Options are good. Most homeowners like to feel they have a choice when it comes to their kitchen remodel. However, having too many options can make it hard to make the right decisions, especially when it comes to big-ticket items such as the kitchen cabinets. To keep you from tearing out your hair in frustration, you need to narrow down your choices. You can do this by having a set of must-haves for your remodel. For example, if efficiency is most important for you, then choose the cabinets that will help you achieve that. If you are not sure what is most important for you, then establish a budget for your remodel. This is a good way to keep your options to manageable levels, and help you focus on other factors, such as style and structure.
Keeping your budget in mind can help you avoid the hottest trends in cabinets that may fizzle out before you’ve had your new kitchen for 12 months. The following tips will help you choose great cabinets that will stand the test of time.
Types
The thing with cabinets is that there are so many options, yet the differences between them are subtle. Why should you choose framed or frameless? What is an inset? When should you choose wood over MDF? You need to know so many things before you can make the right choice for your kitchen that it seems hopeless. However, you don’t have to be an expert for one remodel. Here are some rules of thumb you can use.
Framed cabinets
In most cases, framed cabinets are suitable for traditional or country kitchen designs popular in the US. They have a face or frame 1½ inches wide all around the front of the box where you can attach the cabinet door. As such, you sacrifice a bit of space, but they are sturdy.
Frameless cabinets
Frameless cabinets are suitable for modern or contemporary kitchen designs popularized in Europe. The hinges connect directly to the inside of the box, as there is no frame. They give you a smidge more space and better access to the contents of the cabinets.
The frame-type is just one of the cabinet options, however. Now you need to choose the structure of the cabinet.
Stock cabinets
As you may imagine, stock cabinets are prefabricated. You will often see them assembled in home depots and big box stores, and they are the most affordable type of cabinets. You simply pick out the ones you like and bring them home.
However, you need to choose carefully as some stock cabinetry has very poor construction, and may not even fit into your space. If stock cabinets are all you can afford, get them from a supplier that carries only good quality brands, such as J and K Cabinets.
Semi-custom cabinets
These are available in popular styles, sizes, and finishes of cabinets, so you have some flexibility when it comes to fitting into your new kitchen. They are more expensive than stock cabinets, but you get some wiggle room on style and color.
Custom cabinets
If you have the budget for it, made-to-order cabinets are your best bet. You can get the exact cabinets you want and need for your kitchen, from size to finish, from suppliers such as Schrock Cabinets. They are the most expensive type of cabinets, but they are certainly worth it.
Quality check
When choosing cabinets, you will want to see actual samples of what you are going to get for your money. Go down to the showroom and get a good look at the following details that are sure signs of a good quality product.
• Hinges. Unless you like open shelves, your kitchen cabinets depend on the quality of the hinges to function. Check if the hinges are sturdy. They should also be adjustable so you have some leeway in aligning the doors to the box if needed. Soft-close hinges are ideal for any type of cabinets, so see if you can get those with the cabinets you choose.
• Panels. Check if the cabinet door panels and sides are floating and not glued to the frame. A floating panel is set in a groove, which allows the wood some movement when the temperature changes. Contracting and expanding can cause cracks over time if it is glued down instead of floated. Ask the sales person at your local cabinet supplier if the panels are floating.
• Drawers. If you have drawers with your base cabinets, check if it the support is via slides mounted to the side. They are stronger than bottom-mounted slides.
Material
In most cases, you want to avoid anything too exotic for your cabinet material, which is more likely to add to your cost and make it more likely to become outdated. Go for function and subtlety when it comes choosing the material.
Maple is particularly versatile, suitable for any type of kitchen design.
Cherry is very durable, and plays well with other types of wood.
Oak is a good choice if you want your cabinets to last for a long time, and you can finish it in either dark or light.
Pine is not as durable as oak or cherry, but it looks great if you want a rustic look to your kitchen with its long and continuous grain.
Thermofoil and laminates are among the newer types of hybrid materials that does well in modern or contemporary kitchens. They are not particularly durable, but they offer a sleek look and require little maintenance.
The average cost of new cabinets for a standard kitchen will vary depending on what you choose. Installation costs are about $4,600, but you might be able to get a good package deal that includes the cabinets and installation.
Conclusion
Now that you have a good idea of what type of cabinet you need, the next thing is to find a reputable and reliable cabinet supplier. Cabinet Land Kitchen and Beyond work only with the best cabinet brands at the best prices compared to our competitors such as Advance Cabinets and Handsome Cabinets. We also offer better free consultation services and quotes, so you know exactly what to expect from your purchase.
We are a local remodeling company with a showroom located in Schaumburg, Illinois. Visit us today to see what we have to offer. We service Chicago land and have the expertise and resources to complete virtually any type of kitchen cabinets – ON TIME and ON BUDGET with top quality craftsmanship that will exceed your expectations.
