Cabinet Restoration Services for Every Room
From kitchen cabinets that need a fresh new look to antique display cabinets that deserve careful preservation, we restore all types of cabinets to look and function like new. Restoration is typically 60-70% cheaper than full replacement.
- Kitchen, display, wardrobe & antique cabinets
- Structural repair, refinishing & hardware upgrade
- Free on-site assessment & detailed quotes
Types of Cabinets We Restore
Whether it is a full set of kitchen cabinets or a single treasured antique display piece, we have the expertise to restore it beautifully.
Kitchen Cabinets
Upper and lower kitchen cabinets, pantry units, and kitchen islands. We restore doors, drawer fronts, and visible frames. Transform a dated kitchen without the cost of full replacement.
Price range: R5,000 - R15,000 (full kitchen set)
Display Cabinets
Glass-fronted display cabinets, china cabinets, and curio cabinets. We restore the wood, repair or replace glass panels, fix lighting, and refinish to showcase your collections beautifully.
Price range: R2,500 - R6,000
Wardrobes & Armoires
Free-standing wardrobes, built-in wardrobe doors, armoires, and linen cupboards. We fix sagging shelves, repair doors, replace rails, and refinish for a fresh new look.
Price range: R3,500 - R7,000
Bathroom Cabinets
Bathroom vanities, medicine cabinets, and storage units. These endure high humidity and moisture daily. We restore with water-resistant finishes that protect against coastal bathroom conditions.
Price range: R2,000 - R5,000
Antique Cabinets
Victorian display cabinets, Cape Dutch kas, Edwardian sideboards, and other period pieces. Restored with traditional techniques to preserve historical value and authenticity.
Price range: R3,000 - R8,000
Office & Utility Cabinets
Filing cabinets, bookcases, home office storage, and utility room cabinets. Practical pieces restored to look professional and work smoothly again.
Price range: R1,500 - R4,000
Common Cabinet Problems We Fix
Cabinets are used every day and bear the brunt of kitchen steam, bathroom moisture, and household activity. Here are the issues we see most often.
Peeling & Flaking Finish
Old paint, varnish, or lacquer that has begun to crack, bubble, peel, or flake away. One of the most common issues on cabinets over 10 years old, especially in humid rooms.
Our solution: We strip the failing finish completely, sand smooth, prime where needed, and apply a fresh, durable finish in your chosen colour or stain.
Water & Moisture Damage
Swollen wood, warped panels, delaminating surfaces, and mould growth. Particularly common on kitchen and bathroom cabinets where water splashes and steam are daily occurrences.
Our solution: Damaged wood is dried, stabilised, and repaired. Warped panels are straightened or replaced. Anti-fungal treatment eliminates mould. Water-resistant finishes prevent recurrence.
Broken Hinges & Hardware
Hinges that have pulled out of the wood, doors that sag or will not close properly, missing handles, and broken catches. Hardware failure is common on heavily used cabinets.
Our solution: We repair hinge mount points with fresh timber inserts, install new quality hinges (including soft-close upgrades), and replace all worn handles, knobs, and catches.
Sagging Shelves
Shelves that bow under the weight of their contents, broken shelf supports, and collapsed internal structures. A sign that the cabinet needs structural attention.
Our solution: We replace sagging shelves with thicker or reinforced boards, add centre supports, install new adjustable shelf pins, and reinforce the cabinet frame if needed.
Scratches, Dents & Burns
Surface damage from daily use: scratches from keys and utensils, dents from bumps and knocks, heat marks from kitchen appliances placed too close.
Our solution: Scratches and dents are filled and sanded level. Burns are cleaned and patched. The entire surface is then refinished for a uniform, flawless appearance.
Dated Appearance
The cabinet is structurally fine but looks tired, dated, or no longer matches your interior style. Common with 1980s-2000s kitchen and bedroom cabinets.
Our solution: A complete refinish transforms the look without the cost of replacement. Change from dark wood to light, add a painted finish, or modernise with new hardware.
Restoration vs. Replacement: Why Restore?
Many homeowners assume that tired-looking cabinets need to be ripped out and replaced. In most cases, this is unnecessary and far more expensive than professional restoration. If the cabinet carcasses (boxes) are structurally sound -- and they usually are -- then restoration delivers a stunning transformation at a fraction of the cost.
Kitchen cabinet replacement in South Africa typically costs R30,000-R80,000 or more, involves weeks of disruption, requires plumbing and electrical disconnection, and generates significant waste. A professional cabinet restoration, by contrast, typically costs R5,000-R15,000 for a full kitchen, takes 2-4 weeks (with most work done off-site in our workshop), and results in a finish that is indistinguishable from new.
For antique and period cabinets, restoration is not just a cost-saving measure -- it is the responsible choice. Replacing an antique cabinet means losing a piece of history. Our restoration approach preserves the original craftsmanship, wood, and character while making the piece functional and beautiful for modern use. We use traditional techniques for period pieces and can match existing hardware and finishes for a seamless result.
