When it comes to kitchen cabinetry, there's no question that efficiency and functionality are of the essence. But once you've
decided upon how to organize your cabinetry and arrange your things, you'll want to place your things into cabinets and drawers
that look terrific and operate smoothly. With so many styles of cabinetry and modes of construction, selecting the right kitchen
cabinetry can be a difficult and time-consuming task. But because there are so many fabulous possibilities, there's also a lot
to get excited about.
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Whether you're building the cabinets yourself or hiring a professional to complete the job, understanding your options and making
an informed decision about the construction of your cabinetry will enable you to be satisfied with both the look and feel of
your cabinetry. The first question that you need to ask yourself is whether you want face-frame cabinets or frameless cabinetry.
Whether you're building the cabinets yourself or hiring a professional to complete the job, understanding your options and making
an informed decision about the construction of your cabinetry will enable you to be satisfied with both the look and feel of
your cabinetry. The first question that you need to ask yourself is whether you want face-frame cabinets or frameless cabinetry.
Generally suited to antique, country or traditional kitchen designs, framed or face-frame cabinets are built by joining two
components- the cabinet box and the cabinet frame. The frame, which is applied to the outside of the cabinet box, is generally
composed of a hardwood material, while the cabinet box is usually built from thinner materials, such as plywood or particleboard.
The sturdy cabinet frame adds strength to the cabinets and offers a strong base upon which to attach the cabinet hinges.
Cabinet doors are applied to the cabinet frame, usually with offset hinges. Because of the strength inherent in the construction
of face-frame cabinetry, face-frame cabinets generally do not have a top or back panel. Likewise, because of their strength,
face-frame cabinets, which constitute about two-thirds of American cabinetry, are generally easier to install than frameless
cabinets. |
Frameless cabinets, the more popular option in the construction of European cabinetry, look very similar to a box. Because
there is no front cabinet frame, the doors on frameless cabinetry are attached directly to the sides of the cabinet, which
creates unobstructed access to the interior of the cabinet. Whereas framed cabinets are joined together through their frames,
frameless cabinets are attached to each other through their side panels. Generally speaking, frameless cabinets offer greater
storage capacity because they do not require extra space for hardwood cabinet frames. Nevertheless, frameless cabinetry
often costs 15-20% more than face-frame cabinetry, and often require a higher level of skill to install because they are more
delicate than framed cabinets. Frameless cabinetry offers a clean, contemporary look and is a popular choice in kitchens with
a modern flair.
Once you have chosen your cabinet construction, you can begin to consider your cabinet wood options. When purchasing stock or
semi-custom cabinets, the manufacturer will present you with a pre-selected menu of woods and stains from which to choose from.
Although the color of the stain will determine how dark or light your cabinetry will be, your choice of wood is equally
important, because the wood's natural grains and characteristics will be apparent through the stain. Consider whether you want
your kitchen to feature dark cabinetry or light cabinetry, and choose your wood and stain options accordingly.
Dark Woods
Dark colored woods, which range in appearance from medium-brown to almost-black, are generally used to
create a luxurious or dramatic affect in your space. Some popular options of dark wood include butternut, mahogany, rosewood,
teak and walnut.
Medium Woods
Medium colored woods, which generally have a light brown, mild reddish or tan hue, add a lively
touch to both traditional and modern kitchens. Cherry and beech woods are the most popular choices of medium color wood cabinets,
but a medium color wood can also be achieved by staining a lighter color wood with a darker stain. Medium color woods are
perfect for warming up any room without overpowering it.
Light Woods
As their name suggests, light colored wood cabinets are perfect for lightening up a dark space or making
a small space seem larger. Light cabinetry is an ideal choice for those seeking a modern look. To bring out the natural
variance of your wood, choose a light stain that will allow the grains to show through. Or, for a slightly more opulent look,
consider a darker stain that will add a regal feel while retaining the wood's subtle hue. Among the most common choices of
light wood are ash, birch, maple, oak, pine and poplar.
Stains
In most cases, the color that your cabinetry appears is not the color of the actual wood, but the color of the
wood coated with a stain. Lighter stains allow the inherent color and variance of the wood to show through in a way that reveals
the wood's natural charm, while darker stains can provide lighter cabinets with a more lavish finish. Applying the right stain on
certain types of light woods can enable homeowners to get the look of a more expensive wood without paying for it. Staining
should also be considered as a viable option for those looking to update the look of their kitchen or bathroom without paying for
entirely new cabinetry.
