How to Remodel Oak Cabinets

Oak cabinets give your home a rustic feel and look quite attractive with most tiles and other forms of flooring. However, as a homeowner, you may want a change or you might also have some wear due to aging. No matter the case, remodeling your cabinets does not have to be a long, tedious, expensive task.

Supply List

• Rag


• Masking tape


• Marker


• Newspaper


• Screwdriver


• Stain


• Clear polyurethane


• Small plastic storage bag


• Sandpaper


• Electric hand-held sander


• Tack cloth


• Newspaper


• Paint brush


• Stain


• Clear polyurethane

1. Remove all of your dishes, cups, food items and anything else that is in your cupboards.


2. Wash all the cupboards inside and out, since you have everything to do it with and all items are removed from the inside. Wipe down the cupboard doors and allow them to dry. You can dry them off yourself with a soft cloth, if you would like.


3. Use a screwdriver to dismantle the cupboard doors, hinges and all the hardware used to connect them. Place the hardware in a small plastic storage bag and put them aside, somewhere safe and easy to find.


4. Put a strip of tape on each cabinet door, so you know where it needs to go when you reassemble it.


5. Place newspaper down on your work area for easy clean-up and to avoid any spills.


6. Place your sandpaper in your electric sander; 120-grit paper works well for this job. Use the electric sander to sand down your cabinets. Only sand until you remove the gloss finish and any blemishes in the wood.


7. Rub down the previously sanded areas with a tack cloth to remove all dust particles.


8. Paint the oak kitchen cabinets with the varnish of your choice and allow this coat to dry. You may apply a second coat, if the first one does not seem very dark. If you do use a second coat, allow the coat to dry prior to doing anything else to the cabinets.


9. Apply a clear polyurethane coat to add a glossy shine to the cupboards and also to add protection to the wood and varnish. Let the final coat dry thoroughly prior to reassembling the hardware and cabinets.