Adding molding to your kitchen cabinets is a simple yet highly effective way to elevate the overall aesthetics of your kitchen. Whether you have basic, flat-front cabinets or more intricate designs, the addition of molding can provide a touch of elegance, character, and a custom-made appearance to your cabinetry.
This article serves as your comprehensive guide on how to add molding to kitchen cabinets, covering essential steps, materials, and techniques involved in this creative DIY project.
From selecting the right molding style and measurements to properly attaching and finishing it, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to transform your kitchen cabinets into stylish focal points that suit your personal taste and complement your overall kitchen decor. Discover how this cost-effective and relatively simple upgrade can make a significant impact in enhancing your kitchen’s visual appeal.
The Purpose and Benefits of Adding Molding to Kitchen Cabinets
Adding molding is a quick and easy way to add character and style to your kitchen cabinets. It involves adding decorative trim pieces, such as crown molding, to the top or bottom of your cabinets. This simple addition can completely transform the look of your kitchen and make it feel more custom and upscale.
But beyond aesthetics, there are also practical benefits to adding molding to your kitchen cabinets. Here are a few reasons why you should consider this simple yet impactful upgrade:
1. Hides Imperfections and Gaps
One of the main benefits of adding molding to kitchen cabinets is that it can hide any imperfections or gaps between your cabinets and the ceiling or walls. This is especially useful in older homes where not all surfaces are perfectly straight or aligned. By adding molding, you can create a seamless and polished look.
2. Adds Depth and Dimension
Molding adds depth and dimension to your cabinets, making them stand out from the rest of the kitchen. It creates visual interest and can make your cabinets appear larger and more grandiose.
3. Customizes Your Cabinets
Every homeowner wants their space to feel unique and personalized. By adding molding to your kitchen cabinets, you can achieve a custom look without breaking the bank on expensive cabinetry. Plus, there are many different styles of molding available, so you can choose one that suits your personal style and complements the overall design of your kitchen.
4. Increases Resale Value
If you’re considering selling your home in the future, adding molding to your kitchen cabinets can be a great selling point. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication that potential buyers will appreciate. Plus, it sets your kitchen apart from others on the market and can help increase the overall value of your home.
10 Methods How to Add Molding to Kitchen Cabinets
1. Measure the Wall Space
Before you begin adding molding to your kitchen cabinets, it is important to measure the wall space that will be covered by the molding. This will help you determine how much molding you need and what type of molding will best fit your space. Additionally, measuring the wall space will give you an idea of how much time and effort it will take to install the molding.
2. Choose a Type of Molding
Once you have measured the wall space, it is time to choose a type of molding for your kitchen cabinets. There are several different types of moldings available, including crown moldings, baseboard trim, chair rail trim, and more. Consider which type of molding would best complement your kitchen cabinets and provide the look that you want.
3. Purchase Your Materials
Once you have chosen a type of molding for your kitchen cabinets, it is time to purchase all of the materials that you will need for installation. You will need wood glue, nails or screws, a saw, sandpaper, wood filler, primer and paint (if desired), as well as any other materials specified in the instructions for your chosen type of molding.
4. Cut Your Moldings to Size
Using a saw or miter box (depending on what type of molding you are using), cut each piece of wood to size so that they fit snugly against each other when installed on your kitchen cabinet walls. Be sure to double check all measurements before cutting to ensure accuracy and avoid wasting material or having pieces that do not fit properly when installed.
5. Sand Your Moldings
Once all pieces are cut to size, use sandpaper or an electric sander to smooth out any rough edges on each piece before installing them onto the walls around your kitchen cabinets. This step is important in order to ensure a professional finish once everything is installed and painted (if desired).
6. Apply Wood Glue
Using wood glue or another adhesive specified in the instructions for your chosen type of molding, apply glue along one side of each piece before attaching them together and then onto the walls around your kitchen cabinets. Make sure that each piece is firmly attached before moving on to the next step in order to ensure stability once everything is finished being installed.
7. Attach Each Piece with Nails or Screws
Once all pieces are glued together securely, attach each piece with nails or screws depending on what type of fastener was specified in the instructions for your chosen type of molding (or based on personal preference). Make sure that each nail/screw is driven into place securely so that there are no gaps between pieces once everything has been installed correctly onto the walls around your kitchen cabinets.
8 . Fill Gaps with Wood Filler
If there are any gaps between pieces after installation due to uneven surfaces or inaccurate measurements during cutting/sanding processes, fill these gaps with wood filler before painting (if desired). Allow plenty of time for the wood filler to dry completely before moving on to painting/staining steps if applicable; otherwise, proceed directly to step 9 below if no painting/staining is necessary/desired.
9. Paint/Stain Moldings
If desired, paint/stain all pieces prior to installation using either spray paint or brushes, depending on personal preference. Painting/staining should occur after filling any gaps with wood filler but prior to attaching anything onto walls around kitchen cabinets. Allow plenty of time for the paint/stain to dry completely before proceeding to the final step below.
10. Install Moldings Onto Walls Around Kitchen Cabinets
Once all pieces have been cut, sanded, filled, painted/stained, glued together, and secured with nails/screws, it’s finally time to install them onto walls around kitchen cabinets! Carefully position each piece into place, making sure they fit snugly against one another without leaving any gaps between them. Once everything looks good from both sides – inside & outside – secure each piece into place by nailing/screwing them into studs in the wall behind the cabinetry.
Things to Consider When Adding Molding to Kitchen Cabinets
Adding molding to kitchen cabinets can be a great way to enhance the overall look and feel of your kitchen. It can add character, depth, and visual interest to an otherwise plain cabinet design. However, before you dive into this project, there are some important things to consider.
- Budget: The cost of adding molding to your kitchen cabinets can vary greatly depending on the type of molding you choose, the size of your kitchen, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. Make sure to set a budget for this project and stick to it.
- Style: Molding comes in a variety of styles, from classic to contemporary. Consider the overall style of your kitchen when choosing the right molding for your cabinets. You want to make sure the molding complements the existing design of your kitchen, rather than clash with it.
- Size and Placement: The size and placement of the molding will greatly impact its overall effect on your cabinets. Larger, more ornate moldings can make a bold statement, while smaller, simpler moldings can add a subtle touch. Consider the size and layout of your cabinets when choosing the right molding for them.
- Material: Molding is typically made from wood, but there are also options available in other materials such as PVC and polyurethane. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so make sure to research and choose one that fits your budget, style, and needs.
Conclusion
The possibilities are endless when it comes to adding molding to kitchen cabinets. From intricate crown moldings to simple trim, you can take your plain kitchen cabinets from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few well-placed pieces of molding and a bit of creativity.
With the right tools and materials, and these helpful tips in mind, you can create an entirely new look for your kitchen cabinets that is sure to stand out and make them the envy of every home chef!
So take a deep breath, know that you can do this, and keep these step-by-step directions handy as you begin your journey with learning how to add molding to kitchen cabinets. Good luck – you have the power to transform your kitchen into home cooking dreaming!
