What is a Kitchen Retrofit?
Simply stated, we improve your existing cabinets.
Better function - Better accessibility - Better organization
Better function - Better accessibility - Better organization
Before with original shelf
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After with Roll-out Trays
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Replacing an aging kitchen can be an expensive proposition and refacing the exterior surfaces can be costly as well. If the cabinets are solid and the doors and drawer fronts are in good shape, a hardware upgrade may be all you need to have a fully functional and enjoyable kitchen.
Cabinet hardware systems that bring motion to your cabinets are abundant with varying degrees of quality. From our experience we've selected the best performing hardware to use in our installations to assure many years of reliable use.
Retrofitting is the process of installing these hardware systems and making the necessary modifications to make them work in your cabinets.
An experienced cabinetmaker will evaluate your cabinet situation, recommend the appropriate hardware for your improvements and perform the installation.
This is our specialty. If new cabinets or a cosmetic re-facing are required we can refer you to qualified professionals.
This is our specialty. If new cabinets or a cosmetic re-facing are required we can refer you to qualified professionals.
Examples of our retrofit services
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Hinge Upgrades
After years of use, cabinet hinges can wear out, losing the ability to hold the doors closed or keep them in alignment. Since the 1980's the cabinet industry standardized with concealed hinges, so for the majority of cabinets we can easily upgrade to newer soft-close models. As there are variations of this hinge type, the limited selection of replacements found in home centers or hardware stores will not always fit. This is a job best suited for the cabinet experts. |
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Replacement Drawers
Drawers can wear out to the point where they can actually fall out of the cabinet, especially in "Builder-Line" cabinets with drawers that are only stapled together. Depending on their condition, we can tune-up the drawer's operation by replacing the original equipment slides with newer models. In some situations we can actually add a soft-close mechanism. If the drawers are beyond reasonable repair we can replace them with new boxes and install modern slides with soft-close motion. |
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Roll-out Trays
Homes that were built in developments are commonly furnished with cabinets that are attractive on the outside but have few functional amenities inside. A single, half-depth shelf is normally all that is provided in the base cabinets. Our most common retrofit is installing roll-out trays that bring everything within reach. We mount them on height adjustable tracks that permit you to configure your cabinets to fit your storage needs. |
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Lazy-Susan Units
A Base-Corner cabinet is commonly used to connect perpendicular runs of cabinets. This big cabinet has a small opening so it takes specific hardware to make the cabinet useful for storage. "Pie-Cut" rotating shelves are the standard offering and come in various materials and styles. For an even more innovative approach, see the Corner Pantry on the Corner Solutions page. |
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Blind Corner Turn-outs
If your kitchen layout has a 90° inside corner then you most likely will have either a Lazy-Susan or a blind corner cabinet. As the name implies, you're blind to what's in the far recesses of that black hole of storage. For these situations we can install a Turn-out shelf system that brings everything out into the open. |
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Appliance Lifts
Some appliances are down-right heavy and take up a lot of counter space. If there's a base cabinet of sufficient width (15" or greater) an appliance lift can be installed. These units have the heft to handle large, heavy mixers and keep them stable while in operation with no need to transfer to the counter. They are also suited for hot air fryers, bread machines and food processors. |
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Trash Roll-outs
Nothing is more unsightly than a trash can sitting out in the open of a nice kitchen. We provide sturdy roll-out units that can hold one or multiple trash bins depending on the available cabinet size. Whether under the sink or adjacent to your food prep area, a trash roll-out is a smart addition to any kitchen. |
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Bottle Drawers
Products in bottles that don't need refrigeration pose a unique storage challenge. Similar to roll-out trays, our bottle drawers have higher sides and railings that keep the bottles in place as the full extension runners bring them completely into view for easy selection. The adjustable cross railings keep the bottles in place as the drawers retract with a soft-close motion. |
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File Drawers
In today's homes with open floor plans, the kitchen often serves as the home office. With a file drawer close by, appliance manuals can be organized and at your fingertips, after all, appliances aren't getting simpler to operate. As many recipes are now sourced on the internet they normally are printed out so those saved recipes can be organized and easily retrieved when needed. |
Who could benefit from a Kitchen Retrofit?
New home owners
We've seen first hand that the kitchen and vanity cabinets in new home developments are very basic with almost no convenience amenities. Kitchen Retrofit is the specialist for adding those missing features to your cabinets.
We've seen first hand that the kitchen and vanity cabinets in new home developments are very basic with almost no convenience amenities. Kitchen Retrofit is the specialist for adding those missing features to your cabinets.
Home sellers
Without a doubt, the first thing a prospective home buyer does when inspecting the kitchen is open the drawers. If they're full-extension with soft-close they'll be pleased and if there are roll-out trays below they'll be thoroughly impressed. A small investment before listing could increase the chances of a sure sell.
Without a doubt, the first thing a prospective home buyer does when inspecting the kitchen is open the drawers. If they're full-extension with soft-close they'll be pleased and if there are roll-out trays below they'll be thoroughly impressed. A small investment before listing could increase the chances of a sure sell.
Serious cooks
Those who are passionate about cooking and have an extensive collection of utensils and cookware definitely require efficient and organized storage space. Nothing makes creating a great meal more pleasurable than having all the tools and ingredients at your fingertips.
Those who are passionate about cooking and have an extensive collection of utensils and cookware definitely require efficient and organized storage space. Nothing makes creating a great meal more pleasurable than having all the tools and ingredients at your fingertips.
Seniors
No one qualifying for AARP membership should have to stoop to the floor to gather the cookware and ingredients to make a meal. Full extension drawers, roll-out trays and turn-out shelves are just a few of the conveniences that can make life easier in the kitchen.
No one qualifying for AARP membership should have to stoop to the floor to gather the cookware and ingredients to make a meal. Full extension drawers, roll-out trays and turn-out shelves are just a few of the conveniences that can make life easier in the kitchen.
Disabled individuals
When life throws a curve and suddenly one's range of motion becomes limited, areas that were previously easy to navigate can become difficult or even impossible to work in. Kitchen cabinets can be retrofitted with drawers and other amenities to provide greater accessibility when staying at the existing home is preferred.
When life throws a curve and suddenly one's range of motion becomes limited, areas that were previously easy to navigate can become difficult or even impossible to work in. Kitchen cabinets can be retrofitted with drawers and other amenities to provide greater accessibility when staying at the existing home is preferred.
