I am going to be doing a kitchen upgrade/remodel which will eventually have us w/ new cabinets, counter tops, flooring, & appliances.

I cant afford to do all of it at one time. Does it matter what order you go in? I was thinking maybe doing appliances (since my dishwasher is currently not working, and the oven is on its last leg) & flooring first. Then a few months - a year later doing the cabinets & counters. Or does that not make sense? All of this will be DIY except the countertops.

Makes good sense to me...Sounds like you have a plan...Good luck and post progress pictures..

I would say yes to putting in appliances but do the flooring last. You will be working and moving stuff over a new floor, then removing cabinets and all. Plus your new flooring will be installed to where old cabinets are now and once you put in new they have to match up perfectly, etc. Save the worry about how it will match up and have flooring done last.

I would say yes to putting in appliances but do the flooring last. You will be working and moving stuff over a new floor, then removing cabinets and all. Plus your new flooring will be installed to where old cabinets are now and once you put in new they have to match up perfectly, etc. Save the worry about how it will match up and have flooring done last.

good point! The flooring is just so bad (80's linoleum) and I cant stand to look at it any more :lol:

good point! The flooring is just so bad (80's linoleum) and I cant stand to look at it any more :lol:

Imagine finishing your cabinets/counters first and finding that perfect stainless fridge, only to find it is 1/4 inch too tall because you didn't account for hardwood flooring? Now you have to go a size down leaving an obvious, too big of a space between the fridge and cabinet? :smile:

Can you reface your cabinets with fresh paint and change the hardware to make it look new and modern?

Another money saving tip, instead of buying new hardware, spray them to make it look new and modern. You can buy spray cans of silver, gold, or bronze at Lowes.

As for flooring, if you decide to replace the cabinets, make sure you buy extra ceramic tiles to install where the cabinets are going to be if you want to install the flooring now instead of waiting until you finally get around to replace the cabinets.

Imagine finishing your cabinets/counters first and finding that perfect stainless fridge, only to find it is 1/4 inch too tall because you didn't account for hardwood flooring? Now you have to go a size down leaving an obvious, too big of a space between the fridge and cabinet? :smile:
That is what I was thinking. But someone thinks the opposite, thinks we should do those first and get appliances later. I cant go a year w/ out a dishwasher...its just not happening :lol:
Can you reface your cabinets with fresh paint and change the hardware to make it look new and modern?

Another money saving tip, instead of buying new hardware, spray them to make it look new and modern. You can buy spray cans of silver, gold, or bronze at Lowes.

As for flooring, if you decide to replace the cabinets, make sure you buy extra ceramic tiles to install where the cabinets are going to be if you want to install the flooring now instead of waiting until you finally get around to replace the cabinets.

I wanted to do that but after discussing it awhile it just didnt make sense to put a silk hat on a pig. (painted old cabinets w/ brand new counter tops)

I am considering trying the rust oleum cabinet refinishing kit..i have hideous light wood cabinets..:barf:


Theres a great hgtv show called I hate my kitchen and they got custom made cabinet doors that they stained for about 1700 dollars..vs the several grand it would have taken to replace the actual cabinets.

I am considering trying the rust oleum cabinet refinishing kit..i have hideous light wood cabinets..:barf:


Theres a great hgtv show called I hate my kitchen and they got custom made cabinet doors that they stained for about 1700 dollars..vs the several grand it would have taken to replace the actual cabinets.

I have been watching that show religiously for about 3 months now trying to get ideas. I love it. Please tell me it pisses you the #### off when someone w/ say $10k to redo their kitchen pisses $2k of it away on a back splash or on a led fireplace. Its like hello you instead of going w/ laminate coutner tops you could have had granite but nooooo you had to have that stu[id horrible looking led fireplace wtf were you thinking???

I have those horrible light cabinets too what I really want is the dark chocolate espresso cabinets.

My recommendation:
Work from top to bottom.

Have you been over to the kitchen forum in the garden forums? The people there all have experience either remodeling their kitchen currently or having done so. I got lots of good practical advice. Some have done big remodels, others small, others on budget. Good luck.

I have been watching that show religiously for about 3 months now trying to get ideas. I love it. Please tell me it pisses you the #### off when someone w/ say $10k to redo their kitchen pisses $2k of it away on a back splash or on a led fireplace. Its like hello you instead of going w/ laminate coutner tops you could have had granite but nooooo you had to have that stu[id horrible looking led fireplace wtf were you thinking???

I have those horrible light cabinets too what I really want is the dark chocolate espresso cabinets.

I get more pissed off that they have 10k for their kitchen in the first place :killingme :nomoney:

I think I am gonna get the rust oleum kit in a dark color and do it that way 120 bucks and they can't look worse than they do..and maybe get new countertops..those recycled glass ones he uses a lot are so nice looking.

