Old metal kitchen cabinets were a popular choice for many homes in the mid-20th century. While they may not be the trendiest option today, these sturdy cabinets have stood the test of time in many kitchens. Understanding how they were originally installed is key to working with them for repairs, refacing, or replacement. With the right techniques, even old metal kitchen cabinets can be revived for years of continued use.

An Overview of Vintage Metal Kitchen Cabinet Construction

The old metal kitchen cabinets found in many older homes were typically made from steel or aluminum. Compared to wood cabinets, metal cabinets offered a more affordable option that was also quite durable. The metal surface could stand up well to moisture, heat, and daily wear and tear.

These vintage metal cabinets were usually assembled in sections. The basic cabinet box was formed from a sheet metal shell that created the sides, top, bottom, and back panel. The fronts were then attached, often with visible rivets or welded joints. Shelves and drawers slid into pre-formed slots.

Doors were commonly made from panels of decorated steel or other metals. Stamped or etched designs created simulated wood grains and other decorative finishes to give a more customized look. Hinges were surface mounted, and the doors featured latch mechanisms rather than hidden hinges and integrated pulls like today’s cabinets.

Understanding the Mounting Systems

There were a few common ways that old metal kitchen cabinets were installed into the home:

Wall-Mounted Cabinets

Most base and wall cabinets were mounted directly to the wall studs. This provided a sturdy support for the weight of the cabinets and their contents. Installers would locate the studs and then attach mounting brackets to the wall at the proper height. The cabinets could then be hung on the brackets.

For a clean finish, the cabinets were typically mounted so the back panel rested flush against the wall. The mounting brackets were hidden behind the cabinet box. Some taller cabinets stacked two sections, with a hanging rail bolted to the wall studs. The upper cabinet then rested on the rail while the lower cabinet hung from brackets beneath it.

Floor-Mounted Cabinets

Some metal cabinet sets included larger pantry cabinets, broom closets, or base units like drawers that stood on legs directly on the floor. These cabinets had pre-drilled holes at the bottom corners or edges to bolt them to the floor for stability.

For a built-in look, the surrounding cabinets or countertops were installed overlapping the edges. This hid the legs and gave the appearance of a solid full-height cabinet installation.

Countertop Support Systems

The countertops were typically installed resting on top of the metal cabinets.Along the back, a metal counter edging strip or board would be screwed into the wall studs. This provided extra support under the far edge of the countertop.

The front edges of the countertop could be notched to fit around the cabinet fronts or simply trimmed to create an overhang. Some metal cabinet sets included decorative metal trim strips that attached to the fronts of the cabinets and provided support for the overhanging countertop.

Preparing to Work on Existing Cabinets

When planning to work on old metal kitchen cabinets, taking time to understand how they are put together is important. Here are some key steps:

Carefully examine how the cabinets are currently installed before beginning any work. Look for signs of wall brackets, floor mounting, or countertop supports.
Check for areas where caulking, trim, or countertops may be hiding screws, bolts, or other fasteners. These will need to be removed but may also provide clues about how components are joined.
Try gently moving cabinets or countertops to feel for any hidden fasteners or loose connections. This can help avoid damaging components that are still sturdily in place when doing removal or refacing work.
Take photos and measurements to document the existing layout. This will assist with proper reinstallation of any cabinets that need to be temporarily removed for refacing, repairs, or reconfiguration.
Consider any upgrades that will be made and look for signs of electrical or plumbing that may run through cabinets. These services will need to be reworked when cabinets are updated.

Refacing Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Refacing is an excellent way to revive old metal kitchen cabinets and give them a fresh, modern look. Here is an overview of the process:

Removing Doors and Hardware

The first step is to remove all doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware. Take photos of connections and label parts to assist with proper reassembly later. Use care when removing any spring or self-closing drawer slides and hinges.

Cleaning and Removing Grease Buildup

Metal cabinets and doors will need thorough cleaning before refacing. A degreasing cleaner helps cut through accumulated dirt and grease. Lightly sanding or scuffing the surfaces also helps refacing materials adhere properly.

