Want to update the look of your kitchen without replacing your existing metal cabinets? Covering up metal kitchen cabinets is an affordable way to transform the style and feel of your cooking space. With some simple DIY techniques, you can give those outdated metal cabinets a fresh new look.

Reasons to Cover Metal Kitchen Cabinets

There are many great reasons to cover up old metal kitchen cabinets rather than replace them entirely:

Cost savings. Replacing kitchen cabinets can cost thousands of dollars. Cabinet covers offer the look of new cabinets for a fraction of the price.
Convenience. Covering cabinets is a weekend project, versus the major renovation of installing all new cabinets.
Customization. Covers allow you to choose the exact style, finish and color you want to update your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Preserving existing cabinets. If your metal cabinets are structurally sound, covers allow you to keep the storage and functionality while only changing the outside surface.
Quick update. Cabinet covers can transform the look of your kitchen in a matter of days, instead of the weeks or months for new cabinet installation.

No matter what your reasons, covered metal cabinets provide an easy and affordable kitchen makeover.

Cabinet Cover Material Options

There are several great options when choosing your cabinet cover material:

Wood Veneer

Thin sheets of real wood that can be applied to your cabinets for a warm, natural wood look. Pros include realism and durability. Cons are higher cost and intensive installation.

Laminate

Laminate provides a faux wood look at a lower cost. Pros are affordability and easy installation. Cons are a slightly artificial look and lower durability.

Thermofoil

A vinyl coating over a wood-based panel. Offers an attractive wood-like finish. Durable and moisture resistant. Installs with adhesive.

Tile

A ceramic, porcelain or stone tile cover provides a clean, elegant look. Very durable but heavy and labor intensive to install.

Paint or Stain

Painting or staining metal cabinets is an affordable option. Pros are ease and color options. Cons include potential bleeding through paint and short lifespan.

Consider your budget, style goals, and skill level when choosing cabinet cover materials. Many home centers offer a variety of alternatives.

How to Prepare Metal Cabinets for Covers

Proper prep is crucial for successful metal cabinet covers. Follow these steps:

Remove cabinet doors, handles and hinges. Set hardware aside for reinstallation later.
Clean cabinet boxes and doors thoroughly to remove grease and dust. Degrease with a product like TSP substitute.
Sand surfaces lightly to rough up the finish for better adhesion.
Fill any holes or flaws with filler and sand smooth when dry.
Clean and dry surfaces fully before applying covers for maximum adherence.
Consider priming first for a smooth finish if painting or using thinner laminate or veneer covers.

Taking the time to properly prepare your cabinets will help covers adhere smoothly and last longer.

Measuring for Cabinet Covers

Accuracy is key when measuring for cabinet covers to achieve a perfect custom fit:

Measure the depth, width, and height of cabinet boxes with a tape measure. Measure the inside dimensions.
For doors, measure width, height and depth precisely. Mark hinge locations.
Measure any stand alone drawer fronts separately.
Note shape and locations of cutouts needed for handles and knobs.
Also measure undersides if you plan to cover cabinet interior surfaces.
Record all measurements carefully for reference when ordering or cutting covers.

Having detailed cabinet dimensions ensures your covers will install cleanly with tight seams and no gaps.

How to Install Cabinet Covers

Installation technique depends on your specific cabinet cover material. Here are some general guidelines:

Wood Veneer Covers

Use contact cement applied to both the veneer back and cabinet surface. Let dry slightly before adhering.
Press veneer sheet in place firmly, using a J-roller or rubber mallet to smooth any air bubbles.
For doors, affix veneer with cabinet laying flat to avoid sagging. Adhere one side at a time.
Use an iron on low heat to reactivate glue and compress seams as needed.
Trim excess veneer using a sharp razor knife.
Reattach hardware once fully installed.

Laminate or Thermofoil Covers

Clean inside of cabinets again before installing laminate covers.
Apply adhesive like liquid nails to cabinet and back of laminate sheet.
Press laminate firmly into place using a laminate roller or wood block to smooth.
Use C-clamps to hold covers tight to surface while glue dries per manufacturer instructions.
A router with flush trim bit is ideal for trimming excess cover material off once set.
Use silicone caulk to fill any minor gaps for a seamless finish.

Tiled Cabinet Covers

Marks locations for tile placement on cabinet. Apply thinset mortar.
Press tiles into place, using spacers for consistent grout lines.
Allow tiles to set 24 hours before grouting. Apply grout between tiles.
Allow grout to dry fully before sealing and polishing. Use caulk for perimeter gaps.
For a clean finish, miter cut border tiles to fit edges instead of plain square cutting.

Each cabinet cover type has nuances for professional results. Follow manufacturer’s guide for full steps.

