One of the essential parts of any kitchen is the cabinets. They add greatly to the visual appeal of the kitchen while also serving the practical purpose of storing commonly used items. However, with so many options currently on the market, picking the best kitchen cabinets can seem like an insurmountable challenge.
There is a wide selection of kitchen cabinet styles and materials to choose from, making it difficult to zero in on the perfect one for your home. This article will serve as a thorough resource for locating and purchasing high-quality kitchen cabinets that meet your individual needs.
Types Of Kitchen Cabinets
Base Kitchen Cabinets for Countertop Support
There are two main types of kitchen cabinets: base cabinets and wall cabinets. These are the most crucial because they carry the weight of the kitchen's most vital and heaviest appliance. That's why it's crucial that they're solid and balanced. The usual dimensions for a set of kitchen base cabinets are 36 inches in height and 24 inches in depth.
Drawer-equipped base cabinets are a smart buy if you're in search of extra organisational space. Manufacturers often offer depth options for base cabinets ranging from 18 to 27 inches. If you need additional room for storage, expanding their depth is a great alternative to consider. In the kitchen, the riser-toe kick is set back four inches from the floor beneath the lower cabinets.
Wall Kitchen Cabinets for Beautiful Design
Kitchen cabinets that attach to the wall are variously referred to as upper cabinets, wall cabinets, and wall-mounted cabinets. They're positioned above the base cabinets for contrast in style. Although the base cabinets in a kitchen are essential as they hold the counters in place and provide ample storage space, the wall cabinets are the most vital during renovations. When it comes to the aesthetics and functionality of a kitchen, the upper or wall cabinets are where all eyes are naturally drawn.
Also helpful is the storage provided by wall cabinets in the kitchen. The standard depth for upper or wall cabinets is 12 inches. This depth can be raised to 17 inches for even more storage space if you opt for semi-custom or custom kitchen cabinets. Kitchens can be made to look either bigger or smaller depending on where the wall cabinets are placed.
You can make better use of the space by installing multiple wall cabinets in a row along one wall. Even a modestly sized kitchen can reap the benefits of this design by giving the illusion of more space. If you don't need a tonne of space for storage, an open shelving for the kitchen with no upper cabinet design may be perfect for you.
Pantry (Tall) Cabinets for More Storage
You can refer to them as either pantry cabinets or tall cabinets, both of which serve the same purpose. Full-height pantry or tall cabinet space. They begin at the ground and ascend to the sky. Pantry cabinetry is designed to be as tall as possible to maximise space.
The standard height for a set of a pantry or tall cabinets is between 84 and 96 inches.
Because of their size, these cabinets are ideal for storing brooms and adding an impressive vertical dimension to any kitchen. This style of kitchen cabinetry is ideal if you prefer an open layout for your kitchen but still require a great deal of storage space.
Cabinets with Drawers for More Functionality
Drawer-equipped cabinets are the backbone of any functional kitchen. They are an integral part of any practical kitchen. Make sure the drawers are well made and sturdy whether you're getting stock, semi-custom, or custom kitchen cabinets. First, check that the plywood thickness of your drawer-equipped cabinets is at least half an inch. Invest in 5/8-inch thick plywood for the interior of your drawers if you're going for a more upscale look.
Cabinet drawers are built to last, so their 3/4-inch plywood structure is both durable and long-lasting. Look out for drawers constructed of cheap materials like cardboard or particle board that have been laminated, or plywood. There are two types of drawer fronts available to you: slab and five-piece.
Slab drawers have a single, uniform panel for a front. If you're going for a minimalist, sleek look in the kitchen, these are the way to go. The frame of a drawer with five panels consists of four panels surrounding a central panel. You can lower or raise the central panel.
If you're going for a classic look, this is the route to take. It's important to evaluate your storage requirements and kitchen habits before deciding between kitchen drawers and cabinets. The choice between kitchen drawers and cabinets shouldn't be based on style but on practicality.
Stock vs. Custom Cabinets – Are They Worth It?
