My Winter Project - Mama's Kitchen

We have lived in our current home since 1977 and though we've remodeled the entire house a couple of times, the kitchen cabintes are original. A few weeks ago I volunteered to re-work the cabinets and my wife jumped all over the idea. This is to be a winter project but I've decided to start a bit early by making the raised panel doors. I'll try to keep everyone updated on the progress (or lack thereof) through this blog. Below are the before pictures. The cabinets are maple and it is my desire to remove the maple fronts and replace them with oak and there will also be oak raised panel doors. The cabinet above the range will be totally remade because an over the range microwave will go there and the cabinet will be shorted. Instead of four doors there will be just two. Shift across the room to the cabinet above the refrigerator. It will also be remade to allow a taller side by side refrigerator/freezer. The shelving on the end above the refrigerator will be replaced by an angled RP door. Of course, there will be a new countertop whose color and material are with the designer (Dorothy). By the way, I took the picture without Dorothy's approval and that's why the alphabet is out of order on the front of the fridge.

Here's the Before:

I started the project over the weekend and as of today, August 6th, I have 6 doors completed. 6 down and 16 to go. I'll re-work the upper cabinets first and then move to the bottom. Here's the progress to date: Three doors standing and 3 in clamps. Please note that I'm waiting on a router bit to sculpt the door edges. There will be Blum concealed hinges all around.

This will come out of the clamps in the morning.

I want to give Gene Howe a shout out here. Gene supplied the router bits for the project at a superb price and I need to thank him a bunch. Also, he gave a little tip worth sharing. If you'll look in the slot where the panel lays you'll see some rubber spacers. Instead of buying the spacers Gene suggested that I use either rubber rope that you install screen in an aluminum screen door or spread silicone caulk on a pice of waxed paper and roll it up. I opted for the rubber rope trick. Works like a charm and still allows about 5/16 of the panel to be in the slot.

Well, that's today's report. Stay tuned.

Wednesday, August 8th:

I've going to do something that is either going to turn out brilliantly or it will be a big bust. There's a veneer plant just about ten miles from here and I can buy enough red oak veneer to re-face all of the cabinets for about $50. I'll still have to take them down but I think it may be quicker than rebuilding the faces. Timne will tell. I spoke with the plant manager today (its a small place) and when I explained what I wanted to do he told me that when I picked up the veneer he'd give me a tour of how they peel the veneer. If I can, I'll try to get some video of the operation.

Friday, August 24th
Well gang, I've been slow at posting but busy in the shop. I only have 2 more doors to make and 1 drawer. After that the fun starts. Fun if you like to veneer. I'll keep you posted.

August 31st - Here we are one month into the project and the doors are all made. Because of a space issue I could stain and finish all of the doors (24 of them) at one time so the picture you see is the loft of my woodshop and 12 of the doors. Showing is the back side of the door and it has one coat of Varathane on them. probably the next week will be spent on finishing.

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Comment by Cliff on November 21, 2012 at 6:35am: Nice improvement. Nothing like kitchen renovations to get the little lady on board.

Site Admin Comment by Ron Dudelston on November 19, 2012 at 4:37pm: Its been a time consuming process as Rich can attest to. When I get back from Florida I have to work on some finish "catch up" issues. I need to re-level the top and some other small issues. We're still trying to figure out the flooring style. I can't complain becasue I did the math and I have about $2,500 in the project right now with a fridge and flooring to buy yet.

Comment by Mike Dillen on November 18, 2012 at 10:04pm: What a drastic transformation, and so beautiful. You did a great job Ron. I cant let my wife see this or I'll be doing ours next. Great work, thanks for posting!

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Comment by Phil Chestnut on November 18, 2012 at 5:36pm: Man they look good. Looks like it a whole new kitchen.

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Comment by Richard McComas on November 18, 2012 at 3:09pm: Wow Ron, what a difference a few weeks make. They look great and I'd bet the wife is very happy.

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Site Admin Comment by John Moody on November 18, 2012 at 1:47pm: Ron great job on the new cabinets. Awesome job my friend. Sure made a huge difference in the look. I like the new tile back splash also.

The spice rack cabinet is a nice addition.
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Site Admin Comment by Ron Dudelston on November 17, 2012 at 7:12pm: Gene, that spice rack needs something but I don't know what. Its just a bit plain. I also need to add a drawer glide on the top of it because it wants to list to the right just a bit. Mama put the tiled backsplash up.
Ron Dudelston
Site Administrator

Above and Beyond WoodWorks

Site Admin Comment by Ron Dudelston on November 17, 2012 at 7:09pm: Ron Dudelston
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Above and Beyond WoodWorks

Forum Host Comment by Gene Howe on November 17, 2012 at 6:02am: Very nice, Ron. The spice rack is a great idea.

That's a sweet looking little cabinet beside the fridge, too.

Did you do the back splash tile work? It's very pretty.

Gene
'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton