How to replace benchtop and update cabinets for kitchen refresh?

[sam1978]

Hi there. We installed a Bunnings kitchen about 13 years ago in our very small space. I am wanting to update the kitchen by replacing the bench top with the Kaboodle 2400 x 600 Havea timber bench top. 

I am wondering whether I could use another bench top to run along the underside of the overhead cabinets (length is 1700 and depth is 320). This will require the bench to be cut to size and I was not sure whether the new edge will still provide a nice finish. I would then like to use the off cut to create a shelf above the stove top. Would this type of shelf be secure enough to allow for the weight of a standard sized microwave. 

in addition to this, I also plan to convert the existing cabinet doors into shaker style doors. I have had a look at all the excellent tutorials and advice on this site for tips. What I was unsure about was whether I can attach the ply wood directly to the cabinets or do I need to prime the cabinets first?  I appreciate any advice you may have 

Thanks so much and I look forward to hearing from you 😊

 

 

[Akanksha]

Hello @sam1978, 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community! We're excited to have you on board and we hope you're finding this site a wonderful resource for inspiring D.I.Y. ideas and useful advice. 

Thanks for your questions on your kitchen renovation. Sounds like an exciting project. I'm sure our resident D.I.Y. expert @EricL will be happy to assist you once he's back online later today. Let me also some of our experienced members to see if they have any thoughts: @ProjectPete, @redbournreno 

Have you also had a look at our Top 10 most popular kitchen projects? It contains several inspiring kitchen renovations in case you are looking for more ideas on how to refresh your kitchen. 

Do keep us updated on your kitchen makeover as it progresses. Look forward to seeing its transformation. 

Akanksha 

[EricL]

Hello @sam1978

It's wonderful to hear that you're planning a kitchen revamp. The quick answer is yes to all three questions. Yes, you can replace the current benchtop with the new Havea timber top. Yes, you can make a shelf under the wall cabinets and over the cooktop. You have two choices available to you. You can either order the Hevea benchtops and cut the shelves yourself or you can ask the In-Store Kitchen Expert to custom order them for you.  

The old benchtop could possibly be glued on or screwed or both, please make sure to be very careful when removing the old benchtop to prevent damaging the cabinets. Just to be on the safe side, please make sure to engage the services of a registered electrician when removing the cooktop. When cutting or sanding the timber benchtop please make sure to wear personal protection equipment such as goggles, gloves and a dust mask.

If you are planning on making a microwave shelf, please make sure that the angle brackets you'll be using are secure and mounted to the timber studs.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[sam1978]

Thank you so much 😊 

[redbournreno]

HI @sam1978,

It is so great to see your Bunnings kitchen get so much usefulness and life out it.  Your choice to just adapt and expand it is exactly why these type of DIY projects are so great for home owners.  Here are some tips and tricks for you to achieve what you are after.

1. Think about exactly what functionality you are looking for firstly.  What do you intend to use the shelf under the wall cabinets for?  The depth of the shelf need only be as much as you need.  I would advise that the shelf is shallower than the depth of the wall cabinets to keep good access to the benchtop.

2.  When you cut the Hevea benchtop for the shelving then it's good to plan the cut side to be against the wall.  That way there is no problem with the finish of the exposed edge of the shelf.

3.  The Hevea benchtop should be strong enough to handle a microwave, but as @EricL said, make sure the brackets are screwed into wall studs and that the brackets are right size.

4.  I would recommend not to put the microwave above the cooktop because it might be against building code, being not good for safety and cleanliness issues though. Greasy steam from the cooker will get restricted for airflow up to the exhaust fan when the microwave shelf is there. It is totally up to you and does seem like the best location in a small scale kitchen though.  An alternative would be to far right side under the wall cabinets, also on a shelf.

5.  To transform the doors to a shaker style the best way is to find out if your existing door sizes are still standard and replacing them for new Kaboodle shaker style doors, end panels and filler panels.  If that is out of your budget then transforming them yourself is an option, but will be a lot of work.  The gloss cabinetry and panels will need sanding back before adding molding or plywood.  Then a specialist paint primer and paint range such as Dulux Renovations range for laminate will be needed.  However, check what type of doors yours are because I'm not certain that gloss finish will work with laminate paint.  You may need a more commercial grade primer to stick well.

6.  From a style perspective it will look beautiful and by the time you go to that effort then I would also recommend you look at some of the amazing splashback tiles at Bunnings to tile up the wall from the new benchtop right up to under the new shelving. So much of your personality can be added in this way to make it really homely and functional.

Best of luck with it!

[sam1978]

Thank you so much for your reply. That is all so helpful 😊