Remodeling: Kitchen Cabinets

For those who have a kitchen remodel on their list, one of the big decisions you’ll make is regarding kitchen cabinets. Kitchen cabinets are one of the first things your guests will see when they enter the room. The cabinets you choose will impact your room’s overall design, as well as your budget. Your cabinets are also a storage function, and how they are organized is a decision to make for your kitchen and family. Generally, cabinets will comprise close to half of the total kitchen budget; so it’s worth choosing a design you’ll be happy with for years to come.

For the do-it-your-selfer, kitchens can be done with stock cabinetry, which is a budget friendly choice but some kitchens with unique layouts may require custom cabinetry.

Stock cabinets are pre-sized by the manufacturer, measured in 3-inch increments. They can be made from a variety of materials. From as simple as plastic-covered particle board to solid wood, there are a few options to choose from. The risk with stock cabinets is that some will only meet minimal standards, making them the less valuable investment. However, they can be an attractive option for a kitchen on a budget.

Custom cabinetry may require a significant investment, but opens a wide array of options both in design, function and efficiency. Are you more interested in aesthetic appeal or a durable quality? Are you looking for something environmentally friendly, like bamboo? What kind of storage will you need? These are all questions that you can address, especially with custom cabinetry! Custom cabinetry removes all limits!

For those with custom needs on a budget, there’s a third option: Semi-custom cabinets! A sweet spot in the middle, semi-custom cabinets are manufactured from a stock design, but made to your specifications. Customization in style, material, and some size adjustments allows you to make it your own, while starting from a good base. For most families, this is a great option, as it is still budget friendly and allows you to tailor the cabinets to your needs.

Whatever route you take, pay attention to the construction of the cabinets themselves. Look at materials, design, hardware and more. Do the drawers seem like they’ll get stuck easily? Are the shelf mounting brackets metal, or plastic? How much weight will they hold? How are the cabinets joined together? Hot glue? Staples? These details should be noted prior to installation, to make sure you have a quality cabinet that will be durable and last as long as possible.

The best decision you can make when looking for cabinets is to work with an expert in the industry who you trust to advise you, and install them. If you’re doing a full kitchen remodel, this will likely be the contractor you’re working with. Hint: If you need someone, we can help! Working with someone you trust should always be your first priority. At responsible contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. For a cabinetry remodel, we are happy to recommend a great contractor! Visitwww.responsiblecontractors.com for a list, or contact us for a more specific recommendation.