I get more pissed off that they have 10k for their kitchen in the first place :killingme :nomoney:

I think I am gonna get the rust oleum kit in a dark color and do it that way 120 bucks and they can't look worse than they do..and maybe get new countertops..those recycled glass ones he uses a lot are so nice looking.

That is exactly what I was thinking of doing. You would think those recycled countertops would be a lot cheaper than say granite...but theyre not! I was :shocked: when I saw some of the prices for them.

That is exactly what I was thinking of doing. You would think those recycled countertops would be a lot cheaper than say granite...but theyre not! I was :shocked: when I saw some of the prices for them.

I know :( but they look so chic!

I want something I can put hot pans directly onto. I kinda like the concrete ones they have used a few times, but the glass ones are my fave. SO likes the kits they have that are granite "tiles" which you lay and grout on your countertops to turn them what I like to call "granite plated" :killingme and then they have the end caps and trim..it looks nicer than it sounds, and is much cheaper than a whole slab of granite, obv. So we are looking into that too.

Get the appliances that you like and then build everything else around them.

I know :( but they look so chic!

I want something I can put hot pans directly onto. I kinda like the concrete ones they have used a few times, but the glass ones are my fave. SO likes the kits they have that are granite "tiles" which you lay and grout on your countertops to turn them what I like to call "granite plated" :killingme and then they have the end caps and trim..it looks nicer than it sounds, and is much cheaper than a whole slab of granite, obv. So we are looking into that too.
I havent seen those yet.

They have the kits you can order for the concrete counters but w/ all the kids I could see someone tracing a bunch of crap in it while its setting up :lol:
Get the appliances that you like and then build everything else around them.

Exactly what I was thinking :high5:

I havent seen those yet.

They have the kits you can order for the concrete counters but w/ all the kids I could see someone tracing a bunch of crap in it while its setting up :lol:


Exactly what I was thinking :high5:

Granite Tile Countertop: Tips & Advice (http://www.countertopspecialty.com/granite-tile-countertop.html)

I am considering trying the rust oleum cabinet refinishing kit..i have hideous light wood cabinets..:barf:


Theres a great hgtv show called I hate my kitchen and they got custom made cabinet doors that they stained for about 1700 dollars..vs the several grand it would have taken to replace the actual cabinets.


I got the rust oleum for the counter tops. They were typical laminate counter tops - but they were this ugly ass green. For 250$ they went from the green to the new and improved black. NOtice in that pic the stove range top - I was too cheap to buy a new one because it was pretty new, so hubby got the stainless steel spray paint and sprayed it - can't even tell

I got the rust oleum for the counter tops. They were typical laminate counter tops - but they were this ugly ass green. For 250$ they went from the green to the new and improved black. NOtice in that pic the stove range top - I was too cheap to buy a new one because it was pretty new, so hubby got the stainless steel spray paint and sprayed it - can't even tell

holy cow that's fantastic looking! was it time consuming? difficult? What colors can you choose from? Does it put any texture on the countertops?

holy cow that's fantastic looking! was it time consuming? difficult? What colors can you choose from? Does it put any texture on the countertops?


Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations® - A Revolutionary Kitchen Transformation System (http://countertops.rustoleumtransformations.com/)

From prep to when we were able to actually use them (i.e. cook/place warm things, scrub with soap and water, etc) I think it was 3 days. But the actual changing color was only about a day. (it needed curing times before being able to use).

That site has all of the how to videos and different colors to choose from. There is visual texture; but its smooth to the touch. (if that makes sense)

You have the base coat paint - the colored chip stones and the clear cover coat. It was kinda fun if you're the kind of person that likes doing home improvement stuff.

The instructions say buy plastic sheeting to cover the appliances and floor. We were like nah...what a wasted step....BUY THE PLASTIC SHEETING! :killingme a year and a half later and I can still find little stone chips every now and then. They get everywhere!

I got the rust oleum for the counter tops. They were typical laminate counter tops - but they were this ugly ass green. For 250$ they went from the green to the new and improved black. NOtice in that pic the stove range top - I was too cheap to buy a new one because it was pretty new, so hubby got the stainless steel spray paint and sprayed it - can't even tell

Very nice!!!! How long did it take for you to do it? Was it messy?

I got the rust oleum for the counter tops. They were typical laminate counter tops - but they were this ugly ass green. For 250$ they went from the green to the new and improved black. NOtice in that pic the stove range top - I was too cheap to buy a new one because it was pretty new, so hubby got the stainless steel spray paint and sprayed it - can't even tell

OK, now I need info. That looks wonderful. :buddies:

Is this stuff you paint on? Never heard of such a thing. Where do you get it, how hard is it to do. Info, info, info please!

Very nice!!!! How long did it take for you to do it? Was it messy?


