My Experience Changing White Cabinets To Cherry

When my husband and I bought our first home, we were excited to have a blank slate to make our own. The only problem was that the kitchen had white cabinets, which didn’t fit our style at all. We wanted something warmer and more traditional, so we decided to change the cabinets to cherry.

How to Change White Cabinets to Cherry

Changing white cabinets to cherry can be a big project, but it’s definitely doable. Here are the steps we followed:

Step 1: Remove the Cabinet Doors and Hardware

The first step is to take off all the cabinet doors and remove the hardware. This will make it easier to work on the cabinets and ensure that everything is properly painted or stained.

Step 2: Sand the Cabinets

Next, you’ll want to sand the cabinets to remove the current finish and prepare them for painting or staining. This is a crucial step, as it ensures that the new finish will adhere properly.

Step 3: Apply the Stain or Paint

Once the cabinets are sanded, you can either apply a stain or paint. For our project, we chose a cherry stain that we applied using a brush. It’s important to apply the stain or paint evenly and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Reattach the Doors and Hardware

Finally, you can reattach the cabinet doors and hardware. Make sure everything is properly aligned and tightened, and you’re done!

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Changing White Cabinets to Cherry

Here are some tips and ideas to keep in mind when changing white cabinets to cherry:

Choose the right stain or paint color to achieve the cherry look you want.
Consider adding new hardware to complement the new look.
Don’t rush the sanding process – it’s crucial for a smooth finish.
Use a brush or roller to apply the stain or paint evenly.
Be patient and let the finish dry completely before reattaching the doors and hardware.
Consider adding glass panels to some of the cabinet doors for a unique touch.
Don’t forget to label the doors and hardware to make reattaching them easier.
Add new lighting fixtures to complete the new look.
Consider adding molding or trim to the cabinets for a more finished look.
Take your time and enjoy the process – it’s a great way to personalize your home!

Pros and Cons of Changing White Cabinets to Cherry

Like any home renovation project, there are pros and cons to changing white cabinets to cherry. Here are some to consider:

Pros:

Personalizes your home to your style and taste.
Can increase the value of your home.
Gives your kitchen a warmer and more traditional look.

Cons:

Can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
May require professional help if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects.
Can be expensive, especially if you’re replacing hardware or adding molding.

My Personal Review and Suggestion for Changing White Cabinets to Cherry

Overall, I’m extremely happy with our decision to change our white cabinets to cherry. The project was definitely time-consuming and required a lot of work, but the end result was worth it. Our kitchen now feels warm and inviting, and it fits our personal style perfectly. If you’re considering a similar project, my suggestion would be to take your time and do your research. Make sure you choose the right stain or paint color and don’t rush the process. And most importantly, enjoy the process – it’s a great way to make your home truly your own.

Questions and Answers / FAQs

Q: Can I change my white cabinets to cherry without sanding them?

A: It’s not recommended to skip the sanding process, as it ensures that the new finish will adhere properly. If you don’t sand the cabinets, the new finish may not last as long or look as good.

Q: How long does it take to change white cabinets to cherry?

A: The time it takes to change white cabinets to cherry can vary depending on the size of your kitchen and how much work you’re doing yourself. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Q: Can I change the color of my cabinets without removing the doors?

A: While it’s possible to paint or stain cabinets without removing the doors, it’s not recommended. Taking off the doors makes it easier to work on the cabinets and ensures that everything is properly painted or stained.