Cabinets are the focal point of a well-designed kitchen. As such, they represent an integral part of your kitchen renovation. Amongst the features you need to consider are the quality, layout, and style of the cabinets. These features will help set the tone of the room and the adjacent space.

Having too few wall cabinets may not provide you with the space you need for storing dishes, while too many may make the space feel crowded. Wall cabinets are designed for plates, cups, and spices while the base cabinets are constructed for utensils, pots and countertop appliance storage.

The number and placement of wall cabinets and undercabinet lighting often plays a key role in the overall feeling of openness in your kitchen. Additional elements that partake in your kitchen remodel design are countertops, appliances, floor and wall finishes. They come together based on the structure established by the kitchen cabinets.

Kitchen Design

Since kitchen cabinets are usually the first thing you see when you come into the kitchen, they take on a major role when designing or remodeling your kitchen. Once you have settled in on the kitchen layout that meets your needs, a design that best reflects your vision and taste, you’re ready to begin cabinet shopping. Be thorough and take your time making your choices before making any final selections.

If you want to expand on any ideas you may have, you can start by visiting showrooms and looking through kitchen home remodeling catalogs. Most kitchen remodelers offer specific lines of cabinets based on their experience with the manufacturers’ quality, finish and production times. Ensure you have your kitchen contractor clearly explain the features of the line you choose. Keep in mind that not all cabinets are constructed with the same quality standards and not all manufacturers’ cabinets are offered in the same sizes or configurations.

Take the time to make sure you are including all the features you really want into your new kitchen, after all this is a major investment that you will want to enjoy for years to come. Once you have decided the color, style, finish and kitchen layout, the contractor can then provide you with an accurate estimate for your kitchen remodel. Cabinet cost will be roughly 40 percent of the total budget for your new kitchen renovation.

Cabinet Quality

There are many quality cabinet manufacturers with a wide range of styles and finishes. Our favorite suppliers are Fabuwood, ProCraft and Decora. Before making a final decision and purchasing cabinets, deeply evaluate their construction and details. Watch out for drawers that are glued, nailed, or just stapled together. A well-made and high-quality drawer should be able to support about 75 pounds when it’s open. Cabinet box construction should be at least ½ inch thick all around. You can choose to have the interior of the cabinets finished to match the cabinet doors or keep the natural wood finish.

Another great indicator of quality are adjustable shelves. They should measure at least 5/8 inch thick to prevent bowing. Make sure the hinges are solid and soft closing. They must allow the cabinet doors to fully open without issues. Most fine cabinets are made of solid wood, but a plywood box with solid door and solid wood frames also offer similar structural support.

Cabinets that mix plywood supports with medium density fiberboard doors and drawer fronts, or feature laminated finishes instead of thick particleboard, are less costly but provide great quality. Avoid drawers made of thin particleboard. Look for features such as dovetailing and bracing that will ensure your new cabinets will maintain their shape for years to come.

Manufacturing Styles

Mass-produced stock cabinets, issued only in standard sizes and in a limited range of styles and finishes, are a great choice for a kitchen remodel on a budget, rental or investment property. But for the homeowner with an eye for style, functionality and return on investment, semi-custom or custom cabinetry is a more valuable investment.

Semi-custom kitchen cabinets are restricted to standard sizes as well but offer cabinet modifications like reducing base cabinet depth or getting flush toe kicks. The range of styles, finishes, accessories, and interior options are much greater. This increases your design options exponentially. Additionally, most semi-custom manufacturers now offer custom color finishes to match any color from the major paint manufacturers such as Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore.

Cabinet companies or local cabinet manufacturers can assist with creating completely custom-built cabinets designed to your exact measurements and specifications. It’ll come at a higher cost, but you will have complete control on the personalization of your kitchen cabinets. Your kitchen will be a one-of-a-kind kitchen with an authentic style in which you have infinite storage options.

The Perfect Height

According to professional kitchen designers and planners, the most frequently used storage compartments are estimated to be positioned between knee height and eye level. Arrange your storage so that items you use daily or frequently fall into this range. For the items that you rarely use, store them above and below these points.

Kitchen Accessories

Kitchen cabinet hardware is an essential element in the aesthetic of the kitchen. It amplifies the style and design of the kitchen. Some say the cabinets handles are  “the jewelry of the kitchen”, therefore, you need to dedicate serious time into the selection of the cabinet handles. You can find hardware to suit any style of kitchen, from graceful to a more traditional old-fashioned style.

Your kitchen designer, remodeling expert or cabinet supplier should be able to provide you with suggestions. They can refer you to manufacturers or distributors that offer hardware that you won’t be able to find anywhere else and can be a perfect match for your taste and budget.

Converting your kitchen into the space you always envisioned takes a lot of thought and it is a wise investment. The good news is that you don’t have to make all the complex decisions alone. When working with a reputable contractor who can produce 3-D plans, you can be 100% confident that your kitchen project will look exactly like your vision!

Are you ready to bring your vision to life?

Schedule an initial consult or give us a call at 703-989-8744 – We offer 100% free consultations, designs, and estimates!