Basic Tips for Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, which accounts for a lot of their challenge and a lot of their appeal. The same cabinets, appliances, and surfacing materials can look entirely different in someone else's home than in yours. Stock cabinets can be given a unique look with virtually unlimited specialty finishes and a change of hardware. If your budget can accommodate custom cabinets, your choices are even greater. Countertop materials already come in a great array of choices, but they can be customized even further with special routing or inset bands of another color or material. The same goes for flooring, walls, and in-kitchen dining furniture. So even if your kitchen is small and ordinary, it's not hopeless!

You can transform it into a remarkable space unlike anybody else's. Manufacturers and designers have seen it all, and the end result is that you can have all the amenities you want and need, even in a tiny kitchen. Savvy, space-saving products are available for the owner of the apartment-size condo, co-op, or townhouse kitchen. You'll find that convenience doesn't have to come only in the large economy size.

To create a distinctive space, your first move is to look at your kitchen with an eye to what might serve as a focal point. A large window, alcove, or long wall can be the start. Take advantage of a bank of beautiful windows with an eye-catching counter that runs the length of the window wall. If you love to entertain and are lucky enough to have ample space, consider setting your room up to include two back-to-back kitchens; one with a full-size range, a fridge, ovens, and a sink, and the other with an ice-maker, a wine chiller, a second sink, a mini-fridge, and a microwave, plus an abundance of storage. Pretty much anything you dream up can be executed with the help of a talented design team. It's up to you!

Whether your space is large or small, and whether the end result you want is pretty or pretty wild, you'll do best if you stick close to the following basic recommendations.

Try to keep the straight-line distance between the sink, fridge, and cooktop between 12 and 23 feet.


Position the sink between the other two appliances, since it's used most often. (The sink's location may depend on pre-existing plumbing lines.)


Allow for 36 inches of counterspace to the right and 30 inches to the left of the range and sink if at all possible; if not, allow a minimum of 24 inches and 18 inches.


It's tempting to place a tall fridge and built-in wall oven next to each other, but try not to; each needs its own landing space on both sides of the appliance for safety.


Try to include a minimum of 10 linear feet of both base cabinets and upper cabinets.




Use pull-out drawers rather than reach-in, conventional cabinets for greatest convenience. If you're retro-fitting existing cabinets, have pull-out trays installed.


Consider barrier-free design and products. They make life easier for children, pregnant women, and seniors as well as individuals with disabilities. They'll also add to the longevity of your kitchen.
The biggest factor influencing what type of kitchen you come up with will be the shape of the room itself. In the next section, we will explore some kitchen-shape considerations.


Like all things that are built, if you get the foundation correct then the finishing items usually go into the main system fairly smoothly. So it follows that if you plan your kitchen correctly and methodically then the process should be relatively straight forward, however if you start with the finished idea then that may not be at all practical.

To plan a kitchen we need to start with establishing the parameters within which we have to work. This includes the actual space, the uses of that space and the budget.


There are four stages to planning a kitchen:

Defining the space, which includes either measuring up, and noting the position of the existing services, windows and doors of planning from the start with the architect on how you want the space laid out.

Designing the room's layout to get the appliances, work tops and cupboards where you want them.

Confirming that layout and the services that are needed.(This includes lighting).
Confirming the finishes that you require for the bench tops, the exterior of the cabinetry and the interior of the cabinetry, the flooring, the walls, ceiling and window treatments

The following is intended to help you with the actual planning, but they are only suggestions and will not be practical in all situations, you will often have to compromise. The golden rule is - keep it simple - and remember that the kitchen is one of the main selling points for a house.

For years now kitchen designers have used a simplistic method of a triangle to connect the three main work spaces within a kitchen.


The main working zones in the kitchen are generally recognized as being - food preparation, cooking and serving, and finally washing up. Each activity zone needs to include the work top(s) and appliances required for that activity, also the zone will require the storage space for the utensils, ingredients etc. required for it.

