Keep oak kitchen or replace

[Weareoutofwine]

I have a dilemma. We put in an Oak kitchen 14 years ago. It is starting to look neglected. I can't decide whether to refurbish it - sand all the units, replace the old butler sink with a new one, replace the very neglected oak work top with something less requiring of regular oiling (which I've given up on), replace handles etc etc. Or indeed paint it.

The built in dishwasher space isn't really big enough - it's a mini one. So we are constantly playing catch up. The butler sink looks lovely but in reality since having children I regret it as there is no real draining board other than my makeshift attempts with various products that never really work.

Alternatively I wonder whether we should rip out the whole thing and start again. Though money is tight and I'm not sure how to do this in the most cost effective manner.

We would like to move in about 7 years so I don't know how much a kitchen swings a sale or not. I'm sleep deprived, busy at work and really stuck as to where to start and what factors to use to help make a decision here.

I am torn between - but it's beautiful real oak, but it's never really quite worked for us now we are a family of four re dishwasher space and minimal storage space.

Advice and experiences on how to think about this would be very very welcome!

We had our oak kitchen sprayed and new worktops put in last year - it’s transformed the kitchen. Could you sacrifice a cupboard and get a full size dishwasher?

Ask around for a decent kitchen fitter./joiner. They should be able to remodel it for you re sink and dishwasher and replace the worktops. If it was good quality it would be worth it. Or replace doors.

I’d look at updates first. Can you post a floor plan and people can make suggestions.

I would upgrade it. You can move cabinets around or alter them. You just need a good kitchen fitter. It will look great once it is painted and has a new worktop

I'll sketch a floor plan and take a few pics as would welcome some objective thoughts and ideas. All I can see is what I have now.

Repacing the wooden worktop with something more practical, then having the cupboards professionally painted, would transform your kitchen relatively cheaply .

I’m amazed it’s so bad after 14 years! I’m not a fan of wooden work surfaces and replaced them in a flat we own. Way too much upkeep needed. We went for quartz. I have granite at home and DD has a composite called Second Surface.

Regarding cupboards, it would depend on style regarding painting. If old style fussy doors, they won’t look great in my view. Shaker style - painting would suit them but it sounds like a remodel is needed if your dishwasher is too small. We have a double butler sink and I drain hand wash items in half of it. I have another sink in my laundry room so no laundry in the kitchen. I have a second veg prep sink in the kitchen which works for me. Draining boards waste space. A big double sink gives more options. You csn also buy roll up draining “boards”. Franke do them I think. My DD has one. They are grooved stainless steel “rods” between flexible rubber. They go on the work surface and roll away when not in use. Might be useful in the interim?

Get rid of the sink and install 2 full size dishwasher and a small sink with no drainer. If you can keep on top of dishwasher no need for drainer. Sounds extreme but honestly our full size one was on 3 times yesterday as did baking - then I cooked a roast so now it’ll be on all day again. I’m disabled with wrist and hand problems so can’t handwash or scrub. Next time we do kitchen I’ll be having 2

It's doesn't look horrendously bad - just starting to look a little sorry.

The oak is still in fabulous condition re the units (but not the worktop and I def dont want to keep the wooden worktop, so much ongoing upkeep). I'm just not sure if I want to refurb it and keep it.

I like the sound of the interim roll up draining boards, and a double sink might also be an option.

We've just painted our Oak cupboards and replaced the worktop.We don't have the money for a brand new kitchen so this was the next best option. Our kitchen/diner has a peninsular which is wider than standard worktop at 635mm and most DIY stores such as Wickes/B&Q only do 600mm. Luckily Ikea came to the rescue. Ok, it is laminate but has worked brilliantly. We now have sage green cupboards with oak effect worktop. Also painted the tiles (to white), changed the light fittings. You'd honestly think (well to me anyway), we have a brand new kitchen.

I have a plate rack above my sink, treated with marine varnish to make it waterproof. Means anything I handwash goes up there to dry - I love it. In some European countries they have drying cupboards above the sink which I'm very envious of!

Mine was from Etsy but something like this
https://www.emmabridgewater.co.uk/products/black-toast-wooden-plate-rack?variant=39288456773704&currency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22747306783&gbraid=0AAAAAD9JWYT0PK0RUBrKKj6YaJ5hYVEiU&gclid=Cj0KCQjw37nNBhDkARIsAEBGI8PUWmp_exbt7ZB82a0ic-8YZRSX41GuhSxfvQvY1XgA_1bnqcSdOeQaAqNjEALw_wcB