Kitchen Cabinet Buying Guide

The best kitchen cabinets are not overtly expensive or flashy, but they are well thought out. If you are considering getting new kitchen cabinets, here is a quick guide that you must check out before you buy kitchen cabinets.

Type Of Kitchen Cabinet Designs

Kitchen cabinets come in three unique design types.

• Stock cabinets

These cabinets are fully assembled according to specifications. This means what you see in the store is what you get. You can take it home the same day or get it delivered later. The stock cabinets are limited in terms of customization, but if you are looking to buy a budget cabinet for home renovation or remodeling, this is the right choice on a tight budget.

Besides, considering they are entirely pre-installed, you don't have to do anything other than putting it in the designated place. Delivery usually has to be arranged by you if you have a vehicle, or you can rent delivery services to have them delivered.

• Semi-custom cabinets

Semi-custom cabinets are not pre-assembled. You can't customize them depending on the size. But you can enjoy flexibility in terms of style modification. If you have specific requirements for your kitchen, this is the right choice. These are a little more expensive than stock cabinets and might require a longer time to deliver due to the modifications you request.

• Custom cabinets

If you want customized designs and styles, custom cabinets are the way to go. They can be a unique piece to your decor and be the central unit of your kitchen.

When working with custom cabinetmakers, you can pretty much ask them to design anything from scratch. From color, finish to the type of overlay and features, this type of cabinet can cater to your every need. The price will usually depend on the number of modifications requested, materials, design, and size. It will take some time to create these cabinets, so if you are looking for something readymade, this is not your best option.

You can consult a cabinet design professional who can help you understand how to fit your needs into the cabinet and what could be the projection budget of the design you create.

Materials

The materials used in kitchen cabinet construction determine how the end product will turn out. There are plenty of materials to choose from when you are making custom or semi-custom cabinets. Stock cabinets have no such flexibility.

The outer shell of the cabinet and the drawer boxes can be made from economical materials like particle boards or furniture board. Some are also made with dusted up wood combined with some adhesive like resin. They can also be made from wood fibers as a replacement for sawdust, making it stronger for heavy-duty usage. Plywood material is usually the thinnest of all, and it is glued together with wood veneer. Each of the layers run at a 90-degree angle against the grain to combine into a stronger building material. If you want to go for expensive options, there are solid wood choices from Maple, Hickory, and more.

The cabinet doors and front of the drawer are usually created with medium density materials which are dense, strong, and easy to clean. Color options will depend on the seller and designer. You can even make your plywood cabinet have the look of finished wood. For heavy usage, Maple and Hickory are good choices because they are less prone to becoming dented or scratched.

Another durable material is cherry. It has a very intricate grain and looks good when finished. If you want the look of more natural and classic wood, Birch and Oak are good options. The final product will always depend on the wood used to create the cabinet.

Framed Or Frameless

Framed cabinets are also called American style or classic cabinets. They are stronger and more durable than frameless due to the overlying structure. The doors are attached to the frame by hinges. However, they might have a little less storage space than the frameless ones because the thicker frame takes up more space inside the cabinet. You can create partial or full overlay cabinets. They are also somewhat less expensive and can be placed pretty much anywhere, including uneven walls. Once you have installed them, you might be restricted in terms of customization.

Frameless cabinets don't have the overlaying structure underneath the cabinet, making them less durable than the frames ones. They are also known as modern style or European cabinets. The doors of the cabinet connect directly to the frame. They have a thinner frame and more storage space and require costlier material in terms of construction.

Colors

Whether you need a high-end cabinet or a budget one, color is crucial in determining how it fits in your décor. A good color scheme can make even budget cabinets look extraordinary. Grey is always a classic when it comes to kitchen cabinets.

A mix of black and marine blue yields a rich grey hue that can brighten up any room. You can also choose from a natural selection of black and white or even wood finishing to get a classy, polished look. Espresso, mocha is also popular shades.

Keep in mind your usage while choosing the color. White cabinets, while being extremely aristocratic and classy, can have a higher maintenance requirement.

Humidity is also a significant factor that influences how the paint lasts on your cabinet. High humidity can chip or cause cracks in the paint. If you are investing in a good cabinet, it is always advisable to hire experts for the paint job or at least consultation to get the right value for your money.