Kitchen cabinets are perhaps the most visible part of your kitchen, and play a major role in how your kitchen looks. Additionally, kitchen cabinets are used extensively as part of everyday life. When you are considering replacing your kitchen cabinets, it can be a daunting task, knowing how important it is to balance design, functionality, durability, and more.
Our team of kitchen building supply experts have come up with 10 tips that will help you choose the right cabinets for your kitchen and leave you loving your kitchen for years to come.
Consider The Cabinet Material
While this might seem like an obvious tip, the importance of choosing the right material cannot be overstated. Cabinets made from inexpensive materials may be attractive due to their lower cost, but they can easily be damaged or fall apart from everyday use (see our guide on where and where not to cut corners on kitchen remodels). Choose a material that will hold up against heavy use and is sturdy enough to handle normal wear, like bumps and scratches.
Choose The Right Hardware For Your Cabinets
A cabinet that is sturdy and looks significant needs to be easy to open and close as well. Select handles and knobs that are easy to pull and match the rest of your kitchen. You’ll also want to pick out hinges that work well with frequent use and are adjustable to open out as far as you need.
Consider Smart Features For Your Cabinets
There are a few features that are easy to install and can really upgrade how you use your cabinets. Consider details such as soft-close cabinets, adjustable shelving, doors that click into place, and even LED lighting within your cabinets. These features don’t have to be expensive or ornate, but can help make everyday life a little easier, and don’t require much more added work to install.
Decide On Stained vs Painted Cabinets
This choice is one of the biggest design decisions you’ll have to make when selecting the perfect kitchen cabinets. Stained cabinets give a more natural look and are easier to maintain than painted cabinets, but painted cabinets can be transformed to match just about any color imaginable and can have a variety of finishes. Keep this decision in mind when choosing your cabinet material, as some materials are easier to paint, while others are better suited for staining.
DIY Or Professional Kitchen Cabinet Installation
Should you install your kitchen cabinets yourself? That depends on a few factors. Pre-fabricated cabinets are easier to install than custom cabinets, which may require the assistance of an expert (check out our prefab vs. custom cabinet article). Also, think about whether you can get your cabinets through your doors yourself, and if there is anything in your kitchen, like an island or appliances, that could get in the way of an easy installation. Another item to consider is whether you’ll need to move plumbing or electrical work to fit the updated layout.
Think About Your Kitchen’s Everyday Use
Most likely, you are going to be opening your kitchen cabinets several times every day. Consider planning your cabinet design based on how you typically go about your day and cooking habits. Make sure that cabinets holding everyday items are low enough to be reached by everyone, and aren’t too deep that essentials are stuck in the back, out of reach.
It is also a smart idea to consider selecting cabinets that can store specific items. For example, large cabinets can be placed near the sink to hold larger dishes and cleaning products, while smaller cabinets with more shelves can be installed close to your stove for spices and other ingredients.
Make The Most Of Your Kitchen Space
Space is a valuable commodity in any kitchen, especially in older homes. Think about how all of your cabinets flow together and maximize storage possibilities. Instead of adding lots of single cabinets that restrict space, opt for wider cabinets that give you the flexibility to store larger items without being limited by a wall.
When deciding cabinet depth, balance storage space with easy reach, as deep cabinets can hold a lot, but it can be tricky to reach items in the back of them. And of course, when considering the cabinet height, you want to get cabinets that have enough shelves for your needs, but won’t hang down too low that you’ll hit your head.
Get Cabinets That Are Easy To Clean
If you have children or pets, or are a bit of a messy cook, bright white cabinets probably aren’t for you. Additionally, cabinets with ornate trim or moulding can have crevices that collect dust and are hard to clean out. Keep this in mind when choosing kitchen cabinets.
Consider The Aesthetic Of The Whole Kitchen
Whether you are building a brand new kitchen or just updating your cabinets, you should think about how the look of the cabinets will play into the entire room’s design. We work closely with you to ensure that your cabinets are a good match for your kitchen’s trim, backsplash, and lighting. Sometimes replacing these things to better suit your kitchen cabinets is well worth the extra cost.
Partner With Experts In Cabinet Materials and Design
There is a lot to consider when picking out your next kitchen cabinets. It’s never a bad idea to get the advice of an expert in cabinet design, who can help you work through all of these considerations and find the cabinets that will make your dream kitchen a reality. Luckily for you, your cabinet design experts are close to home with MRD Lumber.
Our design team will help you determine your needs and find the best products for you. We have a wide selection of prefabricated cabinets and cabinet hardware options, and our custom millwork shop is ready to design your custom cabinetry with all of the features and finishes you want and need. We also offer financing options to transform your home without breaking the bank.
If you’re ready to get started with quality kitchen building supplies from MRD, contact us today to schedule a consultation at our beautiful showroom in Bethel, PA. We can’t wait to help you turn your kitchen into the space of your dreams.