Remodeling a kitchen begins with selecting kitchen cabinets to meet the needs of the homeowner. This starting point provides the framework and focus for the rest of the kitchen’s new design. All homeowners have their own specific needs that are based on being a wine collector, culinary artist, love to cook, or a family of many. When selecting cabinets the first step is to select the design that works best.
There are several factors that are going to affect the cost of kitchen cabinets. These factors include brand, construction, wood type, and features. It is important to research and explore all available options. A higher price does not always correspond to higher quality and some of the lesser-known cabinet lines are constructed better. This is why advance research is critical before settling on final design.
Cabinet Design: An Overview
A wide variety of kitchen cabinets and accessories are available to fit any specific situation. The first thing the homeowner must do is select the quality level of cabinets for their kitchen. The following is an overview of cabinet designs.
- Ready to Assemble – most use solid plywood for the cabinet box, solid wood for the face frames and doors, and have interlocking cam locks for assembly. These cam locks are stronger than staples, nails, or wooden dowels.
- Stock Cabinets – are sold in standard sizes and shapes. These cabinets are available in most home improvement stores and are usually available to take home the same day or a few days later. Size and style options are limited; however, the price is right for homeowners on a budget.
- Semi-Custom Cabinets – are built once an order is received and homeowners can choose from a variety of selected sizes and styles. This makes it easier to design a kitchen that fits a homeowner’s specific requirements. Semi-custom cabinetries usually require a lead-time for delivery and are typically more expensive than stock cabinets.
- Custom Cabinets – are made by hand to fit a homeowner’s specific requirements. These cabinets are typically constructed to fit odd-sized or irregular-shaped spaces in a kitchen. Custom cabinets are the most expensive of the three types; the price varies widely according to size, material, and options. These cabinets normally require a long lead-time for construction and delivery.
Avoiding health risks from materials installed in a home is popular today and this can be accomplished by purchasing cabinets that are formaldehyde free. This chemical is used widely in cabinet construction for assembly resins and some stains to finish kitchen cabinets. Health concerns from long term exposure to formaldehyde include increased risk of sensitivity to chemicals, asthma, and lung cancer.
The most popular materials for constructing green cabinets are:
- Bamboo – this material is appealing to the eye and durable and it is also rapidly renewable. Bamboo matures in less than half the time it takes hardwood trees, making it more environmentally friendly.
- Recycled Wood – older wood recycled from recycled buildings were not constructed using materials containing formaldehyde. This recycled wood is also important because it reduces deforestation.
When purchasing kitchen cabinets there are important features to inspect and sales traps to avoid, such as:
- Budget – kitchen cabinets can consume up to 80 percent of a kitchen remodeling budget. Calculate a cabinet budget and stick to it.
- Discounted Cabinets – beware of simulated wood grain, thin laminates, low-quality or mismatched woods, imperfections, and poor craftsmanship.
- Impulse Buying – this involves avoiding cabinets that do not follow the kitchen design, just because they are appealing. Develop a kitchen design plan and stick to it when shopping.
- Minor Changes – avoid making even minor changes to design, style, and size. These changes tend to cause a ripple effect, impacting other cabinets and causing dramatic increases in the cabinet budget.
- Finishes – select kitchen cabinet finishes that are environmentally friendly and do not contain formaldehyde or other carcinogens.
- Best Quality – the best kitchen cabinets are made with solid frames, doors, and drawers. They also have closed backs, with reinforced corners. These cabinets have higher end mechanical hardware to ensure the doors and drawers do not fail with heavy use for many years.
- Kitchen Flooring – typically base cabinets must be installed before installation of flooring.
- Kitchen Countertops – ensure that kitchen cabinet design supports weight, style, and installation of countertops.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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