Kitchen Cabinets
What Kitchen Cabinets Are Right For You
Kitchen cabinets are perhaps the most integral installed in most kitchens for proper storage of cooking utensils, food, and even sometimes plates and silverware for table service. Many appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers are also commonly incorporated into kitchen cabinets. If you are looking to renovate your kitchen or replace your existing cabinets, you may want to take a closer look at kitchen cabinet designs before proceeding. Kitchen Cabinets are available in a multitude of designs, shapes, sizes, styles, finishes, materials, etc. There is sure to be one out there that will suit your particular needs and style perfectly.
Before deciding on which type or style of kitchen cabinets to choose from, you must first determine your budget and needs. Next determine the cabinet dimensions by using measuring tape and drawing a copy to scale. You may also want to use a square and graph paper to determine cabinet dimensions so you can easily compare designs when making a selection. Choose from styles and finishes that best match the style of your kitchen cabinets as well as the size and height of your countertops. All hardware should match your cabinetry as well.
Most kitchen cabinets come in three basic styles: Stock Cabinets, Cabinet Height and Drawer Panels, or High Top Cabinets. When determining the most affordable or least expensive style of cabinet, you must consider not only the materials but also how much space is provided. For instance, if you have a small kitchen and need cabinets that provide easy reach for knives or utensils, then stock cabinets or high top cabinets may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you have more space available in your kitchen, then you may want to consider cabinet heights and drawers. Lastly, when buying kitchen cabinets, it is important to consider the cabinet dimensions so you know the per linear foot cost of your selected stock cabinet.
The material you choose for your kitchen cabinets can affect both their price and durability. For example, if you’re looking for the least expensive option, then consider using plywood cabinetry or thermofoil instead of solid wood. Plywood cabinetry is the cheapest option and it can be sanded and painted to match most decors. However, plywood cabinetry is not durable like solid wood. This is especially true if you decide to buy used or vintage plywood kitchen cabinets.
While plywood cabinetry is cheaper than other materials, this is not always the case when it comes to durability. If your remodeling project will include the use of stainless steel appliances and/or black cabinets, then you’ll probably want to opt for stainless steel kitchen cabinets instead of wood cabinets. Although they may be a bit more costly initially, stainless steel kitchen cabinets offer the same level of durability as wood cabinets. Plus, they are much easier to clean, which is especially important if your remodeling project will include a high-traffic kitchen.
Of course, the style you choose can also have an impact on your remodeling costs. When it comes to choosing from among the numerous wood cabinet styles available today, there are literally hundreds of options. In addition to the traditional L-shaped, box-styled, or inset cabinet styles, you can also choose from inset and half-box styles. As with any cabinet choices, the style you select should be determined by the layout of your new kitchen. You can typically get all the information you need in a “kit” and then decide which style best suits your needs.