Updating Your Kitchen? How To Use Your Old Cabinets For A Patio Tiki Hut Base

6 August 2015
 Categories: , Blog

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Remodeling your kitchen can be a busy, yet exciting time. You are probably looking forward to a sparkly new kitchen. If you are having your kitchen completely gutted, there is likely a lot of junk headed to the landfill. However, if you want something to do during this project, and you're handy with a few tools, ask the contractor to save two of the base cabinets for you. Then use this guide to create a tiki hut base for your backyard space or patio. 

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Place your cabinets together, end-to-end and use a measuring tape to find the length and width of the top, and then pick up these tools and supplies:

  • wood screws
  • a drill
  • waterproof sealant
  • paintbrush
  • bamboo veneer (enough to cover the cabinets)
  • utility knife
  • a staple gun
  • industrial staples
  • carpenter's glue
  • a waterproof countertop of your choice (the size of the top of the cabinets)

Ask the associate at the home improvement store to cut the countertop to the measurements of the top of your cabinets.

Step 2: Connect the Base Cabinets

Open the doors of the cabinets and connect them together with the wood screws and the drill. Drill the screws into the back of the cabinets toward the bottom and the top.

Apply a coat of the waterproof sealant with the paintbrush to help protect against weather elements and drink spills. Give the sealant a few hours to dry before moving on to the next steps.

Step 3: Apply the Bamboo Veneer

Measure the width and length of the sides and back of the cabinets. Use this measurement to cut the bamboo veneer to size with the utility knife.

Attach the veneer to the cabinet with the staples and staple gun. Be sure to staple evenly and give special attention to edges and corners. For best results, pull the bamboo veneer slightly taught as you staple to ensure it is smooth and even.

Step 4: Set the Countertop

Apply the carpenter's glue to the top edges of the cabinets. Set the countertop on the glue and press down on it to ensure a solid connection. Then use the drill to insert a wood screw in each corner of the countertop, down into the cabinet to create a more solid connection.

When your base is completed, you'll have the beginnings of a creative tiki hut setup on your patio that you can decorate to your liking. While the contractor and his workers are creating the kitchen of your dreams, you can create a unique outdoor space for your friends and family to enjoy.

For more information, contact Sierra Remodeling & Home Builders Inc. or a similar company.