Checking for Rust and Damage

Inspect all cabinet parts closely for any rust or damage that needs addressed. Sand and spot paint any problem areas to provide a smooth base for the new surface. Patch any holes or cracks with a metal filler compound.

Applying New Facing Material

The doors, drawer fronts, and cabinet boxes can then be wrapped in a new surface material. Plastic laminates and wood veneers are commonly used. Contact cement adheres the new wrapping material to the metal behind it. Carefully trim and file the edges for a finished appearance.

Reinstalling Hardware

Once the components are refaced, existing hardware can be bolted back into place. Coordinating new hardware gives an updated look. Filler strips may be needed for a clean fit around updated hinge or pull styles.

Touch Up and Protection

Finally, caulk any seams, apply matching wood putty to small gaps, sand lightly, and clean the cabinets thoroughly. A finish coat of polyurethane protects the new surfaces from moisture and wear.

Repairing Damage on Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Even quality metal cabinets can start to show wear after decades of use. But damage doesn’t necessarily mean the cabinets are beyond saving. Common issues can often be repaired.

Dents and Scratches

Minor dents in cabinet panels can sometimes be gently tapped out from the inside. Rubbing compound can help reduce the look of scratches and scuffs. Deeper damage may require filling with automotive body filler and repainting.

Rust and Corrosion

Surface rust can usually be removed with a wire brush or sandpaper and then touched up with a matching metal primer and paint. Heavier rust may require sanding down past the corrosion and rebuilding any pitted areas with metal filler before repainting.

Loose or Broken Joints

Rivets can work loose over time and cause doors or cabinet sections to sag. These can be reinforced with large washers and new rivets or bolts. Broken welds may need to be re-welded along seams or at mounting points.

Broken Hinges or Hardware

Damaged hinges will need to be replaced. Fill any excess screw holes with composite wood filler before installing new hinges. Dents around hardware can be filled and touched up if the surrounding area is still solid and screw holes are intact.

Replacing Worn or Damaged Sections

In some cases, part of an old metal kitchen cabinet set may be too damaged to feasibly repair. Replacing just the affected sections can restore the look without a complete teardown.

Damaged base cabinets or drawer sections can be removed and replaced individually while keeping surrounding components intact. New end panels or filler strips may be needed to fill any gaps if the replacement doesn’t match exactly. The new and existing cabinet pieces can be blended with wood putty and paint touch-ups.

For wall cabinets, it may be possible to replace just the damaged lower portion while keeping the upper section in place. The two pieces can be rejoined using steel brackets applied to the inside. The split line can then be covered with a decorative trim strip. This allows keeping at least part of the cabinet without disturbing plumbing or electrical.

Safety Tips for Working with Vintage Metal Cabinets

Metal kitchen cabinets may contain sharp edges and points or heavy components. Use care when handling or moving cabinets to avoid injury. Other important safety notes include:

Wear heavy work gloves when removing old caulking or trim that may conceal sharp metal edges. Use caution when removing doors and drawers.
Use eye protection when grinding, sanding, or drilling metal to prevent injury from flying debris. A face mask also helps avoid inhaling any metal dust.
Support cabinets properly and get assistance when needed to avoid having heavy upper cabinets fall during removal.
Electrical disconnects and lockouts may be required when working around built-in cabinets with wired lighting or appliances.
Follow instructions closely when using any chemical cleaners, degreasers, or adhesives which can irritate skin and eyes. Work in a well-ventilated area.

Tips for Updating Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Refacing or refinishing helps modernize vintage metal cabinets, but other updates can give your kitchen a fresh new look:

Replace old hardware with new stainless steel or bronze pulls and knobs for an updated vibe. Painting existing hardware is cheaper but still refreshes the look.
Add new lighting fixtures, under cabinet lighting, or even lighting inside glass cabinet doors for a stylish touch. Just be sure to work around any existing electrical properly.
Change the look of metal doors by replacing with new slab fronts or inset panel doors while keeping the cabinet boxes. Many companies offer replacement doors to fit old cabinet brands.
Switch room layout by moving cabinets to different positions. Base cabinets can sometimes be converted to wall units and vice versa. Custom end panels may be needed.
AddFunctional pull-out shelves, Lazy Susans, and other storage upgrades are a great way to make the most of existing cabinet space. Just check measurements carefully.
Improve workflow by reconfiguring cabinet placement around appliances, sinks, and countertops. Proper support and fillers will be needed.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY repairs and refacing are possible for many homeowners, some metal cabinet projects are best left to the experts:

