They Build It, You Enjoy It

Posted on: 25 March 2022

When renovating and designing a kitchen, the first thing that comes to mind is the cabinets. Cabinetry is one of the key components of having a functional kitchen space. There are a lot of options available that can be confusing to most homeowners. Keep reading for advice on choosing the right kitchen cabinets for your home renovations. 

Types of Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are a top renovation priority for homeowners. From new finishes to custom hardware and built-in storage solutions, the options for upgrading your kitchen cabinets are seemingly endless. Whether you're building a custom-designed kitchen from scratch or renovating an existing room, choosing the best cabinet design for your style and budget is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. The type of cabinetry you choose can dramatically impact the look, functionality, and feel of your space, so it's important to spend time researching different styles before making a final decision. While there are hundreds of kitchen cabinet options available, most fall into just four main categories: stock, semi-custom, custom, and ready-to-assemble (RTA). Your choice will depend on your unique needs and budget.

Cabinet Anatomy

The anatomy of a cabinet includes the base, frame, door front, hardware, and finish. Base cabinets sit directly on the floor. A frame is attached to the sides, back, and top of the base cabinet. It gives rigidity to the cabinet box while providing space for attaching doors and interior accessories like roll-out trays or lazy Susans. Door fronts are attached to hinges that allow them to open and close easily. Hardware, such as hinges, handles, or knobs can really make a difference in how your kitchen looks.

Cabinet Shape

The shape of your kitchen cabinets can help create the right aesthetic in your kitchen. There are a few different options to consider, including:

• Square: This is a classic cabinet shape that works well with most home styles.
• Arched: Arched cabinets can add a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Many homeowners choose this type of cabinet when they have an older home or one with a historic feel.
• Horseshoe: A horseshoe-shaped cabinet is commonly used for corner spaces. It's also sometimes called an L-shaped cabinet since it fits into the corner and creates a shape like the letter "L."

You also have other options for custom shapes that can combine these different designs in a custom-designed cabinetry installation. 

Cabinet Size

Kitchen cabinet sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Many manufacturers offer standard-size cabinets that are 24" deep and 36" high. Cabinets are also available in 12", 18", 21", and 24" depth, with other custom depths available upon request.

When remodeling your kitchen, you have the ability to design cabinets that fit your exact specifications. If you have a small kitchen, you can save space by designing your cabinets properly.

Cabinet Materials

You also need to consider the materials that your cabinetry is made out of. Cabinet materials include:

• Wood: Wood cabinets are a classic choice and come in an array of colors and finishes. They have a natural look and feel that is popular in many kitchens. Solid wood is the most durable option, but it's also the most expensive.
• Laminate: Laminate cabinets are made of layers of material glued together, with a plastic laminate on top for appearance and to prevent damage from water or other liquids. Although they're still very durable, they're not as strong or attractive as wood or real-wood veneer.
• MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): MDF cabinets are similar to laminate cabinets because they're made of layers of material with a veneer on top. However, they're also made with sawdust held together with resin glue instead of paper. They're less expensive than custom cabinets but more expensive than RTA cabinets.
• Plywood: Plywood cabinets are made from thin sheets of wood called plywood. Plywood is usually strong and durable, but you'll want to be sure that your plywood has at least five plies so that it doesn't warp easily.

These are the options for materials that you might want to consider for the new cabinets that are going to be installed in your kitchen. 

For more information on kitchen cabinets, contact a cabinetry service.