To cover the underside of cabinets, use adhesive vinyl, peel-and-stick wallpaper, or paint for a quick and easy solution. This will give your cabinets a fresh and stylish look while protecting them from dust and dirt buildup.
The underside of kitchen cabinets often gets overlooked in home design. However, this area can be a prime spot for aesthetic and functional enhancements. Whether you’re looking to hide unsightly wires, provide extra lighting, or simply add a decorative touch, covering the underside of your cabinets can transform your kitchen space.
Choosing The Right Materials
When it comes to covering the underside of cabinets, choosing the right materials is crucial to ensure durability, functionality, and aesthetics. The materials you choose should be able to withstand daily wear and tear, be easy to clean, and complement the overall design of your kitchen or space.
Considerations For Material Selection
Before diving into the various materials available for covering the underside of cabinets, it’s important to consider a few key factors. These include:
- Moisture resistance
- Durability
- Maintenance requirements
- Cost
- Aesthetics
Pros And Cons Of Different Materials
There are several materials to consider when covering the underside of cabinets. Each material comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| Wood | Classic look, customizable | Prone to warping, may require regular maintenance |
| Laminate | Durable, easy to clean | May chip or peel over time |
| Tile | Water-resistant, wide range of design options | Grout can be difficult to clean, may crack or chip |
| Acrylic | Sleek, modern appearance, easy to maintain | Can be more expensive, may scratch |
Preparing The Cabinets
This phase involves thorough cleaning and sanding of the cabinet surfaces and accurately measuring and cutting the material for a precise fit.
Cleaning And Sanding
To begin, clean the underside of the cabinets to remove any dirt, grease, or residue that could affect the adhesion of the covering material. Use a mild detergent and water solution, and ensure that the surface is completely dry before proceeding.
Next, sand the cabinet underside lightly to create a rough texture, which will help the covering material adhere better.
Measuring And Cutting The Material
After the cleaning and sanding process, it’s time to measure the dimensions of the cabinet underside accurately. Use a measuring tape to determine the length and width, taking into account any protrusions or obstacles.
Once the measurements are obtained, transfer them to the covering material, whether it’s contact paper, adhesive vinyl, or another suitable option. Cut the material carefully to fit the exact dimensions of the cabinet underside, allowing for a slight overlap for a seamless finish.
Different Types of Covering Installation Process
To ensure a seamless installation process for covering the underside of cabinets, it is essential to consider the method of securing the material in place.
1. LED Strip Lighting
Adding LED strip lighting under your cabinets provides better illumination for your countertop workspace, making it easier to see while cooking and preparing meals. Additionally, this lighting option adds a modern and elegant touch to your kitchen, enhancing the overall ambiance and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Materials Needed:
LED strip lights
- Power adapter
- Mounting clips or adhesive tape
Steps:
- Measure: Determine the length of the cabinet underside that needs lighting.
- Cut to Size: Trim the LED strip lights to the required length.
- Attach the Lights: Use mounting clips or the adhesive backing to secure the strip lights under the cabinets.
- Connect to Power: Plug the LED strip into a power adapter and connect it to a power outlet. Conceal wires as needed.
- Test and Adjust: Turn on the lights and make any necessary adjustments to the positioning.
2. Decorative Panels or Molding
Adding decorative panels or molding to the underside of your cabinets provides a custom look that adds a personalized and polished finish, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Additionally, these elements effectively conceal imperfections, such as unsightly wires, pipes, or uneven surfaces, creating a cleaner and more refined appearance.
Materials Needed:
- Decorative panels or molding
- Measuring tape
- Saw (if panels need to be cut)
- Adhesive or small nails
- Paint or stain (optional)
Steps:
- Measure: Carefully measure the underside of the cabinets.
- Cut Panels: Cut the panels or molding to fit the measured area.
- Finish: Paint or stain the panels to match or complement your cabinets.
- Attach: Use adhesive or small nails to secure the panels or molding to the cabinet underside.
3. Under-Cabinet Shelving
Adding under-cabinet solutions in your kitchen offers significant benefits. Firstly, it provides additional storage space for kitchen essentials, helping to declutter countertops and keep your kitchen organized.
Secondly, it ensures easy access to frequently used items, making your kitchen more efficient and user-friendly. This combination of added storage and convenient accessibility can transform your kitchen into a more functional and enjoyable space.
Materials Needed:
- Shelf brackets
- Shelves (wood, metal, or glass)
- Screws
- Drill
Steps:
- Plan Layout: Decide where you want the shelves to be placed.
- Install Brackets: Secure the shelf brackets to the underside of the cabinets.
- Mount Shelves: Place the shelves onto the brackets and secure them with screws.
- Organize: Arrange your kitchen items on the new shelves.
