Kitchen Cabinet Repair Techniques: The Most Common Kitchen Renovations for Cabinets

By Kelly Richardson
RefacingCabinet.com Columnist

Many homeowners find that a great deal invested in kitchen renovations is spent on kitchen cabinet repair. Because the cabinets are the eye-catchers of the kitchen, they rightfully should get the lion's share of your attention. Check out these common repair issues and the fixes to make your kitchen world right again.

Kitchen Cabinet Repair Hotspots

Fortunately, you can be prepared for most kitchen renovation repairs. Here are the repair 'hotspots' that contractors have identified as problematic.

  • Hinges. Can have loose screws or hang crooked; insert a toothpick in the old holes, drill new ones and reinsert fresh screws; use a level to determine straightness
  • Pulls/ Handles. Can become loose or lose their luster; tighten the knob pull or the screws that secure the handle; rub metal hardware with a high-quality polish and a soft rag
  • Slides. Can become crooked or grab the cabinet; remove old slides and reinsert new ones; lubricate with an industrial solutions such as WD40 or similar product
  • Finish. Can become faded over time; again, rub metal hardware with a high-quality polish and a soft rag
  • Shelving. Can become molded or crooked; clean periodically with an antibacterial solution; use a level to establish straightness and adjust as needed

Other Kitchen Renovations to Consider

Once the cabinets are in good working order, think about making them better. Add a splash of color with a quality paint or stain. Upgrade cabinet accoutrements such as pulls, knobs, hinges and other hardware pieces. Or, consider creating new spaces that remake your kitchen to match your lifestyle. Once you get started, you'll find it tough to quit.

Sources
BetterHomesDIY • Three Common Repairs in the Kitchen Part II • Nov 12, 2009 • http://www.betterhomesdiy.comhttp://www.betterhomesdiy.com/repairs/kitchen/common-repairs-2.html • BetterHomesDIY.com,
DoItYourself • Common Problems Installing Kitchen Cabinets • Nov 12, 2009 • http://www.doityourself.comhttp://www.doityourself.com/stry/common-problems-installing-kitchen-cabinets • DoItYourself.com

About The Author

Kelly C. Richardson, MEd is a freelance writer and manic do-it-yourselfer. He specializes in home improvement projects ranging from savvy landscaping to house repair and beyond. Find out more about him at kellyrichardsoncopywriting.com.