Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

When remodeling your kitchen, nothing makes a difference like your kitchen cabinets. Not only should cabinets set the tone for your new kitchen, but they should offer the utmost efficiency and convenience.

There are so many things to consider in a kitchen remodeling job, but nothing makes a difference like your kitchen cabinets. Not only will your kitchen cabinets set the tone for the over-all effect your kitchen will convey, you also want to maximize the space you have for efficiency and convenience. On the average, about 70% of your new kitchen remodeling budget will involve your cabinets alone. So obviously this is a very important decision to make.

How to Begin Choosing the Right Kitchen Cabinets for Your Home
Once you begin your search for the right cabinets, you’ll soon discover a vast array of cabinet choices. There will be different door styles, wood, finishes, sizes and hardware options. Though it may seem a bit overwhelming in the beginning, you can make a wise choice if you consider a few suggestions to help you get started on the right path:

Lifestyle Let’s face it, families have very different needs when it comes to kitchens. To design the kitchen that will work best for you and your family, consider your lifestyle and needs in the kitchen. You want to choose kitchen cabinets that fit into your new design, but you also want to utilize your space and create convenience within your kitchen for all family members.

Expert Advice If you need help in making the decision, don’t hesitate to find an architect or kitchen designer to ask for the advice you need. This is an important aspect of your home remodeling, so take the time to make sure you’re getting the most for your money.

How to Save Money on Kitchen Cabinets
If your budget is limited, there are alternatives that will still provide a good looking end result. You can purchase mass-produced kitchen cabinets rather than custom units that can be finished or painted to achieve the look you want. Measure your spaces carefully to see if standard size stock cabinets will work in your areas. Saving money on your kitchen cabinets may give you the flexibility to upgrade on other great kitchen products, such as new appliances or fixtures.

Five Tips for Finding Great Kitchen Cabinets
Find the kitchen cabinets that will not only provide a great focal point for your kitchen, but also give you the space and convenience that will make spending time in your kitchen more pleasurable.

1. Unique Kitchen Space – Kitchen cabinets that look out of place won’t improve the appearance of your kitchen. So if your kitchen has various unique areas of space that won?t work for the standard stock sizes, consider spending the extra money it takes for custom units so your cabinets will fit precisely into the available space.

2. A Variety of Quality Finishes – If you want beautiful wood kitchen cabinets, you can select maple, oak, cherry and other wood types. These are all great options and will certainly bring an air of sophistication to your new kitchen like nothing else.

3. Important Durability and Warranty Features – If you need to choose less expensive kitchen cabinets, consider thermofoil or laminate kitchen cabinets for a nice looking easy to clean surface. Check out the warranty when buying thermofoil or laminate kitchen cabinets since these are not expected to have the same lasting durability of wood cabinets.

4. Exterior Appearance and Endurance – Your kitchen cabinets must withstand a lot of use including the pounding of heavy cookware and dishes as well as countless openings and closings of the doors. Though style and appearance are very important factors in your decision, be sure your cabinets will deliver the functionality you need.

5. Dimensions and Cabinet Construction Methods – The method of construction affects the durability over time. Drawers with dovetailed joints are sturdier than stapled ones. Doors with fitted mortised corners are stronger than non-interlocking butt joints. Make sure kitchen drawers extend completely and are equipped with self-closing glides rated to hold 75 pounds. The best cabinet doors should have 3/4-inch thick face frames and 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick sides. Shelves should be 3/4-inch thick and made of veneer-covered plywood, which is less likely to warp than solid wood.

What To Do If You Can’t Afford New Kitchen Cabinets
If your budget just won’t allow everything you would love to have in your remodeling project, such as new kitchen cabinets, a great option for an eye-catching new look for old cabinets is refinishing. Or you might consider refacing just the door and drawer fronts. Another alternative to new kitchen cabinets is to buy a less expensive wood and stain it to resemble your favorite wood color. If you don’t have the budget for cherry wood, buy pine and use a cherry finish to create the look you want.

Regardless of your circumstances, you can have beautiful kitchen cabinets that will fit well into your new kitchen design. Just remember that your cabinets make a bold statement in your design, so don’t settle for less than you have to consider these two helpful hints.

Choose the best looking cabinets you can since the kitchen cabinets really are the focal point of your kitchen. Be sure you will get the necessary functionality out of the cabinets you choose. Your storage space is very important.

Taking these points into account can help your find just the right kitchen cabinets for your new kitchen design and help make your kitchen a favorite gathering place in your home for your friends and family!