Salvaging Bathroom Cabinets During Renovations

In no other room of the home does creativity and functionality figure so predominantly as it does in the bathroom. A bathroom driven by practicality is no longer enough in today’s design world. But, how can a consumer get the best in bathroom renovation? The solution may rest with an expert in woodworking.

Cabinets can have a variety of functions and are sometimes created in unexpected places.

Customers now demand that a bath offers beauty as well as practicality. The right wood expert can help the homeowner manage their renovation budget to create a gorgeous and functional bathroom during a bathroom remodel by salvaging and restoring the former beauty of older cabinets. Here are some of the ways a wood professional can help:

The budget

Instead of maxing out the bathroom budget, it’s easier to stay within their means if a homeowner uses existing components in the bathroom design. By refinishing or refacing bathroom cabinets, that budget gets an instant boost, because the homeowner has saved the money that would have been spent to remove the old cabinets and replace them.

Add function

The easiest way to determine if a cabinet needs renovation is to view them with their functions in mind. The tasks of bathroom cabinets are to hide plumbing, to store linens and bath items, or to conceal appliances such as water heaters. If any of these fall short, additional shelving or cabinet faces may restore the function of older cabinets. This also includes hardware, which can be updated if necessary to reflect a fresh, new look.

Each of the parts of a cabinet needs to be in good repair and functional as a matter of convenience. Cabinet doors and drawers should be fully operational. Broken cabinets and ill-fitting drawers need to be repaired or restored.

Cabinet types

Cabinet types come in different styles. Base cabinets have a base which sits on the floor. They are free standing and can be installed anywhere. Wall mounted or floating cabinets offer shelving and storage above the toilet and in places where a base or freestanding cabinet is unsuitable.

Repurposing furniture items as bathroom cabinets is a widespread practice. Some of these are old dressers, desks, and other unique or one-of-a-kind items. If the need arises, these items can be refinished by an expert, who has the experience to know which paints, stains, and finishes will weather the bathroom area the best.

Using wood furniture in bathrooms has become a common practice, but they should be protected from moisture.

If you’re considering a bathroom renovation, new cabinets may not be necessary. It may be well worth the time to have an expert advise you on the possibilities of your existing bathroom cabinets. Old cabinets don’t necessarily need to be replaced if a little loving care will make them like new.

The Wood Doctor is the leader in wood restoration, refinishing and refacing in the Portland area. Call 503-560-5220 for a project consultation.