Where to start
- Figure out what your budget is. If you are doing an entire kitchen remodel, then figure out what you can spend on the cabinets. If you are working with a contractor, they will most likely help you do this.
- Figure out what storage is most important to you. Do you need as much storage as possible? Do you have any specific storage requirements? Think about what you use in your kitchen all the time. Some people want cabinets that have specific built in’s for spices. Some give you incredible storage options for all your appliances by using rolling drawers. Make sure you work with someone that can design a cabinet layout that fits your needs. It is important to have a good flow to kitchen cabinets so the things you use most are the easiest to get to.
- Next, you want to decide what material you want. Not all material is created equal. Some styles and materials need special cleaning or care. If you are someone that does not want to put the time into taking care of specialty cabinets then make sure you know which ones require that so you do not choose them. Make sure that you educate yourself on the warrantees of the cabinets that you are looking at as well. This could prevent extra costs in the future.
- And last, decide your style. Do you like the look of floating shelves in a kitchen? Do you like some of the cabinets to have glass? You could go for a bright white theme with clean lines or a warmer wood feel. Also think about what kind of hardware will look good in your home. That choice alone can change what types of cabinets you will want to get.
- Stock cabinets- These cabinets are available in a wide range of standard sizes and shapes. There is no availability issue with them and you can take them home at the same day you buy them. They are budget- friendly.
- Semi- custom cabinets – These are built after you order them. You can choose from different designs and styles. They are more expensive then stock cabinets and since they will be constructed after you place your order, they take longer time to get delivered.
- Custom- These are the most expensive of the three options. These are constructed by hand to meet almost any standard you require. Their delivery time depends on the cabinet maker’s schedule.
- Framed cabinets- Construction of framed cabinets is considered a traditional style. These cabinets consist of a rectangular frame that outlines the cabinet box and makes the box highly stable. It gives the cabinet strength and sturdiness.
- Frameless cabinets- These are also called European style cabinets. They offer more accessibility by eliminating the face frame. Only full overlay doors can be used with hinges attached directly to the side of cabinet box. They provide a simple aesthetic that can work with many design themes throughout the house.
- Base cabinets- These cabinets usually have one drawer with doors and shelves below or three to four stacked drawers. These are the cabinets that sit on the floor and have your counters on the top.
- Wall cabinets- As the name suggests, these cabinets hang on the wall. You can get these in all different sizes. You can get them as deep as the base cabinets and as tall as the ceilings in your home. This all depends on how much you want to spend and what style cabinet you want. You can even choose to get lights installed under these cabinets to make it easier to see your counter tops.
- Tall cabinets- They can extend from floor to ceiling. They can be configured to accommodate built-in ovens and microwaves.
