If you’re a resident of Tampa or the surrounding areas, it’s likely that the recent hurricanes affected you or someone you know. With significant flooding and wind damage, many homeowners are now faced with replacing elements of their homes’ interiors that suffered damage—especially those located on the ground floor. Among the most impacted features are kitchen cabinets, where lower cabinetry often bore the brunt of water damage while the upper cabinets remained intact. This scenario creates a unique challenge: matching new lower cabinets with existing upper cabinets to restore both function and aesthetic appeal.
In this blog, we’ll cover practical steps for homeowners looking to replace lower cabinets while achieving a cohesive look with their undamaged upper cabinets. For those navigating this process, AGS Stone is here to help, providing customized cabinet solutions, expert guidance, and high-quality brands such as Showplace Cabinetry to simplify this task.
Why Matching Cabinets Is Not as Simple as You Think
When it comes to matching new lower cabinets with existing uppers, the process can be more complex than anticipated. Identifying an exact match depends on a few critical factors, such as the original cabinet manufacturer, availability of the same styles and finishes, and how the original materials may have aged over time. Let’s dive into some challenges you may face:
- Unknown Cabinet Maker or Source: If you don’t know the origin of your cabinets, possibly because the home was purchased through a private sale, you may find yourself on a hunt for similar styles and finishes. This can be daunting as it involves finding a manufacturer with a comparable cabinet style, door design, and color.
- Discontinued Cabinet Styles or Colors: Even if you know where your cabinets came from, there’s no guarantee the style or finish is still in production. Cabinet lines evolve, and manufacturers may discontinue certain products, leaving you without an exact match. Additionally, even if the same color is available, natural wear and age may have altered the color of your upper cabinets, creating a noticeable contrast.
- Paint and Stain Matching Challenges: Cabinets made years ago may have undergone subtle changes in color due to aging, exposure to sunlight, and kitchen wear. Even with a fresh coat of the same paint or stain, slight variations can be apparent. If your cabinets were stained rather than painted, you might encounter even greater difficulty achieving a seamless match due to wood grain variations and the natural aging of wood.
At AGS Stone, we understand these challenges and offer solutions designed to simplify the matching process while ensuring high-quality results. If you’re dealing with a mix of damaged and intact cabinetry, our team can guide you in selecting custom options that work with your existing layout and finishes.
Custom Cabinets in Tampa: Your Best Solution for Matching Old with New
For those replacing lower cabinets and aiming to match them with existing uppers, custom cabinetry is often the best choice. A quick Google search for “custom cabinets near me” or “kitchen cabinets in Tampa, FL” will reveal several options, but partnering with an experienced provider like AGS Stone ensures that you’ll receive expert guidance and access to high-quality custom cabinetry brands like Showplace Cabinetry.
Why Showplace Cabinetry Is Ideal for Matching Lower and Upper Cabinets
At AGS Stone, we’re proud to carry Showplace Cabinetry, a trusted brand that offers a wide range of customization options. Showplace Cabinetry has built a reputation for flexibility, allowing homeowners to adjust everything from dimensions to door styles, finishes, and color matching, which is crucial when you’re trying to align new cabinets with existing ones.
- Extensive Door Styles: Showplace offers nearly 100 door styles, so finding one that resembles your existing cabinetry is highly likely. Whether your current cabinets are Shaker-style, raised panel, or something more unique, Showplace has versatile options that help achieve visual cohesion.
- Paint Matching with ColorSelect: Showplace’s ColorSelect program allows for precise color matching, including options that align with popular Sherwin-Williams colors. This feature is invaluable when your goal is to replicate or come close to your current cabinet color. AGS Stone can assist you in selecting and customizing the perfect match for your kitchen, ensuring your new cabinets blend seamlessly with your old ones.
- Customization for Layout Compatibility: Another significant advantage of Showplace Cabinetry is its ability to modify box sizes and configurations. This means you can replicate your original kitchen layout, allowing existing countertops and other kitchen elements to fit perfectly on your new lower cabinets, saving time and additional costs associated with refitting countertops or adjusting cabinetry sizes.
- Contrasting Color Options for a Cohesive Look: For those who prefer a new look or cannot achieve an exact match, contrasting colors can provide a harmonious yet distinctive appearance. Consider using a complementary color for your lower cabinets—such as a deep navy or soft gray—that enhances your upper cabinets’ color while adding dimension and style to your kitchen. This trend, often called a “two-tone kitchen,” is a popular design choice in Tampa and offers a modern twist on traditional kitchen cabinetry.
Alternative Solutions for Matching Existing Cabinets
If Showplace Cabinetry does not offer a perfect match or if you prefer exploring other solutions, here are some additional strategies to consider:
- Refinishing or Painting Upper Cabinets: Sometimes, refreshing the upper cabinets with a new finish or color can help blend the old and new seamlessly. Refinishing the existing cabinets with the same paint color or stain as the new lower cabinets creates a cohesive look, and AGS Stone can guide you through selecting high-quality finishes to ensure durability.
- Two-Tone Kitchen Approach: As mentioned, a two-tone kitchen can be an excellent design solution. This option not only adds visual interest but also allows flexibility in choosing complementary colors. Pairing lighter upper cabinets with darker lower cabinets, or vice versa, can give your kitchen a contemporary and appealing look that’s also practical.
- Consider Cabinet Accessories and Hardware: Sometimes, updating cabinet hardware can bring unity between new and old cabinetry. Select complementary hardware that ties the upper and lower cabinets together, or add trim and molding to create a cohesive frame around both sections.
Visit AGS Stone for Your Custom Cabinet Needs in Tampa
If you’re currently searching “cabinets near me” or “custom cabinets in Tampa,” look no further than AGS Stone. Our team of experts will work with you to create the perfect cabinetry solution for your space, whether you’re restoring after hurricane damage or simply looking for a new style.
Replacing lower cabinets while maintaining a cohesive look with upper cabinets can be challenging, but with the right guidance and customization options, it’s possible to achieve a beautiful, harmonious result. Visit AGS Stone to discuss your needs, explore our showroom, and learn more about our cabinetry solutions for Tampa-area homes. Let us help you rebuild with quality, durability, and style that meet your exact specifications.
Final Thoughts
Replacing damaged lower cabinets doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With AGS Stone’s expertise and high-quality brands like Showplace Cabinetry, you can navigate the process with confidence. Whether you’re aiming to match existing cabinets or refresh your kitchen with a new design, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Visit AGS Stone in Tampa for personalized solutions, expert advice, and a wide range of custom cabinet options tailored to your home and lifestyle.