Brighten Your Kitchen with an Unfinished Kitchen Cabinet

Updating the kitchen is a goal for many homeowners, but once new appliances are chosen, the budget may not stretch to new cupboards. An unfinished kitchen cabinet can save the project and the budget as well as permitting a truly individual look.

Kitchen cabinets can be built-in or freestanding, and unfinished kitchen cabinets can be purchased of either type. In both cases, the construction is likely to be better than that of prefinished cabinets in the same price range. Unfinished cupboards are constructed from real wood, not particle board (a product made of bonded wood chips), so they are sturdier and last longer. This is especially important in the kitchen, where hard use is the norm. Many prefinished cupboards are actually made of particle board covered by a wood veneer. Unfinished kitchen cabinets are typically made from high-quality kiln-dried wood that has been carefully handled and is free of knots, cracks, and other weaknesses.

If you want the look of natural wood in your kitchen, the unfinished kitchen cabinet can be simply stained and sealed. Most unfinished pieces need additional fine sanding before finishing. This eliminates any surface fuzz or roughness that will show when the stain is applied, as well as removing any oils that may have clung when the furniture was touched by human hands. Use very fine sandpaper, and always sand in the direction of the grain. Then rub the surface with a tack rag to remove any dust. Stains can be water-based or oil-based, liquid or gel, designed to be the first step in a multi-step procedure or incorporated into a one-step finishing project. Each manufacturer issues directions and safety warnings with its products. Be sure to follow all safety precautions and to follow directions carefully. A strong, water-resistant topcoat is desirable in the kitchen, and polyurethane is a popular choice for unfinished kitchen cabinets.

You can paint your unfinished kitchen cabinet to enhance your décor. Many paint manufacturers make especially durable enamels for use in high-traffic areas like the kitchen, and choosing such a finish will make kitchen cleaning much easier. You can use a wide variety of decorative paint techniques on unfinished kitchen cabinets, but be sure to seal the project with a durable topcoat.

Unusual effects can be achieved by enhancing the wood grain of an unfinished kitchen cabinet with pickling or bleaching. These surface effects can create an effective background for stenciled or decoupage images.

For a more dramatic treatment, think of the cupboard doors as a single surface. Paint a mural or a trompe l'oeil window, and give the entire room a distinct atmosphere

Express your individuality, stay within your budget, and complete your kitchen renovation with an unfinished kitchen cabinet.