Browsing articles in "Kitchen Remodeling Charlotte Tips"
Dec 4, 2009
lkncabadmin
Comments Off on Shopping for Kitchen Cabinets: Your Price Range

Shopping for Kitchen Cabinets: Your Price Range

 

Kitchen cabinets are by and large the core of any kitchen. They can be highlighted by kitchen appliances such as the refrigerator, stove, cooktop, dishwasher and microwave, or these appliances can be modified to blend in by using panels that match your kitchen cabinets.

Shopping for kitchen cabinets can be intimidating, especially for a first time buyer. There are hundreds/thousands of major kitchen cabinet companies, and many more smaller custom kitchen cabinet shops where you can get any cabinet made from any species of wood that your mind can imagine. Add to that list the explosion of RTA Cabinet importers, and the laminated cabinet manufacturers, and suddenly the list can be overwhelming. Not to mention the fact that higher price always means high quality in construction, or more features being available.

In the past, pricing had always been the way to categorize kitchen cabinets. Traditionally, the higher-quality cabinets simply cost more money. As I mentioned before, with more and more importers conforming to the KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association) building standards, some of the RTA Kitchen Cabinets or stock cabinets can actually be a sturdier cabinet than the traditional, made to order cabinets. Regardless of what type of kitchen cabinet you decide to go with, it does not take much effort to spend tens of thousands of dollars on the actual kitchen cabinets.

Most kitchen cabinet manufacturers build their base and wall cabinets in standard sizes. The kitchen base cabinets are often 34.5 inches tall and 24 inches deep. They come in widths starting at 12 inches and can go up to 48 inches often in increasing width increments of 3 inches. Kitchen wall cabinets are often 12 inches deep and 30 inches or 42 inches tall. They also come in the same size widths as the base cabinets. Wall cabinets also come in several different heights and depths for locations such as over the refrigerator or over the microwave/hood range unit. With custom kitchen cabinets, you have even more choices available, since the kitchen cabinets will be created specifically for your kitchen space.

Different semi-custom kitchen cabinet manufacturers make different-sized kitchen cabinets for all sorts of special looks and situations. It is not uncommon to have one cabinet extend beyond adjacent cabinets to create a distinguished look. It pays to shop around to see all of the different possibilities and special cabinet features offered by the custom and semi-custom kitchen cabinet manufacturers.

One of the biggest advantages to true custom kitchen cabinets is the ability to make one giant base or wall cabinet instead of separate boxes that are screwed together by the installer at the jobsite. A  custom cabinet maker can easily make one giant base cabinet 8 feet long that installs as if it were a piece of furniture. The same is true for wall kitchen cabinets. The advantage of this method is the lack of vertical seams where two traditional cabinet boxes would mate up to one another.

Pay particular attention to the materials used to build the kitchen cabinets. Some kitchen cabinets are made with minimal-quality engineered lumber, particleboard, or fiberboard. . If you plan to load a wall cabinet with heavy traditional china, the weight of the dishes may cause the cabinet to pull apart over time. This is particularly true when it comes to the semi-custom cabinets that the name brand cabinet manufacturers sell at the big box stores (which is why price is not always an accurate gauge of cabinet quality). Many of the RTA Kitchen Cabinet manufacturers use solid plywood sides, which obviously creates a strong kitchen cabinet box than a particleboard or fiberboard box. When it comes to custom cabinets, the material choices are endless and can usually be specified by the customer.

Another factor that will determine the price of kitchen cabinets is the material used to hold it together. Custom kitchen cabinet manufacturers will often use a combination of dovetailed joints, wood biscuits, and glue to create tight joints. Mid-grade kitchen cabinets will have a wide range of materials holding them together (staples and nails on the lower end, to cam lock assembly and wood glue on the higher end). Most RTA Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers utilize the cam lock system, which creates a nice sturdy cabinet, and when enhanced with wood glue, can last a life time. Steer away from any kitchen cabinets that are using staples, wooden dowels, or just screws. The strength of the cabinet will be compromised at the joints with these weaker joining materials.

SOURCE    www.articlebase.com

www.LKNcabinets.com   supplies a very affordable high quality cabinet to clients in the Charlotte to Statesville region of NC

Dec 4, 2009
lkncabadmin
Comments Off on Dramatic Kitchen Upgrades For Under $500

Dramatic Kitchen Upgrades For Under $500

Everyone wants to have a gorgeous kitchen, but not everyone can afford to invest in their kitchen during today’s economic downturn. Likewise, most people are not lucky enough to be contestants on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. But luckily there are many ways in which savvy consumers can enjoy dramatic kitchen upgrades for under $500. Consider the options below and discover how you can create a beautiful, more efficient kitchen at a reasonable price.

