Guide to Purchasing Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets are a necessary element of any kitchen. Kitchen cabinets come in countless styles, sizes, configurations, materials, finishes, and designs to fit every budget and layout and meet the storage needs of different households.
Installing high-quality and correct cabinetry makes the kitchen look attractive and boosts the home value. The process of choosing the appropriate kitchen cabinets is overwhelming. Here is a small guide to help homeowners purchase the perfect kitchen cabinets:
Cabinet types
There are three types of kitchen cabinet designs:
Stock: Stock cabinets come fully assembled or ready-to-assemble and are available in standard shapes, sizes, and configurations. They have a quick delivery time as they are readily available in the stores and only require shipping to the desired location. Stock cabinets have limited customization options but are ideal for homeowners on a tight budget looking for affordable cabinets.
Semi-custom: Semi-custom cabinets come in a wider size and style selection than stock cabinets and cost more. They are not pre-assembled and offer flexibility to modify the style, depending on individual kitchen requirements. Semi-stock cabinets have a longer delivery time.
Custom: Custom cabinets are unique and designed from scratch based on specifications provided by the customer. Along with the size, homeowners can choose the design, style, overlay, color, features, and finish to suit their specific tastes. These are ideal for odd-sized or irregular-shaped kitchen spaces where stock or semi-custom cabinets won’t fit. Custom cabinets are the most expensive and take the longest time.
Materials
Popular kitchen cabinet and drawer boxes materials include solid wood, plywood, medium-density fiberboard, and particleboard. The final look of the cabinet and its durability largely depends on the type of material used. Solid woods like maple, cherry, or hickory are expensive and premium options, less susceptible to scratches and dents. Oak, beech, and birch are more economical wood choices. Cabinet doors, face frames, and door fronts can use hardwood. Different material options have different characteristics, and it is essential to choose the look wisely and see a sample material and the finish it offers before buying.
Framed or frameless
Framed kitchen cabinets, also known as classic or American-style cabinets, have an overlaying structure attached to the cabinet box front and are more durable, sturdier, easier to install, and have more modification options than frameless cabinets. The frame is thicker and uses hinges to attach to the door frame. They are the most commonly used, economical, and easy to place anywhere. However, they have less storage space.
Frameless cabinets, European style, or full-access cabinets have a seamless, sleek design, offering a contemporary look to the kitchen. They do not have an overlaying structure, and the door is connected directly to the frame. Since the frame is thinner, the cabinets provide more storage space.
Hardware
Kitchen cabinet hardware like knobs and pulls or handles determine the efficiency, ease of operation, and look. Choose from an assortment of styles and finishes that perfectly matches the functional and aesthetic needs.
Accessories
Kitchen cabinets fitted with the right storage accessories can improve functionality and maximize space usage. Add-ons like glass doors, spacers, plate holders, and cabinet roll-outs allow for an efficient and organized kitchen.
It is also essential to consider other vital factors like color, whether to buy from a store or online, modifications, quality, cost, accessibility, and warranty to purchase the best wooden kitchen cabinets for your needs.
The Wood Doctor is the leader in wood restoration, refinishing and refacing in the Portland area. Call 503-560-5220 for a project consultation.