In addition to the three zones, it is important to arrange the appliances and work tops in the correct order i.e. work top - appliance - work top. A work triangle is formed between the three zones.

For the greatest efficiency the total length of the three sides of the triangle should be between 3600mm and 6600mm, and as far as possible, the work triangle should be uninterrupted by through traffic.

The main working zones in the kitchen are generally recognized as being - food preparation, cooking and serving, and finally washing up.

Each activity zone needs to include the work top(s) and appliances required for that activity, also the zone will require the storage space for the utensils, ingredients etc. required for it.


In addition to the three zones, it is important to arrange the appliances and work tops in the correct order i.e. work top - appliance - work top.

A work triangle is formed between the three zones (as shown in the diagrams below). For the greatest efficiency the total length of the three sides of the triangle should be between 3600mm and 6600mm, and as far as possible, the work triangle should be uninterrupted by through traffic.

1. Corridor Kitchen Layout - Galley Kitchen Layout

The galley kitchen name came from the ship's galley - a space of very small porportions. This type of kitchen is common in modern apartments where space is limited and is often used in an open plan room with one side against a wall and the other as a long kitchen island essentially.

In long narrow kitchen spaces with doors or openings at each end, the best design solution is to have two rows of kitchen cabinetry housing the appliances and providing storage and work tops.

There should be a minimum space allowance of 1200mm between the cabinetry to allow for a safe passage through and the ability to open and shut cupboards and load dishwashers etc. Some spaces don't allow for this minimum luxury of space between the cabinetry, so in this case, place all opening appliances and cabinetry along one side.



2. L-shaped Kitchen Layout

This is often the best solution where the kitchen can fit into a corner.


3. U-shaped Kitchen Layout

This layout is convenient as all working areas are within easy reach. It may be the only choice for small rooms although it can also be used with effect where a kitchen area needs to be fitted at one end of a larger room. Try to allow for 1200mm between the parallel sides of the U.





4. Kitchen Island Layout

Often thought of as a luxury, the island layout needs a fairly large room, however in such a room, it does reduce the amount of walking you need to do. Try to allow for 1200mm between the island and any other cupboard/obstruction etc. Although the design shown has the cooking hob on the island, the island could be used for the food preparation area. Remember that services will need to be taken to the island.

How To Choose Quality Kitchen Cabinet Doors

When it comes to freshening up the way a room looks, you can oftentimes do minor changes with furniture to accomplish what you want to do. That's certainly true when it comes to kitchen cupboards. With kitchen cupboards, you often just need a touchup; in that case, you can often just get away with replacing the doors instead of the entire kitchen cabinet installation. Here are some things to think about when you replacing kitchen cupboard doors:

1. Instead of replacing the entire door, just replace "pieces"

Although it may be necessary to replace the entire door, it's not always true. For example, kitchen door handles, hardware, cupboard hinges, and so on can make the changes you want without doing a lot of work. It's also going to save you a lot of money, which is especially important if you are working with a small budget. It's not going to cost you a lot of money to replace kitchen cabinets' small parts, and it's also easy to find them. Quality replacement parts for your kitchen doors can usually be bought for much less than you'd pay if you buy the entire door.

2. Measure, measure, measure - and then measure again

If you are putting new doors on your kitchen cabinets, it's important to take accurate measurements first. Don't guess, but do carefully measure -- and doublecheck -- before you purchase the doors you want. This will help ensure that upon installation, your doors will fit perfectly. When you take measurements for your doors, make sure you add 2 inches. That's because replacement cupboard doors are usually an inch longer on either side as compared to the cabinets they're going to go on.

3. Do comparison shopping

Just as you should shop around to buy new kitchen cabinets, so you should take the same step when searching for replacement doors for your cabinet. You can find such doors in both online and offline stores. The more stores you compare prices in, the more likely you'll find a rock-bottom price. Do as much comparison shopping as you can, since you can ALWAYS find a better price.