The decision between stock cabinets and custom cabinets is not one to be taken lightly. Kitchen cabinet installation costs can vary widely based on the homeowner's preferences and the scope of the project. When deciding between stock and custom kitchen cabinets, cost-effectiveness is the single most important factor to consider.
Stock cabinets are an option to consider if you need a quick fix that won't break the bank. Stock cabinets, which are commonly found in big-box stores, have lower prices but a smaller variety of colours and finishes. These may not be the best option if you're hoping for a snug fit or a truly personalised product.
However, semi-custom cabinets give you the best of both worlds by balancing form and function. They are available in many different materials, colours, and hardware arrangements to cater to a wide range of tastes. Semi-custom cabinets are also available in prefabricated sets that can be modified to fit unique requirements.
The next step is built-to-order cabinetry. While the initial cost will be higher, you can rest assured that it will be constructed uniquely for you, on-site, and according to your specifications. With the help of custom cabinetry, you can design a kitchen that is unique to you, functional for your needs, and built to last for decades. The addition of high-quality custom cabinets can do the same for your home's resale price.
Frameless vs. Framed vs. Overlay vs. Inset
Are you having trouble deciding which style of cabinet to get? Frameless, framed, overlay and inset, kitchen cabinets all look similar at first glance.
Framed cabinets have a larger surface area than the doors themselves, necessitating the use of an extra frame to contain the cabinet's structure. This, typically 3/4 inches wide and 112 inches thick, lends these cabinets a classic look while allowing them to adapt to shifting aesthetic preferences. Their thicker frames aid stability and are inexpensive, but they can be tricky to install in spaces with unusual dimensions.
On the other hand, frameless cabinets lack both a face and a side frame. Since fewer resources are required to create them, installation is facilitated, and efficiency is increased. However, due to the high level of craftsmanship required, frameless cabinets are typically more expensive. Their lack of doors gives them a more contemporary appearance than their framed counterparts and makes them convenient for use in tight spaces, such as in corner locations.
Depending on the layout, either framed or frameless designs can complement inset or overlay cabinetry well. The cabinet doors are either inset or overlay, depending on whether they are placed inside or outside the cabinet's frame.
Tips For Choosing The Right Kitchen Cabinets
Quality and Budget Go Hand-in-Hand
What kind of cabinet quality you'd like to have installed is another cost factor to think about. There is a wide range of quality when it comes to cabinets, whether you go with stock, custom, or semi-custom.
Here are a few of the most fundamental characteristics of a high-quality cabinet: Dovetail joinery or a metal box, rather than stapled particleboard, is recommended for drawer construction. Again, plywood or solid wood is preferable to particle board for door panels, and door frames should be made of the same material. It's recommended that the cabinet walls be at least half an inch thick. The best cabinets will have a guarantee of at least five years from the maker.
Design and Aesthetic
What kind of kitchen cabinets, and in what colour, do you envision in your ideal home? Do you wish to appear contemporary and chic? A rustic setting with real wood furnishings? A richly detailed colonial style? You can find kitchen cabinetry that suits your taste, complements the decor of your home, and helps your kitchen stand out from the crowd thanks to the wide variety of styles available.
Functionality
Most homeowners choose kitchen cabinets based on their aesthetic appeal, but practicality should be a top priority. That is to say. The inside is equally as crucial as the outside! If there is room, installing deeper cabinets in the kitchen will allow for more storage. You should also think about how much stuff you need to store and if the cabinet shelves can hold it.
The Flow of the Room
It may seem more logical to simply replace the cabinets where they currently stand in your kitchen, but you may also want to consider adding an island, raising the cabinets to the ceiling, or constructing a breakfast bar, all of which will alter the natural flow of the room but may result in improved aesthetics, functionality, and convenience.
Future Needs and Wishes
The homeowners' anticipated use of the kitchen in the future is another important consideration that is often overlooked. Changing the layout of your kitchen cabinets, for instance, might have an impact on your ability to accommodate a growing family or a potential sale of your home in the future. Kitchen cabinet options that are versatile, neutral, or not too customised are good bets if you find it difficult to plan ahead.
