Easy Ways to Update Wooden Bathroom Cabinets

Bathroom cabinet and sink combinations are one of the most expensive components of a bathroom, especially quality wooden cabinets with multiple sinks and a countertop that spans the length or width of the bathroom wall. Replacing wooden bathroom cabinets necessitates the replacement of sinks, faucets, and the adjoining countertop, but it is not necessary to update wood bathroom cabinets and accessories with all new materials. It is possible to update doors and drawers in a number of easy ways when cabinetry is solid and in good condition. Consider the following easy money-saving ways to update wooden bathroom cabinets, and give old cabinetry an impressive new style for far less than the cost of replacement.

Begin by Touching up Scratches on Stained Wooden Cabinetry Before beginning to update wooden bathroom cabinets, it is important to repair surface scratches. Matching stain is not necessary when covering minor scratches and small areas where stain has worn away around handles and knobs. All it takes is a simple colorless product that magically covers scratches, and a number of quality inexpensive products are available. This simple cover up might not work for darker wood stain, but scratches and worn areas on light and medium wood finishes are very easy to disguise. Fill and Camouflage Dents and Dings Dents and dings on wooden bathroom cabinets cannot be camouflaged with simple scratch repair products. Tiny dings and dents can be ignored since they give cabinetry more character, but larger indentations must be filled with wood putty and stained to match the existing color. Follow product label instructions for best results, and take the time to properly sand and smooth the repair before staining. Areas that are impossible to repair can be covered with larger handles or knobs, wooden relief carvings, or decorative wood banding, depending upon the location of the damage.

Repaint Doors and Drawer Fronts on Painted Wooden Cabinetry

Painted bathroom cabinets are also fairly easy to update and repair. Remove the doors and hardware before beginning, and pull out drawers and apply painter’s tape around areas that will not be painted. Lightly sand the surface of wooden cabinetry to provide a rough finish, and prime the pieces with top-quality latex primer. After the primer dries, apply top-quality latex paint for wood furnishings. Follow product label instructions for a long lasting finish that will update the appearance of wooden bathroom cabinets and keep them looking good for years to come.

If cabinet doors and drawers must be painted, consider applying a new color to update their appearance. These days the color options are limitless, and dressing wooden bathroom cabinetry in a completely new hue is a great way to update the entire look of the bathroom. Choose an accent color in a favorite work of art displayed in the lavatory or select a color found in the flooring - if it is embellished with multiple hues.

For example, if the bathroom floor is covered in one-inch square tiles in white, tan, and turquoise, consider painting the cabinet doors the same shade of turquoise or tan. Linoleum embellished with colored flecks can be matched with the same hue. Many paint stores offer the option of matching virtually any color imaginable.

Update with Impressive New Hardware

After scratches and dents have been repaired or cabinets have been sanded and repainted, update the door and drawer fronts with impressive new hardware. If the cabinet doors and drawers never had handles or knobs, measure and drill holes to accommodate hardware. Some styles of bathroom cabinetry are designed to easily open without handles or knobs, but this is harder on wood finishes. Attaching new knobs and handles will not only give the wooden cabinets a whole new look, but it will also prevent unnecessary wear and tear on paint or stain.

Add Wooden Relief Carvings for a Rich New Look

Bathroom cabinets and drawers that are smooth and unembellished can be decorated with beautifully detailed wooden relief carvings. Unpainted and unstained wooden relief carvings can be found in woodworking stores and many major craft stores, and they come ready to paint or stain to match any color. They are available in many rich looking styles, and they can transform plain bathroom cabinet doors and drawers into bathroom furnishings that look custom made. Wooden relief carvings provide one of the easiest ways to update bathroom cabinets because they can be attached with wood glue or small finishing nails.

Apply Decorative Wood Banding for a Totally New Look

Many people are unaware of wood banding used for trimming furniture and other items crafted from wood. Visit a local woodworking store or craft retailer and look for thin bands of trim. Wood banding is designed from various types of wood and embellished with unique designs and colors. It can be used to update wooden bathroom cabinets in unique new ways.

For example, use decorative wood banding to trim a recessed cabinet door panel. Special tools are not required to update cabinetry with beautiful wood banding. All it takes is a sharp utility knife or a pair of sharp scissors, a pencil, and high-quality wood glue. Simply measure the length and width of the center wood panel, and mark the bands of wood accordingly. Use small wooden squares with rosette designs for the corners. This will eliminate the need for matching angles.

The aforementioned ways to update bathroom cabinets can be used in conjunction, depending on the style of cabinetry. Instead of investing in new bathroom cabinets, try these easy methods to update the old ones. The savings will be tremendous, and bathroom cabinets that once looked outdated and worn will look as good as or better than new.