Important Questions to Ask When Shopping for Kitchen Cabinets

One of the most important aspects of kitchen design is the choice of cabinets. They play a leading in role in determining the functionality and appearance of any kitchen, regardless of the design or overall theme. When shopping for kitchen cabinets, you will find that there are many, many options available. It’s easy for someone to feel confused or overwhelmed. To help you better understand your choices, here are some questions you should be asking:

What are the basic types of cabinets?

Your primary choices include custom, semi-custom, and stock. Stock cabinetry is usually ready to assemble upon arrival. They require little more than a bit of preparation and installation. If you have experience, you can install them yourself. If not, you should be able to find a contractor who will install them at a low price.

If any adjustments need to be made in size or design, semi-custom options are available and less expensive than fully custom cabinets.

Custom cabinets cost the most money, but they offer the most options in terms of color, finish, size, style, and overall design.

What factors affect price?

As with any factor involving home renovation and remodeling, price varies considerably with cabinetry. At the very least, you are looking at $150 Canadian for a single stock unit. If you want a custom unit, the cost will go up – especially if you want high-quality materials and craftsmanship. In addition to the cost of the cabinet itself, you will have to pay for shipping and installation, unless you are confident that you will be able to install everything yourself. The costs vary from store to store, and contractor to contractor.

What wood species can the cabinets be crafted in?

Just about any wood species can be used in the crafting of cabinets. Common types of wood include variations of cherry, pine, oak, maple, walnut, ash, etc. Many finishes and stains are available as well. The doors can be made of either wood or glass.

Should you choose built-in cabinets or open shelves?

Open-plan living is pretty trendy these days. Kitchens featuring cabinets that run from one end of the wall to the other are no longer the norm. This doesn’t mean that you should do away with fitted cabinets, as they are still storage-efficient and valuable, especially if you don’t have a large kitchen. A good compromise is to install fitted cabinets beneath the counter and place open shelves above.

Are custom cabinets right for you?

Custom cabinetry is recommended if you cannot find the ideal stock cabinets for your kitchen. If your countertop is higher than the standard, or your kitchen layout has an irregular floor plan, standard cabinets probably won’t fit. You might also have a distinctive design and require cabinets with a specific appearance or color. If a standard cabinet simply will not look right or fit correctly in your kitchen, a custom solution is ideal.

Will you need the cabinets installed professionally?

If you do not have the confidence to install the cabinets yourself, you will need a professional to come in. you will definitely require a contractor if you have custom cabinetry that needs to be installed. Even if you just order ready to assemble cabinets, they can be tricky to install if you don’t know what you are doing.

Keep these questions in mind when shopping for kitchen cabinets and you should be able to narrow your options down.

Important Questions to Ask When Shopping for Kitchen Cabinets

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