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How to DIY your kitchen cupboards

A beautiful kitchen can make any house feel like a home and there are a few simple steps you can follow if you want to do the updates yourself.


Social media is brimming with posts showing stunning before and after photos from DIY influencers who have taken the task on themselves. These renovations might look easy in a 15-second video clip, but there’s a lot more that goes into renovating a kitchen than what you’ll see online.

If you’re on a budget – or if you’re just looking for a new project – do-it-yourself kitchen cupboards in Cape Town can be a great option for refreshing your space. There are a few steps we follow when designing and installing kitchens for our clients; use them to get the best results with your DIY kitchen renovation.

Step 1: Think about your layout

The first thing to do in any kitchen renovation is to figure out how you’ll lay your kitchen out. Many DIYers miss this step and simply replicate the design of their existing space when installing do-it-yourself kitchen cupboards, but this is a missed opportunity.

Creating a layout that suits how you use your space will help you to make the most of your new kitchen. There are a variety of ways to do this:

  • Understand how you use your space: Take note of what you do and where you do it while you’re using your current kitchen. Perhaps you’d like a set of drawers where there’s a cupboard. Or maybe you could free up space by raising your microwave off the counter.
  • Use the kitchen triangle: Designing your space to create a kitchen triangle between the fridge, stove and sink helps to ensure efficiency while you’re prepping, cooking and cleaning.
  • Create designated kitchen zones: Dividing your kitchen into specific zones can also help to ensure that everything you need when doing a specific task is within arm’s reach, which cuts down on clutter.

Once you know where everything will go, you can measure your kitchen space and move onto the more exciting parts of your renovation – choosing your fittings and finishes.

Step 2: Choose your cabinetry style

There are a variety of kitchen styles to choose from. What’s important here is that the style you choose for your kitchen cupboards is in line with your personal style and the rest of your home.

The sleek, clean lines of a modern or contemporary kitchen are likely to look a bit out of place if the rest of your home has a rustic feel. The same can be said for a farmhouse or classic kitchen in a state-of-the-art architectural marvel.

Step 3: Decide on your finishes

Finishes bring your kitchen to life. Cabinet colours, countertop materials, handles, pulls and taps are all exciting to pick out, but don’t forget about the things you can’t see either. Choosing quality hinges and drawer runners will ensure that your kitchen is built to last.

A few things to consider:

  • What finish do you want on your cabinets? Melamine, wrap and spray finishes are some of the most popular in South Africa.
  • What types of hardware will you use on drawers and doors? Cup handles, knobs and pulls can be ordered in plastic, metal or wood finishes.
  • What material will you use for your counter? If you’re embarking on a budget DIY kitchen, Melamine is a good choice. Marble, granite or Caeserstone are great if you have a little more to spend.

Next, it’s time to head to the home improvement store, order your materials and start gathering your tools.

Step 4: Ensure you have the right tools

As with any other project, it’s essential to have the right tools to do all of the jobs you’ll be undertaking for your kitchen renovation. If you don’t have gear, you’ll either have to buy or hire it – which is when DIY kitchen cupboards prices can start to compete with a professional renovation.

Power tools Hand tools Other
Drill Screwdrivers Workbench
Circular saw Tape Measure G-clamps
Mitre saw Carpenter square Screws
Jig saw Cabinet hardware jig Masking tape
Router Hammer Carpenter’s pencil

When you’re satisfied that you have all the right tools to do the job and your materials are delivered, it’s time to start the installation.

Step 5: Demo and installation

It’s time to get your hands dirty. 

Every kitchen installation starts with a demolition, so you’ll want to get your hammer and screwdriver out to start deconstructing your existing cabinetry. Remove handles, hinges and other hardware before breaking down the actual cupboard carcasses and sending everything to the dump.

Then you can give your space a sweep and use your design diagram and some masking tape to mark out where each cabinet will go in your DIY kitchen design. 

The final step is to start putting everything together. Although your boards will likely be pre-cut, you may need to make some adjustments to get everything to fit just right. Just keep the golden rule of DIY in mind when you do (measure twice, cut once) and you’ll be well on your way to a wonderful new kitchen.


If you’d prefer to leave your kitchen renovation to the professionals, we’re here to help. With more than 25 years’ industry experience, we can design and install a kitchen that will suit your tastes and budget – without any of the DIY fuss. Contact us today for an obligation-free quote.