How to Guides

Designing a new kitchen or remodeling your current kitchen space is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and challenging aspects of home renovation. Because they are the focal point of every kitchen, deciding upon the perfect kitchen cabinets is a critical first step in the renovation process. With so many different cabinet styles, hardware options and cabinet accessories to choose from, the selection process can be overwhelming. Yet once the choices are made and the work is complete, your family will take pleasure in cooking, eating and spending time in your new kitchen for years to come. And, with one of the highest return-on-investments of any home renovation projects, kitchen remodeling will not only add to your enjoyment of your home, but will increase your home's value.

Door Mount Spice Rack

To help narrow down your kitchen cabinet options, you must first ask yourself several critical questions:

• What is my budget? While it is always difficult to be restricted by a budget, knowing your financial limitations will make it easier to narrow down your options and ensure that you reserve enough money for the elements that you consider the most important. Determine how much money you can afford to spend on the entire kitchen renovation project. Estimate that half of that budget will be applied to your cabinetry. With this formula you will be able to determine exactly how much money you can spend on the cabinetry of your dreams.
  
  
• What are my space restrictions? Even those who are building their kitchens from scratch are limited to a defined spatial area. However, within this area, some people may choose to forego an eat-in kitchen to make room for additional cabinet space. Others may prefer a large eating area with workspace and cabinetry. By making note of your space restrictions at the start of the process, you will be able to determine what types of cabinetry will best suit your space and approximately how many cabinets you will need.
  
  
• What types of activities do I intend to perform in my kitchen? Considering your everyday kitchen usage is essential in designing a practical and functional kitchen. People who like to experiment with different tastes and spices may want to incorporate a pull out spice rack or a spice drawer in their cabinetry. Those with large families may opt for a larger pull out pantry shelf to accommodate their additional storage needs. Taking your specific needs and desires into account at the beginning of the cabinet selection process will ensure that your cabinetry will be both beautiful and efficient, and that no details are inadvertently overlooked.
  
  
• What are my style preferences? With so many fabulous cabinet styles and finishes to choose from, determining your style preference may be the most difficult question to answer. Look for inspiration by examining your friends’ homes, looking in magazines, surfing the internet or consulting with a professional cabinet maker. If you are keeping your existing kitchen appliances, make sure that you choose cabinetry that will complement this equipment. Keep your mind open to different and unique ideas that can add a splash of personality and panache to your kitchen. With so many available options, you will surely be able to find kitchen cabinets that you love, no matter what your style preferences are.
  
  

Once you have answered these questions, you will be able to determine whether you want stock cabinetry, semi-custom cabinetry or custom kitchen cabinets.

Stock cabinetry is ideal for those who are on a limited budget or seeking to complete their kitchen renovation within a relatively short time frame. Available in standard sizes and shapes, stock cabinetry does not offer as many accessories, extra functions or wood and stain choices as their more expensive counterparts. However, properly built stock cabinetry can withstand daily usage for many years and can usually be delivered within two weeks from their order date.

Pull Out 3 Wood Shelf Set

Like stock cabinetry, semi-custom cabinets are available mostly in standard sizes and shapes. Yet semi-custom cabinets generally offer more accessories and wood options than stock cabinets, which can make them more functional and beautiful and also makes them more expensive. The advantage of semi-custom cabinetry is that the cabinets are built to fit your specific space, so that you can achieve the look of custom cabinetry while paying a lower price.

Custom cabinets are the most costly of all cabinet options, but are also the most luxurious. Construction for custom cabinets can often take at least two months, but is of a much higher quality than other cabinet options. Custom cabinets can be built to accommodate most unusual space restrictions and desired cabinet accessories and can be ordered to include artistic and decorative designs and edgings. Those with unique or difficult storage demands will benefit from the beauty and efficiency of custom cabinetry.

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