Can you renovate a kitchen and KEEP the existing doors (but change the layout)?

[jamaisjedors]

I know the norm is to keep the cabinets and revamp the doors, but actually we quite like the doors (they are solid wood and quite plain) on our existing kitchen but we want to change the layout and will need new work surfaces etc.

Anyone done this or know if it's possible? The doors are from a big chain here, I think they probably have them still or something similar - will go and check.

Or maybe just add complementary doors in a slightly different style (our house is not very matchy matchy)?

[iskra]

I am by no means informed on this sort of subject, but I don't see why you couldn't? I suppose the issues might be over whether the doors are standard sizes & you could easily find cabinets to go with them (I imagine this would be the case) & that you are then limited in your new kitchen layout by which way you need to hang the doors...

[jamaisjedors]

Thanks, I will have to measure up and see. I see what you mean about hanging the doors - will check that too - thanks.

[wednesday13]

I did this in our kitchen as a stopgap before replacing it. There was a U of units and I changed it to an L with a separate section. The corner unit I had cut down to a straight one (using the same door) and I sourced some matching doors and worktop from ebay/MFI sale. We also put pullouts into some of the cupboards.

All this sounds effortless but DH and my Dad slaved over it did the work and cussed me for it! There are a couple of joins in the worktop but at least the room works better now. It's not beyond a reasonable kitchen fitter or carpenter.

Most kitchens have reversible doors though, look on the back to see if they are drilled for hinges on both sides.

I think it's a good idea as cabinets rarely wear out but some kitchens are stupidly designed in terms of layout.

[said]

You can reverse the doors but there may be marks/holes where the handles were if you swap them about?

[Starbear]

Dh did it to ours. It was okay for 6 years, few bits not quite right. but I know what I really need now from a kitchen and we are getting a new one soon. It will help you figure out if the new layout works.

[jamaisjedors]

Good to hear more points of view. The problem is I want drawers (for pans and under the sink recycling) and of course we have cupboard doors...

DH is already measuring up to see which units could stay, my heart is sinking because I think it will be a lot of work and will not look quite right!

[wednesday13]

Ah you can do the cupboard-to-drawers thing. You need to buy some inner drawer fittings, Metabox are ideal. Put one deep drawer at the bottom of the cupboard and attach the whole door to it. Then put a couple of interior drawers higher up. I am so proud of this invention I've put a photo on my profile , but I got the idea from IKEA. Pull-out cupboards rock!

It's even better if you previously had a drawer at the top because then you have a handle in the right place.

[jamaisjedors]

ooh great idea Wednesday - I will go and check out your profile. We have units with drawers at the top.

thanks!