Now For the Fun Part
You can now plan the layout and make the aesthetic and accessory choices that will bring your kitchen design dreams to life after you've determined your budget and chosen the type of cabinets that will fit within that budget.
Cabinet doors in a timeless style, like shaker or raised panel, in neutral colours like white or cherry, are a good bet if you intend to sell your home soon. Slab doors in a stainless steel finish may be more to your taste if you have a mid-century modern home. To get a feel for how a material looks in your home, in different lighting and in contrast to your wall and floor colours, it can be helpful to bring sample doors back from the showroom.
Cabinet storage is obviously a crucial design consideration. How much space do you need for kitchen storage? Where do you plan on putting all of your kitchen gadgets? Where should I put my trash or recyclables? Do you need cabinets with drawers?
Accessories like built-in spice racks, concealed towel storage, tray dividers, knife blocks, and cutting board pull outs are great for functionality but will increase the cost of your cabinets.
Conclusion
Base cabinets for supporting the countertop and wall cabinets for stunning design are the major focus of this text. Wall cabinets are placed above the base cabinets to give visual contrast and more storage space. Base cabinets measure 36 inches in height and 24 inches in depth. You may make your kitchen look bigger or smaller depending on where you put your wall cabinets because they can be raised to a height of 17 inches. The essay focuses mostly on the advantages of building a series of wall cabinets along a single wall, the advantages of using pantry (tall) cabinets for increased storage, and the advantages of using cabinets fitted with drawers for increased usefulness. Cabinets with drawers are constructed with a sturdy 3/4-inch plywood framework, while pantry cabinets are meant to be as tall as possible to optimise storage.
Cabinets can be divided into four categories based on their construction: frameless, framed, overlay, and inset. Frameless cabinets are more expensive because they don't have a face frame or side frames. However, because they don't have any doors, they have a more modern look and may be used in tighter quarters. The appropriate kitchen cabinets can be found by balancing price and quality. Drawers should be built with dovetail joinery or a metal box, and door panels and frames should be crafted from the same material.
The best cabinets will come with a manufacturer's warranty of at least five years. Consideration should also be given to design and aesthetics. The importance of functionality cannot be overstated. When planning a kitchen's layout, it's crucial to think about how traffic will flow through the space. Considerations for the future requirements and desires are also crucial.
To plan the layout and select the aesthetic and accessory options, a budget must be established, and the appropriate cabinets must be selected. For a mid-century modern look, choose cabinet doors in a classic style, neutral colours, or a stainless steel finish. The price of cabinets might rise due to the addition of useful features like built-in spice racks, hidden towel storage, tray dividers, knife blocks, and cutting board pull outs.
Content Summary
- One of the essential parts of any kitchen is the cabinets.
- However, with so many options currently on the market, picking the best kitchen cabinets can seem like an insurmountable challenge.
- There is a wide selection of kitchen cabinet styles and materials to choose from, making it difficult to zero in on the perfect one for your home.
- This article will serve as a thorough resource for locating and purchasing high-quality kitchen cabinets that meet your individual needs.
- There are two main types of kitchen cabinets: base cabinets and wall cabinets.
- The usual dimensions for a set of kitchen base cabinets are 36 inches in height and 24 inches in depth.
- They're positioned above the base cabinets for contrast in style.
- Although the base cabinets in a kitchen are essential as they hold the counters in place and provide ample storage space, the wall cabinets are the most vital during renovations.
- When it comes to the aesthetics and functionality of a kitchen, the upper or wall cabinets are where all eyes are naturally drawn.
- Also helpful is the storage provided by wall cabinets in the kitchen.
- The standard depth for upper or wall cabinets is 12 inches.
- You can make better use of the space by installing multiple wall cabinets in a row along one wall.
- If you don't need a tonne of space for storage, an open shelving for the kitchen with no upper cabinet design may be perfect for you.
- Full-height pantry or tall cabinet space.
- Pantry cabinetry is designed to be as tall as possible to maximise space.