Total kitchen remodels with multiple cabinets being relocated or openings changed will require an expert’s design skills.
Electrical or plumbing work involved with cabinet updates is best handled by licensed electricians and plumbers to meet building codes.
Refinishing cabinets requires skill with specialized tools and chemicals. A professional will have the right equipment and experience.
Major repairs like rebuilding floors, repairing structural damage or rotten subfloors under cabinets should involve a general contractor.
Proper disposal of old cabinets and building materials takes experience. Improper disposal can lead to fines.

Understanding how vintage metal kitchen cabinets were installed and constructed allows DIYers to take on many minor repairs and updates themselves. But for complex projects or unknowns, don’t hesitate to call in an expert. With the right approach, those sturdy old metal cabinets can serve your kitchen for many more years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets

How can I tell how my old metal cabinets are mounted?

Look for brackets along the wall, strips or blocks behind the back panel, holes in the floor under cabinets, or ledger boards supporting countertops. Nail heads or caulking along edges can also indicate where filler strips hide mounting rails or scribe moldings.

What’s the best way to get grease and grime off metal cabinets?

A degreasing cleanser made for metal will cut through layers of grease and dirt. Apply with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. Scuffing the surface lightly before cleaning also helps the cleaner penetrate.

Can I just paint my old metal cabinets instead of refacing?

Painting can work, but requires scuff sanding to rough up the slick metal surface so paint adheres. Specialized metal primer and paint are also required or paint will chip and peel quickly. Refacing kits are made for metal cabinets and often easier.

How do I get old caulk or trim off smoothly when removing metal cabinets?

Heat guns and painters tools help soften and scrape off old caulk without gouging the metal. Go slowly and keep the metal cool to prevent warping. Chemical caulk remover is another option but must be thoroughly rinsed off.

What’s the best way to adjust cabinets that tilt or sag over time?

Shimming behind the sagging areas evens out the weight until permanent repairs can be made. For cabinets pulling away from walls, longer screws into the studs will re-tighten. Damaged or missing hanging rails need professional rewelding or replacement.

Can I put new hardware on old metal cabinets if the holes don’t line up?

Filler plates and alternative hardware sizes allow working around existing holes. For larger gaps, move hinges or pulls slightly rather than drilling new holes. If necessary, install new mounting plates behind holes and redrill precisely for the new hardware.

How do I know if my cabinets should be repaired, refaced, or fully replaced?

Look at the overall condition, repairs needed, and complexity involved. Replacing doors or drawers is fairly simple if the boxes are intact. Refacing makes sense for surface damage or to change the look. Rebuilding extensivedamage or rot often exceeds replacement cost.

What type of contractor is best for kitchen cabinet remodeling?

Look for a contractor who specializes in cabinetry installation and remodeling rather than general contracting. Cabinet specialists have the expertise to handle those specific building tasks and integrate any plumbing, electrical, flooring, and other updates needed.

Can I do a DIY kitchen remodel with metal cabinets?

Some tasks like repairs, refacing, and painting metal cabinets can certainly be DIY if you have skills and patience. But extensive remodels really require an expert eye for proper support, appliance and fixture clearances, meeting building codes, and more.

Conclusion

Old metal kitchen cabinets may not be the latest trend, but their durability stands the test of time. With proper care and some restoration work, vintage metal cabinets can provide many more years of service. Understanding original mounting techniques allows working safely with the materials involved. Refacing, repairs, and strategic updates all help revive the cabinets. For major remodels or uncertainties, consult cabinetry professionals for the best results in blending old and new components in your kitchen. With some patience and elbow grease, those nostalgic metal cabinets can be given a fresh new lease on life.

How Are Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets Mounted