Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinetry, available in an array of styles, materials and finishes, can set the aesthetic tone of your entire kitchen. While wooden cabinets finished in clear varnish will give your space an organic mood, a custom-made stainless steel option will result in a sophisticated, contemporary vibe. However, choose wisely: According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, cabinetry can eat up nearly half of your overall remodeling budget. Before you decide between custom or stock and wood, frosted glass or metal, be sure to consider these tips.

Should I buy stock, semi-custom or custom-made kitchen cabinets?

This depends largely on your budget and overall style. Consider the following when making your decision:
Stock: Manufactured in a limited number of widths, options and materials, stock cabinets are the least expensive and may require filler strips to disguise spaces between cabinets and walls. However, there is still a wide variety available, and the quality can be just as high as custom.
Semi-custom: More expensive than stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets are made-to-order with a wider variety of options available, like drawers with slide-outs or odd sizes. However, they’re not custom-made, so they’re not limitless.
Custom-made: Created exactly to your specifications, custom-made cabinets tend to come with a steep price tag. Often, it’s worth it: Built for your kitchen, these cabinets will maximize your space in terms of efficiency and design.

How do I decide on cabinetry material?

Aesthetic value, budget and quality all come into play when choosing the right material for your kitchen cabinets. Generally, the decision lies between laminate, wood, metal or glass cabinets:
Laminate: Laminate cabinets, made from multiple layers of kraft paper, are the least expensive. The upside is they can be found in nearly any color. The downside is they’re can be easily chipped, which is difficult to repair.
Wood: Durable and available in a variety of types, colors and finishes, wood cabinets fall into a mid-range price level. However, they tend to expand and contract according to humidity levels, and can warp over time.
Metal: Usually made of stainless steel, these cabinets are pricier than wood. Metal cabinets tend to show fingerprints and scratches easily, but are durable and easy to clean.
Glass: Glass cabinets are often paired with wood cabinets to add texture and color variation to a space. They help light move throughout the space, but because your dishes are noticeable, your cabinets and the items in them need to be organized and worth displaying.

How do I keep my drawers organized with my kitchen cabinet design?

Our kitchens are often stocked with a wide variety of tools and accessories, so finding a way to organize them in a cohesive way can be a challenge. Pullout drawers or plastic bins can make deep cabinets more accessible, while modular drawer organizers can help keep utensils and smaller items in check. When it comes to spices, make sure you can find the right one when you need it by adding a lazy Susan or cabinet door rack. In the end, ensuring that each item has its own space will lead to more organized cabinets and drawers, which will lead to a better cooking experience.

More: Kitchen Cabinets Dimension Guide — Get the Most Out of Your Space
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