Looking to Repurpose Cabinets? Look out for these red flags

Highview Interiors is all about saving money! We love carefully sourcing products and planning spaces with a budget in mind to allocate resources in a way that makes sense for each client. Recently, we shared that we found a full kitchens worth of cabinets for our client at the Restore for $1,300. Since we shared that post on Instagram, we've received several questions about repurposing cabinets. So, let's get into it!

For starters, the old saying, "just because you can, doesn't mean you should," applies here in certain circumstances. Anyone can throw a coat of paint on kitchen cabinets, but that doesn't mean it's the right choice for every space.

When looking to paint cabinets, whether you're looking to repurpose your current cabinets or buy a new set second-hand, make sure you thoroughly evaluated the condition of the cabinets. Look for the following red flags:

Dry Rot

This is arguably one of the most important things to look out for in kitchen cabinets! Dry rot occurs when damp wood is infected by a fungus that rots through the material. It occurs commonly in cabinets under kitchen sinks where the wood can be exposed to leaks and water damage. Dry rot can cause discoloration and paint peeling, and can also sink the wood and destroy the structural integrity of the cabinet.

If you notice dry rot on your cabinets, you should consider replacing them instead.

Blistering

Similar to dry rot, blistering can be caused by exposure to moisture and high humidity. This imperfection most commonly looks like paint bubbling. It can also be caused by DIY'er error - like applying coats of paint that are too thick, improperly prepping the cabinets for paint, or inconsistent sanding. Blistering can also form after years of wear and tear, so it's important to know when to move on from cabinets. A gently used kitchen that's 20 years old might have cabinets that are the perfect candidates for an upgrade, while a roughed-up 5 year old kitchen might call for new cabinets all together.

Bug Tracks

Our final red flag is pretty self-explanatory, but anytime you see evidence of pests on cabinets, run the other way! That's indicative of a whole host of problems, and the aforementioned concerns most likely impact the cabinets as well. Pests might've found their way to the cabinets due to moisture, or maybe they've made a home in a paint bubble. Bugs on cabinets also causes a cleanliness concern, especially when buying second-hand. Be mindful of the pieces you're taking into your home!

Not sure if your cabinets are worth saving? Contact Highview Interiors. One of our designers will be in touch with you within 48-hours to help you kick-off your dream kitchen!

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