4. Paint or stain yourself

This provides a few major benefits. The cost of the door will be lower if it lacks paint or stains. Also, you'll have control over the hue that the door has.

5. Choose your material

Replacement kitchen cabinet doors are available in a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, and glass. Wood is the most popular option, which actually provide several sub-options. For instance, you could choose genuine wood or manmade wood. And even if you choose natural wood, there are several varieties, including pine, oak, cherry, maple, and so on. Each type of wood creates a different look and feel, so it's crucial to consider the options carefully.

6. Simple, or fancy?

How do you want to update your kitchen? If you're simply going "basic and simple," your doors, too, are going to be basic and simple in that they won't be elaborate and will have smooth, simple surfaces. You can also choose more ornate doors, with intricate designs that are textured and "deep." When you choose a particular cabinet door and its design, make sure it's going to fit in with the overall design of your kitchen, so that it fits everything in that room.

Choosing the right replacement kitchen cabinet doors can open up new opportunities when remodeling your kitchen. As when selecting items such as kitchen table sets, the key is to choose the right one for your particular kitchen.

Decorative Options For Your New Kitchen Cabinets

Whether you're remodeling and renovating or building a new house, you need to focus a large amount of energy on the look of your new kitchen. The look of your kitchen can say a lot about your individual style and personal preferences. Modern kitchens can be accented with up to date, energy efficient appliances and luxurious countertops. The cabinetry, however, will be the first thing that guest notice when they walk into your kitchen.

The kitchen is widely used as the focal point of any home. It is usually the busiest area during parties and meals are prepared and eaten in there. Your kitchen cabinet design needs to reflect your family's personality and unique style.

Kitchen cabinets are available in many different colors and styles, not to mention materials. For the most part, the colors and stains are chosen to best match the particular wood grain that is used in cabinet carpentry. Stains can range from light and natural looking to deep and rich. Darker woods look great with a deep stain, while lighter colored woods can take light or dark stains. The type of wood used to make the cabinets can also play a role in how the stain takes to the wood. You may want to test out the stain on your particular type of wood before it is applied so you get a good sense of how it will look in your kitchen once it is applied.

Many people decide to install metal cabinetry in their kitchens. These metal cabinets are easily modifiable whenever you want to update the look of your kitchen. Just paint on a new color and your kitchen can take on a totally different personality. You can purchase metal kitchen cabinets that are already painted a certain color to match your existing appliances.

No only do you have to think about the color and material of your cabinets, but you will also need to take into account the cabinet hardware. Handles, knobs and hinges are available in an almost endless array of styles. For the most part, cabinet handles are a gold, pewter or brass in color. There are also some available in molded plastic, but these are of a lower quality and will not stand the test of time. Mounting for the hardware ranges from easy screw-in applications to more comprehensive installs. Be sure to match the hardware with the cabinet as best you can before you install all the metalwork. Make sure you are comfortable having a knob instead of a pull or vice-versa. You can even buy cabinet hardware that is uniquely designed to match the theme of your kitchen or your silverware pattern.

Take the entire kitchen into account when deciding on the best kitchen cabinet design. Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your house and it should accurately reflect the personality of your family and show off your great sense of style.

Kitchen Cabinets - Tips For Finding And Buying The Right Cabinets For You

With the number of home sales dropping, and the tighter restrictions in the mortgage industry, many homeowners are finding it harder than ever to sell their homes and upgrade to a larger home. Because of this trend, home renovation projects are on the rise as homeowners are finding ways to make their current homes more livable, while adding value to their home at the same time. The easiest way to add value and create the feel of a new home, is to renovate your kitchen.

In a kitchen renovation, the kitchen cabinets represent the largest expenditure in your remodeling budget. Since they are the centerpiece of your kitchen, many of the other decisions about your kitchen will be based off of your cabinet choice. Your countertop, appliance, and hardware decisions will depend on the style and layout of your kitchen cabinets.

