive on the cabinet surfaces or on the underside of the veneer. Glue the veneer accordingly.

Step 6 – Install the Cabinet Hardware

Install the drawer pulls and the doorknobs to complete the project. Allow the paint to dry completely or the veneer adhesive to cure (minimum time of 48-hours) before using the sink on top of the under sink cabinet.