Complete D.I.Y. makeover of 80s kitchen

Question

A tired 80s kitchen was completely transformed in a D.I.Y. renovation including new cabinetry, splashback and benchtops.

The project

From an ugly and terribly laid out 80’s kitchen to a modern masterpiece. I stripped the old kitchen right down to the bare studs of the walls and built the new one from the ground up. Entirely DIY besides plumbing and electrical.

Steps

Step 1

Demolish old kitchen cabinets.

Step 2

Remove old wall coverings (tiling, Gyprock) and insulation. Run new power lines and plumbing.

Step 3

Install new insulation and Gyprock. Joint, sand, repeat.

Step 4

Prime Gyprock, install new door and window trim, and custom cornice for LED lighting.

Step 5

Paint areas of walls that will be exposed (no tile or cabinets) and install upper cabinets.

Step 6

Install lower cabinets, benchtops and finish painting trim ready for tiling.

Step 7

Tile backsplash.

Step 8

Install appliances and cupboard doors.

Step 9

Custom wall LED lights, under cabinet lights, handles, tap, silicone, roller blinds, filler covers between cabinets.

Step 10

Upper and lower trim on wall cabinets. Skirting boards, feature wall, custom utensil cabinet.

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:

* Porters paints - Riverstone
* Black gloss marble tiles
* LED tape
* Painters tape
* CSR Gyprock
* Smartlights and switch
* HPM Vivo switches
* Silicone
* Gap filler 
* Construction adhesive.

Tools used in the project:

* Drills
* Circular saws
* Reciprocating saw
* Sander
* Router
* Table saw
* Grinders
* Multi tool
* Trim nailer
* Mitre saw.

More inspiration for your kitchen renovation

Bunnings Workshop member Angela completed a comprehensive 1950s-era kitchen renovation using Kaboodle cabinets and VJ panelling.

Community member helsbren undertook a rustic farmhouse kitchen renovation that won best kitchen in our 2023 search for Australia's best D.I.Y. projects.

Get more ideas from our Top 10 most popular kitchen projects.