The biggest issue with traditional, store bought cabinets is that it could take 8-10 weeks before delivery, so it is very important to make your cabinet selection prior to do starting any demolition or remodeling of your kitchen. There are cabinets available on-line, that could be delivered within 2-3 weeks, but it will depend on what style and construction you are looking for. We will talk about the differences in cabinets later on in the article.

Before looking at cabinets, it is important to come up with a target budget and a basic floor plan or layout. With the average kitchen remodel costing $40,000-50,000 it is important to accurately calculate all of the expenses involved with your project. While it may seem like a challenging project, even a DIY Homeowner with minimal experience can design and layout their own kitchen with accurate measurements and a couple of templates. This could save you a significant amount of money by not using a kitchen designer.

In the event that you think this is a project that you are comfortable tackling, you can either use a kitchen designer or go to one of the home improvement centers and take advantage of their free design services.

There are several factors that are going to affect the cost of your cabinets: cabinet brand, construction, wood type, and features. It is important to research all of your options. What you will find is that a higher price doesn't always correspond with higher quality, and some of the lesser-known cabinet lines will actually have a stronger construction.

There are however, a few general kitchen cabinet buying tips that may help you in your kitchen cabinet research.

Kitchen Cabinet Wood Choices

Whether you are buying custom made cabinets, stock cabinets, or RTA cabinets, they will all offer a wide range of wood choices. Solid hardwood cabinets, such as Cherry, Maple, Birch, Hickory and Oak typically cost much more than laminate or veneer finished cabinets.

Face Framed Kitchen Cabinets

Face framed kitchen cabinet construction is the most prevalent kitchen cabinet construction type in the United States and usually it is lower cost. This construction technique involves the building of a kitchen cabinet face out of hardwood pieces. Typically the cabinet face is constructed using several 1"x 2" vertical and horizontal hardwood pieces. The face frame is then married to the front of a particleboard or solid plywood kitchen cabinet box. It is highly recommended that you try to find cabinets that use solid wood or solid plywood for the cabinet box.

Particleboard and Fiberboard will have a tendency to sag or warp over time from moisture. Even mid-priced RTA cabinets are available that are made from solid Plywood sides. Hardwood or veneered/laminated cabinet doors and drawer faces, are then attached via hinges and roller mechanisms to the face frame and cabinet box.

Frameless (European-Style) Kitchen Cabinets

Frameless kitchen cabinet construction is becoming increasingly popular today as frameless kitchen cabinets are considered to be more contemporary. With frameless cabinets there is no face frame. The kitchen cabinet doors attach directly to the sides of the cabinet and are secured with pins and dowels. The advantages of this type of construction, is that there is wider access into the cabinet space and the hinges are completely hidden. Typically "ready-to-install" kitchen cabinets are constructed in this manner.

Kitchen Cabinet Finishes

There are many Kitchen cabinet finishes to choose from when using natural woods. Cabinet finishes include stain, paint and glazing options. In addition there are my types of distressing techniques that can also be employed on kitchen cabinet surfaces. Some options include Rasping, Antiquing and Rub-thru.

There are also many types of laminates that you can choose from.

Kitchen Cabinet Sizes

Kitchen cabinets come in a variety of standard shapes and sizes, however custom sizes can also be easily specified and manufactured - at a price. Standards kitchen cabinet sizes, known as stock cabinets, are usually much more affordable then custom or semi-custom cabinets and usually have shorter lead times. Most manufacturers, unless custom built, stock universal sizes so if you have a kitchen designed at supply store or by a designer it will usually be transferable to another cabinet line.

Kitchen Cabinet Quality

If you plan on living in your home for many years, do not skimp on your kitchen cabinets. They are constantly used and abused, and only the sturdiest will stand the test of time.

The best kitchen cabinets employ solid frames, doors and drawers and are fully self-contained (closed backs), with reinforced corners. As I mentioned before, it is important to look for cabinets that have a plywood box versus particleboard or fiberboard. This is why it is important to look at all of the cabinet lines that are available, even cabinets that are sold on-line.

