A kitchen cannot be complete without a refrigerator, and some kitchens even have two. Suppose you have been using your refrigerator for a long time, and you want to get a new one. If the new one is bigger than the available space, can you change cabinets, so the refrigerator fits?
You can alter or change your existing cabinets to accommodate an oversized refrigerator, and it is not a big problem to tackle. Fillers, smaller cabinets, or trims can be added after changing the cabinets, and you can do it yourself or employ a professional.
This article delves into what you can do if your refrigerator does not fit. It also considers whether you can reconfigure and move existing kitchen cabinets, and how to carry out these tasks.
What Do You Do If Your Refrigerator Doesn’t Fit?
A refrigerator requires a lot of space, and although it usually has an assigned area in a cabinet layout plan, you may need to make some adjustments to fit a bigger one. A complete kitchen remodeling can spur you to buy a new refrigerator or move your old one into a new location.
Changing cabinets involves resizing or completely removing them. If you have to remove a cabinet, you can hang a photo in the space or place a shelf for decorative items.
If your refrigerator does not fit, you have two options: make it fit or return it to the store and get one that will work with the space available.
Even after measuring the refrigerator and your kitchen space carefully, a hidden angle on the fridge can have you stumped when installing it. If you are not inclined to return the refrigerator and go through the stress of selecting another one, you can renovate the upper cabinets to create the extra space you need.
Here is a detailed step-by-step process you can follow to get this done:
- Measure the width and height of your refrigerator with a measuring tape and add at least two inches on top and each side.
- Measure the refrigerator’s location, and identify the cabinet (s) to change or adjust.
- Remove the cabinet by unscrewing the door and other screws that attach it to the wall studs. Set it aside.
- If you will be installing smaller cabinets; measure and mark where you want to put them with a pencil. Next, locate the wall studs with a stud finder and drill four holes in the wall studs for the screws.
Align the cabinets one at a time with the pre-drilled holes and put three-inch screws, securing the cabinets to the wall. Ensure the tops of the cabinets are straight with a level.
- For cutting or resizing the cabinets, mark the cabinets where you need to cut off the inches. Some cabinets may require you to cut them while still attached because you cannot detach a single cabinet.
Use a skill saw, salsaw or table saw to cut the delineated areas, and rebuild the cabinets with staples and screws. If you removed any laminate from the cabinets, laminate the damaged areas with the old laminate or new mica. Cut down the doors and reattach them to the cabinets.
Once you have the space ready, place the refrigerator in it and enjoy your new kitchen look.
Can You Reconfigure Existing Kitchen Cabinets?
Termites, wear and tear, or exposure to moisture can damage your kitchen cabinets, and you might want to replace them. However, minor damages don’t have to be a death sentence. You can reconfigure the cabinets by trying these ideas:
- Re-hang the upper cabinets, bringing them flush with the ceiling.
- Raise the cabinets a little higher to hang shelves underneath for storing wine or cookbooks.
- Remove cabinet doors and convert them to open shelving.
- Add smaller cabinets above the larger ones.
- Change the position of the cabinets, including placing them upside down.
- Add trimmings and repaint.
A little sprucing up can help you maximize space and give your kitchen a new look, and you can save money from remodeling.
Can You Move Existing Cabinets?
Whether you remodel your entire kitchen or simply rearrange it, you can move existing cabinets. Sometimes, you only need to move a few cabinets to breathe life into your dull and dated kitchen.
Even better, you don’t have to throw them away; reuse them in other parts of the house or the same kitchen! In preparing to move kitchen cabinets, the first thing to do is to check potential areas to place the cabinets when you remove them from the kitchen.
The laundry room, basement, garage, shed, and even your investment properties are good places to move the cabinets. Once you have a prospective space in mind, move the cabinets by taking the following steps:
- Empty the cabinets and give it a good clean
Throw out rarely used or expired items, and store the useful ones in a locked container until you are ready to rehouse them. While still attached to the wall, wipe them inside-out with soap, water, and a little vinegar in the mix. The sides and back also deserve some swipes of the cleaning towel.
- Remove the cabinets
First, take out all doors and drawers, and place them in a safe position. If you plan to reuse any screws removed, you can tape them to the hinges or inside the doors, so they don’t get missing.
Remove the soft caulking or cove molding with a pry bar or knife, then remove the screws attaching the cabinets to the wall and neighboring shelves. Remove the cabinet from the wall by applying firm pressure
- Place the cabinets in the new location
Using a stud finder, locate the wall studs in the new location and mark them with a pencil. Measure where the cabinet will be mounted, and draw a line along the wall.
Place the cabinet against the wall and drive deck screws through the back of the cabinet into the wall studs.
After installing the cabinet and doors, patch up any holes in the drywall for a clean look. Give your kitchen an updated style and create a more organized space by moving cabinets.