- The standard height for a set of a pantry or tall cabinets is between 84 and 96 inches.
- This style of kitchen cabinetry is ideal if you prefer an open layout for your kitchen but still require a great deal of storage space.
- Drawer-equipped cabinets are the backbone of any functional kitchen.
- First, check that the plywood thickness of your drawer-equipped cabinets is at least half an inch.
- Invest in 5/8-inch thick plywood for the interior of your drawers if you're going for a more upscale look.
- The frame of a drawer with five panels consists of four panels surrounding a central panel.
- The decision between stock cabinets and custom cabinets is not one to be taken lightly.
- Kitchen cabinet installation costs can vary widely based on the homeowner's preferences and the scope of the project.
- When deciding between stock and custom kitchen cabinets, cost-effectiveness is the single most important factor to consider.
- However, semi-custom cabinets give you the best of both worlds by balancing form and function.
- The next step is built-to-order cabinetry.
- With the help of custom cabinetry, you can design a kitchen that is unique to you, functional for your needs, and built to last for decades.
- The addition of high-quality custom cabinets can do the same for your home's resale price.
- Are you having trouble deciding which style of cabinet to get?
- On the other hand, frameless cabinets lack both a face and a side frame.
- However, due to the high level of craftsmanship required, frameless cabinets are typically more expensive.
- Depending on the layout, either framed or frameless designs can complement inset or overlay cabinetry well.
- The cabinet doors are either inset or overlay, depending on whether they are placed inside or outside the cabinet's frame.
- What kind of cabinet quality you'd like to have installed is another cost factor to think about.
- There is a wide range of quality when it comes to cabinets, whether you go with stock, custom, or semi-custom.
- Dovetail joinery or a metal box, rather than stapled particleboard, is recommended for drawer construction.
- What kind of kitchen cabinets, and in what colour, do you envision in your ideal home?
- You can find kitchen cabinetry that suits your taste, complements the decor of your home, and helps your kitchen stand out from the crowd thanks to the wide variety of styles available.
- If there is room, installing deeper cabinets in the kitchen will allow for more storage.
- It may seem more logical to simply replace the cabinets where they currently stand in your kitchen, but you may also want to consider adding an island, raising the cabinets to the ceiling, or constructing a breakfast bar, all of which will alter the natural flow of the room but may result in improved aesthetics, functionality, and convenience.
- The homeowners' anticipated use of the kitchen in the future is another important consideration that is often overlooked.
- Changing the layout of your kitchen cabinets, for instance, might have an impact on your ability to accommodate a growing family or a potential sale of your home in the future.
- You can now plan the layout and make the aesthetic and accessory choices that will bring your kitchen design dreams to life after you've determined your budget and chosen the type of cabinets that will fit within that budget.
- Cabinet storage is obviously a crucial design consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Light shade cabinets are a better choice in smaller spaces or kitchens, especially when there is less natural light. Lighter colours like white and off-white cabinets make the kitchen look and feel bigger. On the contrary, a large space that has ample sunlight can be a good bet for dark-coloured kitchen cabinets.
White cabinets evoke a clean and sanitary look, while creating a light and airy feel to your kitchen. White or light colored cabinets show dirt and grime more quickly than dark cabinets and require constant cleanup. This is something to consider, especially if you have a large family or small children.
The best material for kitchen cabinetry is solid wood. However, solid wood contracts and expands, so we recommend choosing cabinets made of engineered wood. The best wood for kitchen wall cabinets is engineered wood because it's one of the most reliable materials. Also, it is less expensive than solid wood.
Shaker. The most common style for cabinets today is the Shaker-style. The Shaker-style consists of five pieces of flat-panel, creating a frame with four pieces and with a single flat centre panel as the fifth piece.
The 5 best and most popular woods for kitchen cabinets are pine, oak, hickory, cherry, and maple. Pine, oak, and hickory are cheaper and easier to get. Cherry and maple look luxurious and cost more than the others. All 5 work well in the kitchen's hot and humid environment.