Remodeling the kitchen:suggestions for reusing old cupboards

Ever wonder what to do with old kitchen cupboards? The possibilities are endless actually and you do not necessarily need to be carpentry inclinded or knowledgable to take advantage of them.

What works best for this is a 3, 4 or 5 door cupboard, with a flat bottom. Clean them thoroughly and then contemplate where they make the best sense for you.

* in the kids room? Easy storage of comics (standing upright), delicate ornaments, models, toys, books and games. When placed securely on bricks they are low enough to be just your childs height. Plus, you can allow your child to decorate them.

* in your study/home office? Storing books, writing matterials, and more.

* in the den? To hold the electronics such as VCR's, speakers, Stereo equipment, or VHS/DVD/CD's?

* in the basement or garage? Storing tools that, with a small lock attached to the doors of the cupboards, the children can not get to.

* in the tack room of the barn? Is wonderful use there, keeping wayward animals out of minerals/feed, vitamins, tack, chemicals (like insecticide) and more.

The wonderful thing about this particular idea is, you are reusing something that is no longer needed for it's initial purpose, in your or someone else's house and it's cheap.

As a rule no paint or immediate redecoration is needed, these cupboards are generally wash and go being easy to keep clean (and the paint doesn't even come off).

Some don't realize that these cupboards do not have a back on them, mine never has had but if you should decide that it needs a back, don't panic. Just measure the cupboard, and head to the local hardware/supply store. Some stores sell plywood of certain lengths, others will cut it to your specifications. Keeping in mind if money is tight select a material that is within your budget as the backing won't be seen. Tack the wood to the rear of the cupboard and you're all set.

How you choose to make use of them is totally up to you as are the modifications (inner dividers, glass inserts in the doors, plywood backing or locks outside, etc.). All you have to decide is where you desire to place it. How you want it placed, hanging on the wall and how high or sitting on some bricks to raise it off the floor? Whether you just clean it up and let the kids decorate it for their room or get involved in stripping, refinishing, staining or painting it. It's all up to you.

Personally mine has always rested 2 small bricks high off the floor, just enough room to allow the doors to be pulled open. The doors were adjusted slightly with sandpaper to open and close easily before being covered with pictures that I liked.