Professional Quality Cabinets with a DIY Touch
My Kitchen Hutch Cabinet Install with Sagehouse Cabinetry
Phase 2 of the Kitchen Renovation: Done and Dusted!
The second phase of my kitchen renovation is officially complete, and I’m thrilled with the results! I’ve built cabinets from scratch before, but I wanted something a bit more polished this time. So, I teamed up with Sagehouse Cabinetry for professionally crafted cabinets and I handled the install myself. Choosing a DIY install for high-quality cabinets is a fantastic way to get a luxury look without totally blowing the budget!
Planning the Perfect Kitchen Hutch Design
Working with Sagehouse Cabinetry’s design team was so easy! I shared a few inspiration photos, along with my wishlist:
- Space for cocktail and wine glasses
- A wine fridge
- A spot for the microwave
- Usable counter space
- Overhead lighting
Their designer took all my ideas and turned them into a layout that hit every. single. mark. She even provided instructions for assembling and installing everything. It would have been impossible to assemble without those instructions.
Delivery Day: Ready, Set, Unpack!
When the cabinets arrived, they filled every inch of free space in our garage! The shipping was surprisingly quick, and everything was extremely well-packaged and clearly labeled to match the material sheet and install instructions. I did find one damaged piece, but Sagehouse replaced it right away—super helpful!
They even included extras like additional trim, panel pieces, and a touch-up kit with matching paint and pens. Spoiler alert: these came in very handy later on, especially after I made a few (ahem) rookie mistakes during the install!
Tackling the DIY Install: Not for the Faint of Heart
Let me be upfront…installing these cabinets is not a beginner DIY project. I’ve installed my own cabinets before, but this was on a whole new level. Think of it like assembling a complicated puzzle: some parts came partially put together, but others required custom cuts to make everything fit perfectly.
For example, one of the base cabinets had a space designed for the drawer microwave, but I had to adjust the opening to fit my specific appliance. My best advice? Take it one piece at a time. Keeping the countertop level is key, so prioritize that as you go to make sure everything lines up for a clean look.
DIY Install Fixes and Lessons Learned
Of course, I made a few mistakes along the way. One big one? I didn’t check that the cabinet faces were perfectly flush before moving forward, which led to a lot of extra sanding and a bit of Bondo to smooth things out. Thankfully, Sagehouse’s touch-up kit came to the rescue!
If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are a few tips:
- Sanding tips: Use fine grit sandpaper and go slow. Make sure to prime and hand-sand between every coat for a smooth finish.
- Touch-up paint: Apply it in thin coats; it’s thick, so it will drip if you’re not careful.
- Waxy pens: These are perfect for filling pinholes and hiding small seams between panels.
Avoiding sanding would’ve saved me some hassle, but hey, DIY is all about learning, right?
Installing the Upper Cabinets: Hello, Hidden Storage!
One of my favorite parts of this design is the recessed glass doors on the upper cabinets, which hide all my cocktail glasses and add a gorgeous, custom look. I even installed picture-style lights above the cabinets that shine down perfectly on the countertop when the doors are open. Fancy, right?
Finishing Touches: Trim, Hardware, and a Polished Look
As everything came together, I could see just how much the trim and details made a difference. Sagehouse included enough trim pieces to make it look seamless, and I used the touch-up pen to perfect any tiny spots that needed it. I also added brass hardware to all the doors and drawers, which gave the whole setup a touch of elegance.
Let’s be real, I could never have made something this polished if I’d tried to build it from scratch! Ordering quality cabinets from Sagehouse and doing a DIY install was absolutely the right choice for me.
Why You Should Consider Sagehouse Cabinetry for Your Next Project
If you’re planning a cabinetry project, I can’t recommend Sagehouse Cabinetry enough. From their easy design process to their fast delivery and high-quality materials, they made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Plus, they provide everything you need to fix those inevitable DIY blunders—touch-up kits, extra trim, you name it.
Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or just starting to tackle bigger projects, Sagehouse Cabinetry is a great partner to help you bring your vision to life. Give them a call, share your ideas, and see what they can create for you!
Yes, it can be but it’s not for beginners! You’ll need some experience with cabinet installs, as well as basic tools and patience. Sagehouse provides great instructions and support, though, so you’re not totally on your own.
It took me a few weeks, mostly because I was being careful with each piece and double-checking everything. I had some delays with the countertop install and having to go back and fix some of my mistakes. With experience, you might be able to do it faster. OR a professional could likely do it in just a couple days.
Absolutely! You can save money by doing the install yourself and still end up with a professional-quality finish thanks to Sagehouse’s high-quality cabinets. Though if you get frustrated easily and don’t have experience, I would recommend hiring an installer.
If you liked this post, check out other projects in my kitchen, like the DIY Pantry!
One Comment
Specdobavki
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