The kitchen is a popular gathering spot in most homes. We not only cook and dine in our kitchens but our kids do homework there, we entertain there and some of us might even pay our bills there. For all these reasons it is important that this room be functional and beautiful at the same time. Just as the bed is the most important piece of furniture in a bedroom, kitchen cabinets are the most important piece of furniture in a kitchen. While any kitchen would not be complete without appliances, they serve only one purpose. Our cabinetry is multi-tasking. Kitchen cabinets provide storage of everyday items, display of treasured items, work space and beauty. They are also the most expensive item in any kitchen. Therefore, it is important to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible before making any buying decisions.
When building or remodeling your kitchen, your cabinetry will be the most expensive item you purchase. There are many things to consider when deciding on cabinetry. What style do you want, what finish do you want, and how much cabinetry do you need? Does your budget allow for custom cabinets or do you need to choose stock? What type of hardware do you want?
Style—it is often difficult to determine your design style. Do you prefer the clean lines of modern cabinetry? Or maybe the paneled doors found in a traditional design are more your style. Perhaps you like the warm feel a rustic cabinet style brings to the kitchen. Whatever you prefer, it is important you make the right decision as you will be living with this cabinetry for a very long time. It is a good idea to visit local home improvement stores to see the different styles available. Start looking at decorating magazines dedicated to kitchen design. This will allow you to view many different styles in actual kitchen settings. This is much easier than simply looking at a cabinet door. While not required, it is a good idea to choose a style that matches or complements the other cabinetry in your home. You can match the woods and choose a different door style or you can match the door style and go for a lighter or darker wood.
Material and Finish—most kitchen cabinets are made of wood or a wood product. Solid wood can be very expensive so is usually reserved for the door and drawer fronts, with the shell of the cabinet and drawers made of plywood or particle board. The wood doors can be finished in almost any color of stain or paint. Properly sealed, these doors will last a very long time.
If solid wood is outside of your budget, consider cabinets made of plywood or particle board. Both of these are made from layers of wood or sawdust glued together. Particle board is the most common and least expensive of the two. Plywood is a strong material and can be covered with a wood veneer, giving it the appearance of solid wood. Both can be painted or stained in any color you would like. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is another option if solid wood is unaffordable. This is stronger than particle board and can be shaped and painted, but not stained.
Once you have decided on the material it will be necessary to choose a finish. Do you like a country feel with painted cabinets? Or would you prefer the elegant look of a stained cabinet that matches other wood found in your home? Glazing can change the look of both stained and painted wood. It is up to you to determine which finish works best in your home.
Stock or custom---Stock cabinets come in standard sizes that arrive fully assembled and ready to install. However, without a carpenter “rebuilding” them they are not adjustable for specific measurements or special sizes. They are offered in a limited selection of colors and finishes. But they are affordable.
Custom or semi-custom kitchen cabinets can be made to your specifications. Any finish or material is available. As a result, they can be very expensive. Due to the nature of anything custom built, they can also take quite a while to complete. But the end result is a kitchen that is personalized to your needs.
Finishing touches---Once you have made the style and material decision and determined whether your budget will allow custom or stock, there are a few details you will want to pay attention to.
The hardware, which includes hinges, pulls and doorknobs, is the “jewelry” on your cabinets. The selection is endless but made easier by the style and finish you have chosen.
Now is the time to decide if you would like glass fronts on some of the doors and, if so, what type of glass. Do you want special inserts in some of your kitchen cabinets to allow for over-sized items such as pots and trays? A customized spice drawer or built in silverware divider are nice little extras.
A brand new kitchen or a kitchen remodel can be one of the most stressful of home improvement projects. Doing your homework before you make the big decisions will save you time and money in the long run and the end result will bring countless hours of enjoyment to you and your family.