1960s openings sized for old appliances
Appliance openings from the 1960s rarely match current models. We adjust the cabinets around them and keep the rest intact.
Serving Wood Dale & nearby Itasca, Elk Grove Village
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Wood Dale, IL
We cut, resize and rebuild the cabinets you already have in Wood Dale so a new fridge, range or dishwasher fits and the kitchen works better.
- Installers working in Wood Dale ZIP 60191
- Hookups by licensed trades where the code calls for it
- Old unit hauled away on request
Cabinet changes Wood Dale owners ask us for
Most kitchens in Wood Dale were built around appliances that are smaller than what stores sell today. We modify the existing cabinets so a taller fridge, a wider range or a panel-ready dishwasher fits, and we finish the cut edges so the change looks original.
Removing an upper for open shelves
Taking out one or two wall cabinets for open shelving is a simple change. We patch the wall behind, mount solid shelves and finish the cabinet ends left exposed.
No place for the microwave
We can build a microwave shelf into a tall pantry, a base cabinet or the space above the range, depending on your model and wiring.
Base cabinets with doors instead of drawers
Deep base cabinets with a door and one shelf waste space. We convert them into stacks of drawers with new boxes, slides and matching fronts.
Unfinished or damaged end panels
Exposed cabinet sides that are plain, scuffed or a mismatched color can be covered with new finished panels in the door style.
Panel-ready dishwasher or fridge
Integrated appliances need a custom front cut to exact size. We match the style and finish, then fit it with even gaps.
Wasted space at fillers and corners
Wide filler strips can sometimes be replaced with a narrow pull-out or a spice rack. We check what the opening allows before cutting.
New refrigerator is too tall for the opening
Many newer fridges are taller than the cabinet above the old one allows. We raise or shorten that upper cabinet and reset it so the new unit slides in with proper air space.
What we hook up and check
- Measuring the appliance and openingWe check the new appliance's spec sheet against the actual opening, including clearances and door swing.
- Protecting the counters and floorWe lay protection on the floor and tape off counters and adjacent doors.
- 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.
- Matching the finishNew parts are painted or stained to match the existing cabinets as closely as the old finish allows.
- Coordinating other tradesIf an outlet, water line or gas line has to move, we schedule a licensed trade around our work.
- Appliance fit check and cleanupWe confirm the appliance fits with the needed clearances, then clean the work area.
What to pick before the install
Moldings and fillersTrim pieces that cover cuts and gaps and tie modified cabinets into the rest.
Paint and stain for new partsCabinet-grade paint or stain mixed to your existing finish, sprayed for a smooth surface.
Cabinet-grade plywoodUsed for rebuilt sides, bottoms and shelves because it holds screws well and resists sagging.
Finished end and refrigerator panelsFlat, Shaker or raised panels sized for fridge surrounds, cabinet ends and island sides.
Microwave and spice pull-out insertsReady-made inserts for narrow spaces: tray dividers, spice pull-outs and microwave shelves.
What the work looks like in Wood Dale homes
Before
Installed
DetailA Wood Dale two-story colonial from the 1990s: before and after
A two-story colonial from the 1990s in Wood Dale, a typical kitchen for Wood Dale. The kitchen as it was: white thermofoil cabinets peeling at the edges, oak trim and white appliances. The main complaint was a new refrigerator that would not fit the old opening. The result: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. The job covered protecting the counters and floor, removing doors, fillers or a cabinet, plus coordinating other trades.
Before
AfterItasca kitchen, two-story colonial from the 1990s: kitchen cabinet modification
A two-story colonial from the 1990s near Nordic Park, a typical kitchen for Itasca. What we started with: honey-oak cathedral raised-panel cabinets with worn finish near the handles, brass knobs and almond 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 measuring the appliance and opening, cutting and rebuilding the boxes, plus coordinating other trades.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Itasca →
Before
AfterElmhurst kitchen, 1980s two-story: kitchen cabinet modification
A 1980s two-story in Elmhurst, a typical kitchen for Elmhurst. Before: golden-oak cabinets with oak soffits above and black appliances. The main complaint was 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 matching the finish, coordinating other trades, plus appliance fit check and cleanup.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Elmhurst →
Before
AfterWood Dale kitchen, 1960s ranch: accessible kitchen remodeling
Finished: a lowered black honed granite counter section with knee space under the sink, cabinets in deep burgundy with polished nickel pulls, pull-down shelves in the uppers, drawers instead of base doors, a side-opening wall oven, a lever faucet and black cage pendants and slim recessed lights.
Accessible Kitchen Remodeling in Wood Dale →
Before
AfterKitchen Remodeling in a 1950s ranch, Wood Dale
Finished: cabinets in soft white with unlacquered brass knobs and cup pulls, warm walnut butcher block counters, a blue handmade-look tile backsplash, warm oak luxury vinyl plank flooring and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips.
Kitchen Remodeling in Wood Dale →Install day
- 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 preparedPanels, fronts and drawer boxes are made or ordered to size.
- On-site workMost modifications are finished on site in one or two working days.
- Fit checkWe check clearances and door swings with you before we leave.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification questions from Wood Dale homeowners
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.
Should I modify or replace my cabinets?
If most of the kitchen works, modifying a few cabinets is the sensible step. We will tell you if replacement makes more sense.
Can my cabinets be cut for a bigger fridge?
Usually. The upper cabinet is the most common change, and width can come from fillers or a side cabinet.
Do I need new countertops if you resize a cabinet?
Only when the base cabinet under the counter changes size. Upper-cabinet work leaves countertops alone.
Can cabinet doors be changed to drawers?
In most base cabinets, yes. The face frame may need new rails to create the drawer openings.
Do I need a Wood Dale-registered contractor for cabinet modification?
All contractors (general, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, etc.) must register with the City before a permit is issued. Requires Certificate of Insurance ($2,000,000 public liability) naming the City, state license/IDPH registration if applicable. We take care of that before work starts.
Do I need a permit for cabinet modification in Wood Dale?
It depends on the scope. Wood Dale's rule in short: A permit is required for any alteration or repair of a building. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Department.
Do you work in my part of Wood Dale?
Yes. Our crews work across Wood Dale — ZIP 60191 — and nearby Itasca, Elk Grove Village, Addison.
Working in Wood Dale
- A lot of Wood Dale kitchens date from the 1960s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Wood Dale homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Community Development Department handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
ZIP 60191
Kitchen Cabinet Modification nearby
Other kitchen services in Wood Dale
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.