4. Peel-and-Stick Tiles or Wallpaper
Updating the underside of your cabinets offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides a quick and easy way to refresh the look of your kitchen, allowing for a noticeable transformation without the need for extensive renovations.
Additionally, the variety available in materials, designs, and finishes means you can find options to suit any style, ensuring that the update complements your kitchen’s existing decor and personal taste.
Materials Needed:
- Peel-and-stick tiles or wallpaper
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife
- Smoothing tool
Steps:
- Clean Surface: Ensure the underside of the cabinets is clean and dry.
- Measure: Measure the area to be covered.
- Cut to Size: Cut the tiles or wallpaper to fit the measured area.
- Apply: Peel off the backing and carefully stick the tiles or wallpaper to the underside of the cabinets. Use a smoothing tool to remove any air bubbles.
5. Cork Board
Using a cork board to cover the underside of cabinets offers several benefits. It enhances functionality by serving as a convenient message board or a place to pin recipes and notes, keeping important information and inspiration within easy reach.
Additionally, it adds a warm, natural texture to the kitchen, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere while seamlessly integrating into various design styles.
Materials Needed:
- Cork board sheets
- Adhesive
- Utility knife
- Measuring tape
Steps:
- Measure: Determine the size of the area you want to cover.
- Cut Cork Board: Cut the cork board sheets to fit the measured space.
- Attach: Use adhesive to secure the cork board to the underside of the cabinets.
- Decorate: Pin notes, recipes, or small kitchen tools to the cork board.
6. Magnetic Knife Strip
Installing a magnetic knife strip underneath your cabinets offers significant benefits. Firstly, it is a great space-saving solution, freeing up valuable countertop space by storing knives neatly and securely out of the way. This not only declutters your kitchen surfaces but also provides a cleaner and more organized look.
Additionally, the convenience factor is substantial, as it keeps your knives easily accessible. No more rummaging through drawers or cluttering your countertops with knife blocks – your knives are always within arm’s reach, making food preparation quicker and more efficient.
Materials Needed:
- Magnetic knife strip
- Screws
- Drill
Steps:
- Select Location: Choose the best spot under the cabinet for the knife strip.
- Mark Holes: Mark where the screws will go.
- Drill Holes: Drill pilot holes for the screws.
- Mount Strip: Attach the magnetic knife strip using screws.
- Organize Knives: Place your knives on the strip.
7. Fabric Skirting
Adding fabric skirting to the underside of your cabinets softens the look, bringing a cozy, homely feel to your kitchen. This approach allows for easy customization, letting you change the fabric for different seasons or styles, ensuring your kitchen always reflects your personal taste and current trends.
Materials Needed:
- Fabric of choice
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Fabric adhesive or hook-and-loop tape
Steps:
- Measure: Determine the length and width of the area to cover.
- Cut Fabric: Cut the fabric to the desired size.
- Attach: Use fabric adhesive or hook-and-loop tape to secure the fabric under the cabinets.
Looking for more budget-friendly kitchen upgrades? Check out our article on the cheapest way to reface kitchen cabinets for additional cost-effective ideas!
Extra Finishing Touches (Optional)
These final steps will give your cabinets a polished look and protect them from damage. Here are two important steps you should take:
Trimming And Sealing Edges
Trimming and sealing the edges of your cabinet covers is important to prevent moisture and dirt from getting inside and damaging the wood. Here’s how to do it:
- Measure the length and width of the cabinet underside cover.
- Cut the edge trim to the same length and width as the cover.
- Apply a bead of adhesive to the back of the trim and press it onto the edge of the cover.
- Use a damp cloth to clean up any excess adhesive.
- Once the adhesive is dry, use a sealant to cover the edges of the trim and the cover. This will prevent moisture from seeping in and damaging the wood.
Painting Or Staining The Underside
If you want to give your cabinets a finished look, you can paint or stain the underside of the covers. Here’s how:
- Clean the underside of the covers with a damp cloth and let them dry completely.
- If you’re painting the underside, apply a coat of primer and let it dry. Then, apply a coat of paint and let it dry completely before applying a second coat.
- If you’re staining the underside, apply the stain with a brush or rag, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it dry completely before applying a second coat.
- Once the paint or stain is dry, apply a coat of sealant to protect the wood from moisture and damage.
With these finishing touches, your cabinet underside covers will not only be functional but also look great. Plus, they’ll be protected from damage for years to come.
Conclusion
Covering the underside of cabinets is an excellent way to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. From adding lighting and decorative panels to installing shelves and peel-and-stick tiles, there are numerous options to suit every taste and need.
These easy aesthetic fixes can be done by most homeowners and can significantly improve the look and feel of your kitchen. With a little effort and creativity, you can transform the often-overlooked underside of your cabinets into a beautiful and useful part of your kitchen space.
