Rejuvenate Kitchen Cabinets with New Custom Shelves
Has your kitchen started to show its age? Do you cringe every time you open up your cabinets and see chipped shelves or dated interiors? Replacing those worn-out shelves can breathe new life into your kitchen without the need for a full remodel.
Installing new custom shelves offers an affordable way to upgrade both the appearance and function of your existing cabinetry. With some simple DIY carpentry skills, you can remove those sagging, problematic shelves and replace them with sturdy, stylish options made just for your space.
Assess Your Existing Cabinets and Shelves
Before picking out replacement shelves, take a close look at the current state of your cabinets. Are certain shelves broken or missing? Have some started sagging in the middle from too much weight? Do they have scratches, chips or other damage?
Thoroughly examine the interiors and exteriors of all your upper and lower cabinets. Look for signs of water damage or separation from the cabinet frames. Test shelves by placing items on them to check for stability. See if doors and drawers open and shut properly. This inspection will help you determine which shelves need replacing and which areas can be left as is.
Also take precise measurements of your existing cabinet openings and shelves. This will allow you to find replacements that fit perfectly within the existing frames. Having these measurements on hand also makes the installation process smoother.
Choose Your Replacement Shelves
Now comes the fun part - picking out your fabulous new shelves! You have options when it comes to materials, sizes, finishes and features. Consider which choices will best suit your needs and your kitchen's style.
Materials
Replacement shelves come in a variety of durable materials:
- Plywood - An affordable option, made stronger with veneers. Choose bamboo for eco-friendly appeal.
- Medium density fiberboard (MDF) - Smooth finished edges, often laminated for moisture-resistance.
- Glass - Sleek and modern transparent shelves showing off contents.
- Metal - A contemporary look for a more industrial vibe.
Think about how heavy your dishes and other items are to determine if you need heavyweight plywood shelves or lighter options like tempered glass will do. Also consider what will match your existing cabinet interiors best.
Finishes
The possibilities are endless when it comes to finishes:
- Laminates - Formica and other laminate finishes are affordable, easy to clean, and come in endless colors and patterns to match your decor.
- Wood veneers - Choose from oak, maple, birch and more to show off the wood grain.
- Painted - Give your shelves a bold, colorful look with painted finishes.
- Stained - Use stain to complement your cabinetry with a handsome wood-toned shelf.
Try pairing painted shelves with stained cabinet frames for an eclectic look. Or pick a laminate that matches your countertops to tie everything together.
| Shelf Type | Cost | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | $$ | Traditional |
| Glass | $$$ | Sleek Modern |
| Laminate | $ | Retro/Eclectic |
Standard Sizes vs. Custom Cut
Replacing existing shelves with standard sized versions is usually the simplest and most budget-friendly option. Big box home improvement stores stock ready-made shelves starting around $20 each in common widths like 18", 24", 30". Measure carefully to find the closest fit.
For a fully customized look, order made-to-measure shelves precisely cut for your unique cabinet openings. These typically cost more, starting around $40 per shelf. But they result in a flawless built-in look. Professional carpenters can also create custom shelves if you have any unusual angles or shapes to work around.
Adjustable Shelves
Standard fixed shelves work well for most areas of your kitchen. But having at least some adjustable-height shelves allows you to customize where you place them. This comes in handy for fitting in tall items or creating exactly the right storage zones for plates, mugs, pans and more.
Adjustable shelves have built-in hardware that fits into slots drilled along the cabinet frames. To change the height, simply lift the shelf out of the slots and move it where you need it. This added flexibility does come at a slightly higher price, but it's worth it for the customizability.
Specialty Shelves
Beyond basic flat shelves, you can find options tailored to specific storage needs:
- Pull-out shelves - roll out fully to optimize access to spices, oils and other hard-to-reach items.
- Corner shelves - fit snugly into corners to utilize every inch of space.
- Lazy susans - spinning shelves give you easy access to items at a spin.
Think through your main problem areas to determine if specialty shelves like these could help make your cabinets more user-friendly.
Buying and Pricing Replacement Shelves
You can purchase replacement shelves from:
- Home improvement big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's
- Kitchen and bath showrooms
- Online retailers of cabinetry and shelves
Pricing often ranges from $20 to $60+ per shelf, with custom cut and specialty shelves at the higher end. Materials also impact cost, with solid wood and glass more expensive than laminates and fiberboard. Don't forget to order 2-3 extra shelves for future needs and possible breakage.
Look for retailers offering free shipping or in-store pickup if you want to avoid delivery fees. And don't be afraid to bargain hunt online for shelf packages and closeout deals.
Preparing Cabinets for Shelf Installation
Before installing new shelves, prep your cabinets for a smooth process:
- Remove all contents and existing shelving.
- Vacuum out debris like dust and crumbs.
- Confirm your measurements to be sure new shelves will fit properly.
- Have necessary tools - drill, stud finder, screwdriver, safety glasses, etc.
Take your time fully clearing out and cleaning the cabinets first. Trying to install shelves around all your dishes and pans is a recipe for frustration!
Installing Your New Shelves
Once you have your gleaming new shelves on hand, it's go time! Follow these steps for proper installation:
- Place shelf in desired position in cabinet and mark where to drill holes for screws.
- Use a stud finder to locate cabinet framing or wall studs behind shelf markings.
- Pre-drill holes at your markings to avoid splitting wood when screwing in.
- Attach shelf to framing or studs using short screws made for cabinets.
- Double check that shelf feels secure and level.
Be very careful when drilling and screwing not to damage the cabinet interiors. Take your time and don't force screws to avoid cracking shelves or frames.
If shelves feel loose or saggy, use additional screws spaced a few inches apart to reinforce the connection to the wall studs or cabinet frame.
Stand back to admire your work after getting all shelves installed - it should look like they came with the original cabinets!
Extra Touches and Accessories
Beyond the shelves themselves, a few extras can enhance your refreshed cabinets:
- Lighting - LED strip lights or motion sensors give you visibility without the shadows cast by ceiling lights.
- Glass doors - Protect shelves from grease splatter and dust while showing off pretty dishware.
- Knobs and pulls - Replace old hardware with updated brushed nickel or iron handles and knobs.
Removable interior drawer organizers are another add-on to consider. They make loading up silverware, utensils and more much simpler.
Take time to step back and look at your whole kitchen after installing new shelves. Painting or refacing worn cabinets to match can make them look like a cohesive set.
Caring for Shelves
With your upgraded, robust new shelves installed, just a little regular care will keep them looking great for years:
- Use shelf liners to protect from scratches and spills.
- Avoid placing very heavy items on glass or delicate materials.
- Clean with a mild soap and water, avoid abrasive scrubbers.
- Inspect for damage every few months and replace individual shelves as needed.
By maintaining your shelves properly, you shouldn't need full replacement again for many years. And you can redo the paint or laminate finish down the road for an updated look.
Replacing worn-out shelves is one of the simplest ways to upgrade the look of your kitchen on a budget. The difference fully organized, modern shelves can make is amazing. Everything will look more streamlined and uncluttered.
You can do this project yourself over the weekend with some basic skills. Take your time to do it right, and your kitchen will look like a brand new room you can't wait to show off!