Before You Buy Cabinets

Before you buy cabinets for your new kitchen or bathroom remodel, there are some important things you should know and important questions you need to answer. This guide can help you zero in on the basics of buying cabinets, including budget, size, style, quality, construction, and finish. These should all be considered before you make a final decision to buy.

Set the Budget for Your Cabinets

Cabinets account for 40% to 50% of the total cost of your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, so setting your total budget figure will be one of the first things you’ll need to do. But don’t let this decision scare you off. The cabinets you select will set the tone of your new kitchen or bathroom and play a major role in transforming your space.

Measure Your Space for the Cabinets

You’ll eventually want a professional to come to your home and look at your space, but you should measure your area and think about where you might want the new cabinets to fit. With these preliminary measurements in hand, you’ll be able to give more accurate information to the salesman at the home center or kitchen store, and he’ll be able to give you more precise estimates and ideas for your project.

Choose Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom Cabinets

Stock cabinets are least expensive, are constructed in standard shapes and sizes, and are available in a limited number of woods or styles. Semi-custom cabinets are factory-built in standard sizes, with many options for storage, design and style. The high end of cabinet construction is custom cabinets. They are constructed in either a workroom to designer specifications or on-site in any style and finish.

So Many Options in Cabinet Design

Stock cabinets offer few options beyond drawers and cupboards. But semi-custom and custom cabinets provide endless solutions to your storage needs. Pullout shelves for pans, a lazy Susan, a wine rack, vertical dividers for trays and cookie sheets, an appliance garage, or pullout bins are some of the standard add-ons. If you have a space too narrow for a cabinet and counter, a tall pantry closet provides lots of space, either for pots and pans in the kitchen or towels in the bath.

You Have a Choice in Quality of Cabinets

If you’ll live in the home for a short time, you can select a basic style of cabinets. But if this is going to be your “dream kitchen” or bath, you should look for top-quality construction. Cabinets should have solid frames, door and drawer fronts, reinforced corners and closed backs. Drawers and doors of cabinets will be opened and closed many times a day and should operate smoothly and quietly. The finish on the wood should be smooth.

Choose Your Decorating Style for Your Cabinets

Look in magazines and stores to find what look you like. Stock cabinets come in a limited number of styles, whereas semi-custom and custom cabinets offer more choices. Choose a style that blends well with the architecture of your home as well as the interior design of the other rooms. You can choose natural wood finish in a number of colors and woods, painted or stained, or laminate finished.

Custom Cabinets Vs. Stock Cabinets

So, you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen and aren’t sure whether to go with custom or stock cabinets. Well we at HDF are here to help with some information to consider when you are choosing. Many factors will come into play when deciding. Factors like budget, design, and time-line.

You will want to make sure that when you are setting up your kitchen budget a big amount will have to be allocated to the cabinets. Cabinets are the heart and soul of your kitchen, so you will want to get the best that you can afford in the style that is fitting to your kitchen style.

Stock cabinets are made to common sizes and configurations, so if your kitchen is oddly shaped you may not be able to use the stock cabinets. Although they are usually more affordable than custom cabinets they can sometimes end up being quite expensive. Another feature for buying stock is the delivery time. Most of the time stock cabinets are ready for immediate delivery. You will also notice when looking through these cabinets, the selection is limited and they can be hard to assemble and install.

Custom cabinets are the ideal choice for a kitchen remodel or new build. They allow full customization of size, design, shape, hardware and any special features you may want with your cabinetry. They can fit any kitchen’s size, even the oddly shaped ones. Of course, custom cabinets are more expensive than custom, but if you can afford them they are well-worth it. Custom cabinets are also designed and installed by professionals, so you are guaranteed a perfect outcome once you place your order. A drawback to custom cabinetry is that because they are custom they will take much longer to be delivered than stock.

When making your choice of whether to buy custom or stock, you need to keep in mind your budget, design and time-line to finish. This will help you decide which will be best for your new kitchen.

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!