Kitchen Cabinet Styles & Considerations

A broad selection of cabinet type, material, and style choices await the homeowner preparing for new kitchen construction or renovation. Because cabinetry can represent a sizeable investment (usually about half of typical remodeling budgets) make choice selection carefully.

• Hardwood
• Hardboard
• Particleboard
• Aluminum, stainless steel or other metal

Hardwood

The classic look of hardwood cabinetry is hard to beat. It remains the top choice of many homeowners who don’t mind spending more for the incomparable beauty of natural wood grain.

Well-crafted wood cabinets run moderately high to high in price. They are generally made in combination with particle board, medium-density fiberboard, or plywood, with hardwood frames. Popular hardwood choices include oak, hickory, cherry, and maple.

Hardboard

Less expensive than hardwood, hardboard consists of shredded wood glued together with a natural adhesive called “lignin.” Often used for doors and backs and sides on wooden frames, it provides an excellent painting surface. Tempered hardboard is infused with oil, which aids against moisture and warping.

Particle Board

Representing a low to moderate priced option, particle board is manufactured from wood particles. Wood chips, sawmill shavings, or sawdust is mixed with a synthetic resin or another binder, and then pressed. Producing a heavy, dense, flat material; budget priced, but with less longevity and durability than plywood or hardwood. Hardboard and particle board can be laminated, wood veneer, or vinyl clad.

Aluminum, Stainless Steel or other Metal

Not as popular as other choices in cabinetry, aluminum, steel and other metal cabinets have a baked enamel finish, and come in various styles and grades with low to high price tags. These type cabinets tend to be noisy; steel and other metal cabinets are rust prone.

Stainless steel cabinets have become the recent trend for some kitchen designs; providing an ultra-modern, sophisticated flair, along with a big price tag. But because of its sanitary qualities, professional appeal, and durability, stainless steel is gaining increasing popularity for those who can afford the expense.

Those with special non-directed glazed finishes hide fingerprints, scratches, and marks. Besides other great benefits, stainless steel is fireproof, and environmentally friendly. And stainless cabinetry is a great compliment to the various non-commercial kitchen appliances in stainless steel; now vogue for residential kitchens.

Stock/Prefabricated Cabinets

The most basic of all cabinet types, stock/prefabricated cabinets are readymade; they can be purchased unassembled, unfinished, or pre-finished and ready for installation. Most cabinet dealers offer an assortment of styles, available for immediate delivery.

Many home renovation building centers have a variety of designer kitchen walk through displays. Staged settings with floor plan layouts and combinations of cabinetry, counters, sinks and other fixtures; to help consumers better visualize finished results when making product selection.

When making cabinet selection, look beyond cosmetic appeal and note the following:

• Do drawers open easily; do they roll on metal track rated to hold 75 pounds?
• Are drawers equipped with full-extension guides; are guides self-closing?
• Are drawers well constructed? Do they have dovetailed or doweled joints, instead of staples?
• Are the sides of the draws at least ½-inch thick?
• Is the bottom of draws strong; are they glued into grooves?
• If cabinets are wood, do grains match from piece to piece?
• Do doors and drawers have quality hardware?
• Do doors swing freely; do they latch securely?
• Do doors have face frames at least ¾-inches thick?
• Are doors fitted with mortised corners, instead of non-interlocking buttjoints?
• Are shelves strong, ¾-inch plywood?
• How are inside areas and backs finished?
• Are the cabinets NKCA (National Kitchen Cabinet Association) certified?

NKCA certification ensures that the cabinet has been manufactured using a certain (minimum) standard. Don’t be concerned if the insides of cabinets are veneer-covered plywood or particle board. Truth be told, both are less likely to warp than solid wood.

Semi-custom Cabinets

With more detail and options than stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets are never-the-less ready made; consumers have a wider choice selection in style, color, and cabinet finish. Options like side panels, glass doors, and crown and bottom molding allow the consumer to add a designer’s touch to kitchen décor.

Nice cabinet amenities include pull-out trays; pull out spice racks, wine-glass racks, plate racks, doors with concealed spring hinges, and Lazy Susan and corner systems. Because of the variety of options available, semi-custom cabinets cost more than stock; they usually must be ordered from the manufacturer.

Custom Cabinets

Because custom cabinets are designed and made according to purchaser’s type, style, material, color, and size specifications, choice options are limitless. A professional cabinet contractor can build one-of-a-kind creations with dimensions customized to fit specific areas down the last 1/8-inch. Obviously, cabinetry with this type quality workmanship and customized features will carry a heavy price tag; usually at least twice that of stock of similar material quality.

New cabinets can greatly compliment new kitchen décor, and provide more convenience and storage space. Quality cabinetry will also increase the real estate market value of your home.

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