Just posted the site for step by step instructions. Yes it was messy - you have a tiller type hand spreader for the stones....so it sprays them out everywhere. It was fun though. But I love doing that kind of stuff.

Here is the other side of the kitchen, shows a little more detail on the island counter top. Been over a year and they still look as shiny and brand new. I have no complaints for the price.

Here is the other side of the kitchen, shows a little more detail on the island counter top. Been over a year and they still look as shiny and brand new. I have no complaints for the price.

I've been wanting new counter tops. Now I think I've found my new project. Where did you buy this? Anyone local sell it?

You have quite a few counter tops. How many kits did you need to complete your project? I have no island and only three small counter tops.

I've been wanting new counter tops. Now I think I've found my new project. Where did you buy this? Anyone local sell it?

You have quite a few counter tops. How many kits did you need to complete your project? I have no island and only three small counter tops.


We got it at Lowes actually. We only needed one kit for all of that. According to the sq feet calc we should've gotten two because the little back splash just pushed us over the one kit limit - but we were able to stretch it. (heck if I was paying another 250$ for just the little counter on the back wall - I'm way too cheap for that:lol:)They give you plenty. Only thing we didn't have extra was the clear coat, and thats probably just because I got a little carried away with our island.

I've seen some great outcomes with the cabinet kits too, and virtually no bad reviews for either kit. I didn't expectt he countertop kit to come out so good though, for some reason..but I really like the way it looks doesn't look "painted" at all. and affordable for even poor me..I love it.

I've seen some great outcomes with the cabinet kits too, and virtually no bad reviews for either kit. I didn't expectt he countertop kit to come out so good though, for some reason..but I really like the way it looks doesn't look "painted" at all. and affordable for even poor me..I love it.


we have toyed with doing the cabinets with the kits as well. They're a little darker than the pics portray. (If they were that light I'd love them). But I think it would look nicer with a white or something. I don't know. Thats why they've been left alone and I'm working on my screened in porch next.

We got it at Lowes actually. We only needed one kit for all of that. According to the sq feet calc we should've gotten two because the little back splash just pushed us over the one kit limit - but we were able to stretch it. (heck if I was paying another 250$ for just the little counter on the back wall - I'm way too cheap for that:lol:)They give you plenty. Only thing we didn't have extra was the clear coat, and thats probably just because I got a little carried away with our island.

So one large kit did all that? Looks like I would have about as much as your counter over the stove, across the sink and to the right of your sink. Think one small kit would cover that? Probably about 1/2 or less of what you have.

I got the rust oleum for the counter tops. They were typical laminate counter tops - but they were this ugly ass green. For 250$ they went from the green to the new and improved black. NOtice in that pic the stove range top - I was too cheap to buy a new one because it was pretty new, so hubby got the stainless steel spray paint and sprayed it - can't even tell

Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations® - A Revolutionary Kitchen Transformation System (http://countertops.rustoleumtransformations.com/)

From prep to when we were able to actually use them (i.e. cook/place warm things, scrub with soap and water, etc) I think it was 3 days. But the actual changing color was only about a day. (it needed curing times before being able to use).

That site has all of the how to videos and different colors to choose from. There is visual texture; but its smooth to the touch. (if that makes sense)

You have the base coat paint - the colored chip stones and the clear cover coat. It was kinda fun if you're the kind of person that likes doing home improvement stuff.

The instructions say buy plastic sheeting to cover the appliances and floor. We were like nah...what a wasted step....BUY THE PLASTIC SHEETING! :killingme a year and a half later and I can still find little stone chips every now and then. They get everywhere!

Here is the other side of the kitchen, shows a little more detail on the island counter top. Been over a year and they still look as shiny and brand new. I have no complaints for the price.

We got it at Lowes actually. We only needed one kit for all of that. According to the sq feet calc we should've gotten two because the little back splash just pushed us over the one kit limit - but we were able to stretch it. (heck if I was paying another 250$ for just the little counter on the back wall - I'm way too cheap for that:lol:)They give you plenty. Only thing we didn't have extra was the clear coat, and thats probably just because I got a little carried away with our island.


Nomoney, thank you for posting pictures. I would like to do the same with my countertop. :yay:

we have toyed with doing the cabinets with the kits as well. They're a little darker than the pics portray. (If they were that light I'd love them). But I think it would look nicer with a white or something. I don't know. Thats why they've been left alone and I'm working on my screened in porch next.

my cabinets are this very stange light pinkish sort of wood color, I detest them..I was looking to make them about the color you have there..but resisted painting them because of all the work involved, and I still want them to look like wood.. The kit looks like it simplifies it quite a bit..

Colors: Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations® - A Revolutionary Kitchen Transformation System (http://cabinets.rustoleumtransformations.com/colors.php)

there are so many more colors than when I first started looking a year ago! I saw a pic online where they had done a white and put the antique type glaze on it, and they really looked nice.

