1950s openings sized for old appliances
Kitchens from that era often have a fridge nook and range gap that are too small now. Targeted cabinet work fixes the fit.
Serving Elmhurst & nearby Villa Park, Lombard
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Elmhurst, IL
We cut, resize and rebuild the cabinets you already have in Elmhurst so a new fridge, range or dishwasher fits and the kitchen works better.
- Serving Elmhurst ZIP 60126
- Installed level, sealed and tested before we leave
- Clear price for the install before the visit
Cabinet changes Elmhurst owners ask us for
You do not need new cabinets to get a bigger refrigerator or more drawers. We rework the boxes you already own: openings widened or raised, doors turned into drawers, panels and fillers added, all matched to the finish in your Elmhurst kitchen.
Base cabinets with doors instead of drawers
We rebuild door-style base cabinets into two or three deep drawers, with fronts made to match the rest of the kitchen.
Switching to a wider range
Moving from a 30-inch to a 36-inch range means taking width from the base cabinets beside it. We cut and rebuild those boxes and coordinate the countertop cut.
Fridge opening too narrow
Width usually comes from the fillers and panels beside the fridge. We find where the space can be taken and rebuild a clean finished edge.
Adding a dishwasher to an older kitchen
Some older kitchens never had a dishwasher. We remove a base cabinet next to the sink, frame a standard opening and finish the sides for the new unit.
Want a counter-depth or built-in look
A standard-depth fridge sticks out past the counters. We can add deep side panels and a deeper cabinet above so the unit looks set into the cabinetry.
Removing an upper for open shelves
Swapping a wall cabinet for a few floating shelves lightens a kitchen. The neighboring cabinets get finished sides so the change looks planned.
Flat doors that look plain
If you like your cabinets but the doors are too plain, applied trim changes the profile without new doors.
What we hook up and check
- Removing doors, fillers or a cabinetDoors, fillers or a whole cabinet come out carefully so the neighbors are not damaged.
- Cutting and rebuilding the boxesBoxes are cut to the new size and rebuilt with new sides, bottoms or face frame pieces as needed.
- Raising or shortening uppersWe reset wall cabinets at the new height and fasten them securely into studs.
- Panels, fillers and trimNew end panels, fillers, scribe and toe-kick are fitted where the cabinets were changed.
- Matching the finishNew parts are painted or stained to match the existing cabinets as closely as the old finish allows.
- Hardware and soft-close partsHinges, slides and pulls on changed cabinets are replaced or reset to match the rest.
- Appliance fit check and cleanupWe confirm the appliance fits with the needed clearances, then clean the work area.
Models, parts and fittings
Paint and stain for new partsWe finish new pieces with the same type of coating the cabinets have, tinted to match.
Cabinet-grade plywoodUsed for rebuilt sides, bottoms and shelves because it holds screws well and resists sagging.
Appliance panels and trim kitsFronts and trim for integrated dishwashers, fridges and microwaves, sized to the maker's template.
Finished end and refrigerator panelsPanels come in paint-grade or stain-grade versions to suit your cabinets.
Moldings and fillersTrim pieces that cover cuts and gaps and tie modified cabinets into the rest.
Before and after: kitchens near Elmhurst
Before
Installed
DetailAn Elmhurst two-story colonial from the 1990s: before and after
The site: a two-story colonial from the 1990s in Elmhurst. Before: golden-oak cabinets with oak soffits above and black appliances. The main complaint was an appliance upgrade the old cabinets could not take. After: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. Work included cutting and rebuilding the boxes, panels, fillers and trim, plus appliance fit check and cleanup.
Before
AfterLombard kitchen, suburban townhome: kitchen cabinet modification
This one is a suburban townhome in Lombard. The kitchen as it was: white raised-panel thermofoil cabinets and white appliances. What bothered the owners most: an appliance upgrade the old cabinets could not take. After: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. On site this meant removing doors, fillers or a cabinet, raising or shortening uppers, plus panels, fillers and trim.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Lombard →
Before
AfterKitchen Cabinet Modification in a 1990s two-story colonial, Addison
A 1990s two-story colonial in Addison, a typical kitchen for Addison. Before: white thermofoil cabinets peeling at the edges, oak trim and white appliances. The reason for the call: cabinets built around appliances that no longer exist. The result: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. Work included removing doors, fillers or a cabinet, matching the finish, plus appliance fit check and cleanup.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Addison →
Before
AfterAccessible Kitchen Remodeling in a postwar bi-level, Elmhurst
What changed: a lowered bright white quartz counter section with knee space under the sink, cabinets in cream uppers and walnut-stained lowers with polished nickel pulls, pull-down shelves in the uppers, drawers instead of base doors, a side-opening wall oven, a lever faucet and two glass pendants and recessed lights.
Accessible Kitchen Remodeling in Elmhurst →
Before
AfterAn Elmhurst postwar bi-level: before and after
What changed: cabinets in light butter yellow with satin brass pulls, creamy quartzite-look quartz counters, a green zellige-look tile backsplash, warm oak luxury vinyl plank flooring and a flush drum fixture and under-cabinet lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Elmhurst →How the install goes
- Visit and measureWe look at the cabinets, the new appliance specs and what you want to change.
- Plan and estimateYou get a plan of what will be cut and rebuilt and a written estimate.
- Parts preparedAnything custom is built ahead so the on-site time stays short.
- On-site workMost modifications are finished on site in one or two working days.
- Fit checkThe appliance goes in, we adjust everything and walk through it with you.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification questions from Elmhurst homeowners
Can cabinet doors be changed to drawers?
Usually. Converting door bases to drawers is one of the most useful changes we make.
Can you add soft-close to old cabinets?
Yes, in many cases. Exposed or older hinges may need replacing with concealed hinges and some drilling.
What is the cheapest way to upgrade kitchen cabinets?
Keep the boxes and change what bothers you most, such as adding drawers or a microwave shelf. Paint or new doors can follow later.
Can you modify cabinets for a dishwasher?
Yes. We remove a base cabinet, build a standard opening and finish the exposed sides. Plumbing and wiring hookups are done by licensed trades.
Do you also install the appliance?
We prepare the opening and can slide in freestanding units. Gas, water and new circuits are connected by licensed trades.
Do I need a permit for cabinet modification in Elmhurst?
It depends on the scope. Elmhurst's rule in short: Elmhurst requires permits for building and construction projects; all permits are applied for through the City's Citizen Self-Service Portal. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Department (Building).
Do you work in my part of Elmhurst?
Yes. Our crews work across Elmhurst — ZIP 60126 — and nearby Villa Park, Lombard, Addison.
Working in Elmhurst
- A lot of Elmhurst kitchens date from the 1950s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Elmhurst homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Community Development Department (Building) handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
ZIP 60126
Kitchen Cabinet Modification nearby
Other kitchen services in Elmhurst
Kitchen Cabinet & Drawer RepairHinges, drawer slides and water-damaged sink bases fixed.
Pull-Out Shelves & Cabinet OrganizersRoll-out shelves and organizers built to fit your existing cabinets.
Accessible Kitchen RemodelingKitchens that work for every age and ability.
Kitchen RemodelingFull kitchen remodels, from layout to last cabinet pull.
Kitchen Cabinet PaintingFactory-smooth painted cabinets without replacing them.