The environmental argument is equally compelling. Restoring keeps quality timber out of landfill and avoids the carbon footprint of manufacturing new units. It is the sustainable choice that also happens to produce a superior result in most cases.
Cabinet Refinishing Options
Transform the entire look of your cabinets with a new finish. From classic white to bold modern colours, the possibilities are endless.
Painted Finish
PopularAny colour you choose, from classic white to bold statement colours. Includes primer and multiple topcoats for durability.
Natural Stain
Enhance the existing wood grain with a transparent stain. Light oak to dark walnut and everything between.
Two-Tone
PopularDifferent colours for upper and lower cabinets, or contrasting island colour. A modern design trend.
Whitewash / Lime Wash
A light, coastal-inspired finish that softens wood grain while retaining texture and character.
High-Gloss Lacquer
A smooth, reflective finish for a contemporary, high-end kitchen look. Extremely durable.
Distressed / Vintage
A deliberately aged look with gentle wear-through on edges. Perfect for farmhouse or country-style kitchens.
See all finish options on our furniture refinishing page.
Our Cabinet Restoration Process
On-Site Assessment
We visit your home to inspect the cabinets, assess structural condition, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed written quote. For free-standing cabinets, photos via WhatsApp also work.
Door & Drawer Removal
Cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware are carefully labelled and removed. For kitchen cabinets, this is done quickly to minimise disruption. Items go to our workshop.
Stripping & Repair
Old finish is removed. All structural issues are fixed: re-gluing joints, replacing damaged panels, repairing hinge holes, fixing shelving, and treating any mould or rot.
Sanding & Preparation
All surfaces are sanded smooth through progressive grits. Edges are profiled, imperfections are filled, and surfaces are primed where needed for optimal paint or stain adhesion.
Finishing
Your chosen finish is applied: paint, stain, or specialist coating. We apply multiple coats with light sanding between each for a professional, factory-quality result.
Hardware & Reinstallation
New or restored hardware is fitted. Doors and drawers are reinstalled and adjusted for perfect alignment. All doors close properly and drawers slide smoothly.
Hardware Upgrades & Replacement
New hardware can completely change the character of a cabinet. We source and install quality fittings to complement your new finish.
Functional Hardware
- Soft-close hinges for quiet, controlled door closing
- Full-extension drawer slides for easy access
- Push-to-open mechanisms for handleless designs
- Magnetic catches and cabinet locks
Decorative Hardware
- Modern bar handles in brushed nickel, matt black, or brass
- Traditional knobs in ceramic, glass, or antique metal
- Period-correct hardware for antique cabinet restoration
- Cup pulls, ring pulls, and decorative escutcheons
Why Choose Blooming Furniture for Cabinet Restoration?
Complete Service
Structural repair, refinishing, and hardware -- everything in one service
Durable Finishes
Kitchen-grade finishes that withstand steam, splashes, and daily use
Minimal Disruption
Most work done off-site. Your kitchen is only without doors for a short time.
Antique Expertise
Traditional techniques for period cabinets that preserve history and value
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Restoration
How much does cabinet restoration cost?
Cabinet restoration costs vary depending on the type and size. A single display cabinet or bookcase typically costs R2,000-R5,000. Antique cabinets requiring careful restoration range from R3,000-R8,000. Kitchen cabinet sets (doors and drawer fronts only) start from R5,000-R12,000. A full wardrobe restoration runs R3,500-R7,000. We provide free assessments and detailed quotes specific to your cabinet.
Can you restore kitchen cabinets without replacing them?
Absolutely! Restoring existing kitchen cabinets is typically 60-70% cheaper than full replacement and produces excellent results. We can strip old paint or varnish, repair structural issues, fix or replace hinges and handles, and apply a fresh new finish in any colour. If the cabinet boxes (carcasses) are structurally sound, restoration is a smart, cost-effective choice that avoids weeks of kitchen disruption.
Do you replace cabinet hardware like hinges and handles?
Yes, hardware replacement is a common part of our cabinet restoration service. We can replace worn-out hinges with modern soft-close mechanisms, upgrade handles and knobs to match your desired style, install new drawer runners for smooth operation, and fit magnetic catches or push-to-open latches. We source quality hardware and can match existing period hardware for antique cabinets.
How long does a kitchen cabinet restoration take?
A full kitchen cabinet restoration typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on the number of doors and drawers, and the scope of repairs needed. We work in stages: doors and drawer fronts are removed and taken to our workshop for stripping, repair, and refinishing, while cabinet boxes can be cleaned and touched up in place. This minimises disruption to your kitchen. Single display cabinets or wardrobes usually take 1-2 weeks.
Transform Your Cabinets Without the Cost of Replacement
Send us photos of your cabinets and tell us your vision. We will provide a detailed quote showing how much you can save compared to full replacement.
Cabinet Restoration Across the West Coast
Langebaan - Saldanha Bay - Vredenburg - Paternoster - Velddrif - Hopefield - Yzerfontein - Elands Bay
On-site assessment available. Collection and delivery for free-standing cabinets.