So one large kit did all that? Looks like I would have about as much as your counter over the stove, across the sink and to the right of your sink. Think one small kit would cover that? Probably about 1/2 or less of what you have.


:lol: I really don't want to say yes and screw you.

Nomoney, thank you for posting pictures. I would like to do the same with my countertop. :yay:

Sounds like she should be getting a commission from Lowes just for posting the pictures. :lol:

I love the idea that someone did this and acheived the results that were promised. :yahoo: Nothing like wasting $250, it turning out looking like shiat, and having to spend thousands on getting new counter tops to fix the damage you did. :killingme

:lol: I really don't want to say yes and screw you.

If worse came to worse, I could buy more :killingme

Which color did you use (sorry if I missed that part). My cabinets are the same color as yours with a wood laminate floor.

If worse came to worse, I could buy more :killingme

Which color did you use (sorry if I missed that part). My cabinets are the same color as yours with a wood laminate floor.


man, I was just going to say the black one because thats all they had when I did mine. :lol:They had the black, the sandstone and the dark brown. I just went to the site and now the have onyx and charcoal so I'm not exactly posistive. How sad is that? I'm gonna say Charcoal though.

I've seen some great outcomes with the cabinet kits too, and virtually no bad reviews for either kit. I didn't expectt he countertop kit to come out so good though, for some reason..but I really like the way it looks doesn't look "painted" at all. and affordable for even poor me..I love it.

So, has anyone seen any review of the cabinet kit used on laminate doors? Like these?

http://uglyhousephotos.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/phx80skitcheneuro.jpg

Every review of the cabinet I have seen shows only wooden doors being refinished.

Hey, nomoney, will that stuff work on Corian or just on laminate?



I hate my freakin' Corian. Hat. hate. Hate.

I hate my freakin' Corian. Hat. hate. Hate.

I love my Corian counters!! We have them in all the bathrooms... a nice sand color.

I love my Corian counters!! We have them in all the bathrooms... a nice sand color.Despite the horrid color of my Corian, I still would never put them in my kitchen again. They scratch, they discolor when hot pans on placed on the counter, and they are just generally yucky.

Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations® - A Revolutionary Kitchen Transformation System (http://countertops.rustoleumtransformations.com/)

From prep to when we were able to actually use them (i.e. cook/place warm things, scrub with soap and water, etc) I think it was 3 days. But the actual changing color was only about a day. (it needed curing times before being able to use).

That site has all of the how to videos and different colors to choose from. There is visual texture; but its smooth to the touch. (if that makes sense)

You have the base coat paint - the colored chip stones and the clear cover coat. It was kinda fun if you're the kind of person that likes doing home improvement stuff.

The instructions say buy plastic sheeting to cover the appliances and floor. We were like nah...what a wasted step....BUY THE PLASTIC SHEETING! :killingme a year and a half later and I can still find little stone chips every now and then. They get everywhere!

I have old white laminate from the 80's. I can't wait to try this! Thanks for the post. :clap:

My cats don't jump on the counters, but I'm thinking I may have to lock them in the basement for a few days. :lol:

I would say yes to putting in appliances but do the flooring last. You will be working and moving stuff over a new floor, then removing cabinets and all. Plus your new flooring will be installed to where old cabinets are now and once you put in new they have to match up perfectly, etc. Save the worry about how it will match up and have flooring done last.

Depends..

If you want to do it right, remove all of the old cabinets and appliances that are on the floor, replace the entire floor and also do where the cabinets and appliances were. You can put the old cabinets back until you want to replace them.

Later on down the road if you want to make changes to your kitchen you'll be REAL glad you did the entire floor. Cheap way contractors do it is put in the cabinets on the plywood subfloor, than lay the floor around the cabinet.. Saves many sq ft of flooring, but really messes you up doing any changes and finding matching flooring later on.

Hey, nomoney, will that stuff work on Corian or just on laminate?



I hate my freakin' Corian. Hat. hate. Hate.


I'm really not sure to be honest. There might be a Q&A or something on that site though.

I'm really not sure to be honest. There might be a Q&A or something on that site though.


Pressroom FAQs: Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations® - A Revolutionary Kitchen Transformation System (http://countertops.rustoleumtransformations.com/pressroom-faqs.php)

don't know how helpful this is

A couple of tips.

Be sure to look online for appliances as well. You can buy your appliances online and save a few hundred dollars. Shipping is free and there is no tax.

Local flooring centers = better quality install and usually even or lower prices than big box.

Paper illusion is another way to get a great looking countertop without spending much money.

Buy 10% off coupons for Lowes on eBay. Home Depot will accept them as well.

I cant go a year w/ out a dishwasher...its just not happening :lol:



You have a Dishwasher ....... and Dish Dryer


:whistle: