Cheaply updating older kitchen

5starpool · 14-05-2026 10:13AM #1

I have a kitchen that needs to be updated. It is from a 2006 completed apartment and was probably pretty cheap to begin with. The laminate on the cupboard doors is loose now and it looks bad. There is also one exposed side panel (on a cupboard that contains a gas boiler) that is partially rotting at the bottom and needs to be replaced.

What I'm hoping to do is to buy new doors as the units themselves are still fine, replace that side panel, and either replace or paint the other bits (architraves, plinth/skirting boards, exposed panels at the side of integrated fridge and the gas boiler). Is this a very doable project? I've no experience doing this, but it looks not that difficult (famous last words). Care with drilling holes in cabinet doors and painting exposed bits are the bulk of the work. Is there anything else I need to look out for? I'm thinking of painting the architraves and exposed panels a very neutral colour like white and not trying to match them to the new doors. Is it better/easier to replace these panels and architraves instead?

20/20 · 14-05-2026 10:49PM

Dont be such a tightwad and put in a new kitchen, I presume this is your rental apartment that has been rented out for years.

This is it · 14-05-2026 11:04PM

We've an old kitchen, it's solid rather than laminate. Took me about 5 full days but managed to paint the whole thing and it turned out really well. Almost 3 years on and really the only thing noticable is around two or three high traffic handles I can see the primer, will likely give them a light sand this summer, couple of coats, and try get another couple of years from it.

If you're willing to put the effort in it can turn out well I think. I spoke to a rep in Colourtrend who gave great advice on what to use, how many coats, roller type, etc.

tabby aspreme · 15-05-2026 06:45AM

Use good sandpaper like Abranet, good primer and paint and it will last years, money spent on good paint is well worth it

5starpool · 15-05-2026 09:13AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124469243#Comment_124469243

Ya, if the doors were solid it'd be no issue, but painting them wouldn't solve the issue we have.

The apartment is being sold in the coming months, so making it look better for sale without spending loads is the aim.

Tree · 15-05-2026 11:24AM

Don't bother doing it up if it's to be sold to people who'll live in it. They'll want to do up the kitchen properly so any cheap materials will just be wasted. If you're selling to another landlord, let them do the cheap fix.

5starpool · 15-05-2026 03:26PM

Well that's not really what I'm interested in asking here. I'm asking about whether it's more complex to do this than it may seem and best left to a professional.

loyatemu · 15-05-2026 04:36PM

you can strip laminate and repaint, but it seems like a big job as you've to remove the laminate and the glue. There's a local crowd who advertise it on FB and their examples look good but I don't know the cost, presumably more than a simple respray.

The Mulk · 15-05-2026 04:45PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124470738#Comment_124470738

I did this when i moved into my current house. Kitchen was new enough, but doors and counter top looked awful. Bought extra units to extend kitchen and all new doors, countertop, side panes, plinth etc. and replaced it.

Used https://diykitchenshop.ie/?srsltid=AfmBOoqOlY2mg9IXh8uY6ne0KOkk9dmJkc_X81FJYxxsrVoJv5jaJCFA

Not sure whether they are still going.

Plinth was the hardest part as i had a corner unit with two 45 degree cuts.

I was able to re-use the drawer unit and just bought new drawer fronts. I was also able to re-use the hinges.

5starpool · 15-05-2026 06:08PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124470931#Comment_124470931

The doors I'm comfortable enough replacing them as we'll be reusing the same hinges for the most part. It's the other bits I'm a bit worried about in terms of painting or replacing and which would be better. Painting seems like the easiest option. Try it and see I suppose.

The Mulk · 15-05-2026 06:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124471169#Comment_124471169

I got a painting kit from Colourtrend over 10 years ago to freshen up a kitchen in our first house. It came with ESP, (easy surface prep), primer and top coat. It is designed for painting laminated surfaces, such as kitchen presses. Turned out well.

In relation to the other parts of the kitchen, I found everything easy to replace such as the kick boards and end pieces.For drilling handles I made a jig to ensure they were all at the the same height/depth. The cuts on the plinth and pelmet were the only awkward bits so you could always remove and paint these. Just prep the surfaces we'll.

Cheaply updating older kitchen

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