Take it from the experienced professionals, there are many parts to a good quality and lasting kitchen renovation, but kitchen cabinets are certainly one of the more prominent concerns.
Every once and awhile your kitchen needs a re-fresh or a complete remodel. Luckily, one of the easiest ways to do so is by updating the kitchen cabinets. We’ve rounded up a few quick tips to help you with the selection and renovation process. Since cabinets are often the focal point in your kitchen, it is important to pick ones that are timeless and sturdy enough to last for decades (while staying within your budget).
Type and Style
If you’re working with a tight budget and just want a simple update, stock cabinets are available in a variety of standard sizes, shapes, materials and finishes that you can configure to fit somewhat to fit into your existing kitchen layout.
If you have a larger budget custom cabinets allow you to purchase handcrafted cabinetry created specifically to meet your needs. All of the options are available in either face-framed (have frames that hide the cabinet box’s joinery) or the less expensive and more streamlined frameless styles (made with a slab or flat door attached directly to cabinet box).
Materials and Finishes
Picking the material and finishes of your cabinets will be largely influenced by your budget. Before making the decision, visit kitchen design showrooms to scope out the different options available (ex. wood, metal, composite, laminate, and thermofoil) to decide while materials you prefer and the colour scheme of your kitchen.
Semi-custom or custom cabinetry can then be finished in a number of ways (ex: painted, stained, antiqued, glazed or distressed) where as stock cabinets are usually sold unfinished, stained or simply with a white thermofoil finish which allows you to select the look that you prefer.
Quality Considerations
You kitchen cabinetry should be timeless and durable enough to last for decades. Try and choose cabinets with solid-wood face frames, doors and drawer fronts that are sturdy and build to last. Mix and match your cabinets with specialty storage solutions to maximize corner cabinet and fit your kitchen’s organizational needs with racks, adjustable shelves and shelving of various heights. It is also important to find self-closing drawer glides and mortise and tenon or glued dowel joints that can support the loads in your kitchen.
If you are planning your kitchen renovation and have questions, visit our FAQ, call or come visit us. An on-site designer will be happy to work with you and answer any questions you might have.