How to Choose New Cabinets for Your Kitchen

Remodeling your kitchen can bring you your greatest return on investment of all the rooms in your house. One of the most important decisions you will make as you recreate your kitchen space is the type of cabinets you install. Since cabinets set the tone of your entire kitchen, you’ll want to carefully weigh your options before selecting the type and finish for your own.

Here are a few tips on selecting eye-catching cabinetry that will enhance your kitchen’s appearance and function.  

Types

There are three main types of cabinetry: stock, semi-custom and custom. Stock cabinets are premade and available in standard sizes. Today, many stock cabinets are made of solid wood, and since they require no customization they are generally the most affordable option.

Semi-custom cabinets are fabricated to your size requirements after placing your order. Since semi-custom kitchen cabinets are made to order, you may pay a little more than stock cabinets, but you will have more flexibility in personalizing your kitchen’s look.

And finally, custom cabinets provide the greatest design flexibility as they are built to your exact specifications. Although they are the most costly, you can count on getting the unique appearance, material and design you’re looking for.  

Materials

Selecting a material for your kitchen cabinets is a crucial element when reshaping the room’s overall feel. Solid wood comes in a variety of colors and finishes and is the most popular option. Because some wood changes color with age or can warp with change in humidity level, buyers will want to have a basic understanding of how the wood will preform over time before selecting a type for their own cabinets.

There are a wide array of options with some of the most common solid woods used today including maple, birch, mahogany pine and cherry, to name a few. Durable woods, such as maple and oak are great options if children frequent your kitchen. For a more traditional look, hickory or pine are excellent choices.  Dark cherry and mahogany work best in formal and upscale kitchens, while eco-friendly options, like bamboo, are also becoming increasingly popular in today’s kitchens.

Finishing Touches

After the material for your cabinets has been selected, the next decision is the finish. Clear varnish can be applied for a natural appearance. Staining your cabinets will bring out the grain of the wood while paint adds color but masks the grain. Other techniques such as antiquing and vintage distressing, or finishing options like opaque and glazes can add character and a unique touch to your home. By applying one or more finishing techniques you can create unique looking cabinets that enhance the overall look and feel of your room.  

And finally, you can’t forget about your cabinet hardware.  The hinges, doors, and drawer pulls should complement your kitchen decor and enhance the overall look of the cabinets. Other considerations when selecting cabinets include how well they go with your floors, countertops and appliances as well as your budget and how much upkeep is involved.

Lucky for you, KLM Builders is an expert in all things related to kitchen remodeling. Cabinets from leading manufacturers such as Merillat, can be installed in your own home to help you achieve the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of.  With more than 25 years of home building and remodeling experience, KLM has the knowledge, tools and expertise to handle any type and size project you are considering. 

For more information on how KLM Builders can assist you with your next remodeling project visit www.KLMBuildersInc.com or call 815.678.4018 for a FREE consultation.