Dear Jane,

Thank you.

Claire

Dear Claire,

Putting molding onto your cabinets will change the overall feeling of your kitchen. Molding is one of the fastest projects you can do to update a kitchen. When you put molding on the fronts of your cabinets, you'll watch them go from flat and dull to beautiful panels that show off your kitchen. Cooking will have a whole new meaning. Though you may want to think twice about painting the molding black on your beige cabinets as it might make your kitchen feel even smaller.

Now of course, the answer you've been waiting, here goes. The first you'll need to decide what kind of a look you want. This will determine the kind of molding to purchase and how to cut it. If you would like to have more of a mission style (more square and flat) then purchase a 1" flat molding and cut it to match the outside edge on the front of the door. As the molding is flat, all cuts should be made at 90 degree angles. This way you'll only have to but up the straight edges. If you would like to add more detail then we suggest you place a piece of molding 1/3 of the way down in the middle. Then cut another piece to dissect that one into 2 small boxes. This is a very common mission style.

If you are looking for more of a traditional panel look you'll want to purchase molding with more detail. As this type of molding isn't flat you will need to cut it at 45 degree angles. This will allow for the edges to come together properly. What you'll need to cut the molding for either this or the mission style above either a miter box or a miter saw. You may find that you will have better control over your cut when you do it by hand with the miter box.

Before you get started cutting you will have to decide where you would like to place the molding on the door. It can be placed right up against the edge or it can be placed ½" to 2" in. Once this is done you'll need to measure and begin cutting. The best way to adhere these pieces of molding is to nail them on with something called a brad. A brad is a "headless nail". The reason why this is so important is that once you've gotten it nailed in, you'll take a tool called a counter setter, place it at the top of the nail and hit it with your hammer. When it's done right all you have left is a small hole that you can fill with spackle if you're painting over it or wood filler if you're staining. (Make sure to fill in any gaps with this as well before painting/staining). Now you've got the recipe, start cookin'‼

Jane Tip: If you plan on painting the molding, then MDF (medium density fiberboard) will fit your needs and help out as it usually comes already primed and usually costs less. Though if you plan on staining it, then purchase a higher quality molding with a better looking grain. Check to see if you prefer the look of your stain on pine or oak as the same finish will appear differently on these woods. If you're not sure, purchase a small piece of molding and test the stain to see if you like the look.

Good luck! We hope this helps!

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at any time. We're here for you!

We hope this helps!

Hugs 'n hammers,

Jane