How to Finish Covered Cabinets

Finishing touches complete your kitchen’s transformation:

Reinstall doors, hinges, handles and knobs once covers are fully installed.
Use silicone caulk to fill any small gaps around edges or seams for a seamless look.
Sand any rough edges gently by hand to smooth.
Consider adding trim like crown molding for a built-in custom look.
Paint, glaze or stain new wood covers to desired hue if needed.
Seal porous tile or grout so surfaces are easily wipeable.
Add new matching cabinet accents like wine racks or lazy susans.

With some final details, your covered cabinets will coordinate beautifully with your fresh kitchen style.

Ideas for Covered Kitchen Cabinets

Covered cabinets allow you to customize your kitchen’s look. Some inspiring ideas include:

Create a cottage kitchen charm with beadboard covered cabinets. Add accents like vintage-style hardware.
Go for an urban warehouse aesthetic with rough wood plank covers and black metal trim accents.
Establish an elegant aura with smooth shaker-style covers in a rich deep espresso stain.
Blend modern and traditional with clean white thermofoil cabinets topped with detailed crown molding.
Pair vivid aqua-colored laminate cabinets with mosaic tile backsplashes for a retro diner vibe.
Contrast crisp white painted cabinets with natural stone or marble countertops and subway tile.

Any combination of colors, textures and styles is possible to match your personal taste.

Tips for Achieving a Seamless Look

For a cohesive upscale interior design look, focus on achieving seamless transitions between your covered cabinets and other elements. Here’s how:

Select cover materials and colors to coordinate with countertops, floors or backsplashes.
Maintain alignment of cabinet hardware, backsplashes and appliances as you replace doors.
Keep consistent spacing for grout lines, trim and other seams.
Use caulk and filler products to minimize visible seams or gaps in finishes.
Replace existing trim, molding and accents with matching new options.
Extend cabinet finish treatments to open shelving, nearby furniture or the island for harmony.

Careful attention to detail ensures your kitchen remodel looks purposefully designed rather than DIY patchwork.

Updating worn metal kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to involve a full renovation. With strategic planning and preparation, new cabinet covers let you completely transform the look of your kitchen easily and affordably. Choose covers to match your personal style, install them professionally, then finish them for a seamlessly sleek look. With some clever covers, you can give those tired metal cabinets a fresh new lease on life!

FAQs About Covering Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Should I paint or cover my metal kitchen cabinets?

Painting can provide a quick fix, but often looks uneven on metal and requires frequent touch ups. Quality covers offer a more durable solution that allows wood grain or other custom textures. Covers also wrap edges cleanly for a seamless look compared to painting.

What is the most cost effective way to redo kitchen cabinets?

Installing new cabinet doors is often the most budget friendly option for a cabinet makeover. Home centers sell replacement doors ready to install at reasonable prices. DIY covers made from paint-grade materials like plywood or MDF are also economical.

Can I put laminate directly over existing cabinets?

For best adhesion and smooth finish, it’s recommended to follow proper preparation steps before installing laminate over existing cabinets. Cleaning, sanding and priming ensure laminate covers stick tight to metal.

Should I keep my upper metal cabinets and replace lower ones?

Whether to keep uppers or lowers depends on their condition and visibility. If uppers are hidden by soffits or less damaged, keeping them can save money. If lowers are most noticeable, replacing just them creates a visually balanced look.

Is it worth it to reface kitchen cabinets?

Refacing often costs about 50% less than full cabinet replacement. If cabinets are sturdy but dated, refacing provides an affordable makeover. Refacing is also less disruptive than a full remodel. Updated doors and new hardware modernize look instantly.

What thickness of plywood should I use for cabinet covers?

5-ply or 1/4″ plywood provides adequate thickness for strength. Go with 3/4″ plywood for inset panel doors to allow material for detailed routing. Hardwood plywood like birch offers an attractive look for painted cabinet covers.

Can I use salvaged cabinet doors to replace metal cabinet fronts?

Repurposing architectural salvage is an eco-friendly option. Ensure salvaged doors fit precisely and have matching dimensions to existing cabinet frames. Make any needed cutouts for handles to maintain functionality.

Conclusion

Covering outdated metal kitchen cabinets provides an easy and affordable alternative to replacing them entirely. With some simple carpentry skills and attention to detail, you can transform the look of your kitchen in a matter of days. Choose from attractive options like wood veneer, laminate, thermofoil or tile to match your preferred style. Follow professional techniques for properly preparing and installing your new cabinet covers. The end result will be a kitchen with all the storage functionality you need, cloaked in elegant new cabinet finishes that suit your space and taste to perfection. Exploring inventive ways to cover up those worn metal cabinets can help you fall in love with your kitchen all over again!

How to Cover Up Metal Kitchen Cabinets