1- Update your kitchen lighting. Not only is a new kitchen light fixture a great decorative detail, but it’s also critical to maximize the efficiency of your kitchen because food preparation will become instantly easier with proper lighting. When upgrading your kitchen light fixtures make sure to choose models that can accommodate energy efficient light bulbs, which will provide wonderful lighting and reduce your electric bill. Additionally, energy efficient light bulbs are designed to provide years of reliable usage, so that consumers will not need to worry about changing their light bulbs frequently.

2- Purchase a new dishwasher. In November 2009, the US government should be instituting a plan through which consumers can receive a rebate when exchanging their older appliances for new, energy efficient models. As is the case with energy efficient lighting, energy efficient kitchen appliances can reduce electricity costs while significantly impacting the look of your kitchen. Choose a modern stainless steel design or a dishwasher with a front panel that can be easily integrated with your existing kitchen cabinetry.

3- Change your faucets. Many of today’s kitchen faucets are designed for fashion as well as functionality. If your old faucet doesn’t work properly or is outdated, exchanging it for a new one will give your kitchen an instant facelift. For the most dramatic look, choose a faucet that extends well above the kitchen sink. If you’ve never tried a faucet with a retractable hose now may be the perfect time to enjoy the practicality of this feature. Gorgeous kitchen faucet designs start well under $200 and are sure to increase your enjoyment of your kitchen.

4- Try pull out shelves instead of stationary shelves. Perhaps the most practical upgrade that you can make in your kitchen is to replace your standard kitchen shelves with pull out shelving. You won’t believe how much easier it can be to access your pots, pans and pantry items. Rev-A-Shelf is a leading manufacturer of kitchen organization products, and they offer a fantastic line of products for well under $500 that will revolutionize the efficiency of your kitchen.

5- Replace your kitchen cabinet hardware. kitchen drawers and cabinets are opened frequently, they demand cabinet hardware that will be comfortable to grasp, wear well and look fabulous. Starting at around $1 per piece consumers can find brand name cabinet hardware for any room of the home. This may be the most affordable way to upgrade your kitchen, and you won’t even need to worry about electrical malfunctions, burned out light bulbs or plumbing problems.

Kitchen upgrades need not cost a fortune to make a dramatic difference. With a bit of research, creativity and perhaps some government rebates, you can enjoy the kitchen upgrades of your dreams without spending a fortune.

Article Source: Sari Holtz EzineArticles.com

www.LKNcabinets.com

Dec 1, 2009
lkncabadmin
Comments Off on 4 Secrets to Buying Cheap Kitchen Cabinets

4 Secrets to Buying Cheap Kitchen Cabinets

1. Go Independent

The best way to get cheap kitchen cabinets is to choose an independent cabinet store that doesn’t merely carry brand names. Do you want to pay brand name prices for the same cabinet? Chances are, many independent cabinet stores are can get you a great price, sometimes as little as 20% the price of Kraftsmaid or Mill’s Pride cabinets. You can, many times, haggle at these stores and get close to their wholesale price, so definitely try to get a better deal.

2. Know Your Quality

The main thing to look for is the cabinet box. Although particle board is seen in many home improvement stores,100% wood cabinets ie plywood sides should be preferred. Avoid any cabinet using MDF, a type of compressed wood backing for the cabinets, since these can sag after a while especially when getting wet. LKN cabinets offers many choices of cabinets that are all wood with no particleboard or MDF used.

Some cabinets come from China, but the wood is still top quality because it’s gathered from their respective countries and is shipped to China for manufacturing. Many of these cabinet factories keep up-to-date on the latest innovations by top manufacturers, such as soft-close or fully extend-able drawers. Be sure to check them out and see what things they use, such as their new hinges or dove tails. LKN cabinets is proud to have 2 lines of such cabinets for heavily discounted prices.

3. Ask for a Discount

Discount kitchen cabinets are usually shipped in containers and require assembly. LKN Cabinets will assemble them before we sell or install them, but if clients were to want to assemble themselves they may. An experienced contractor is need to hang or install the cabinets at that point.

4. Find These Stores

Look at the classifieds, the Yellow Pages, or a local advertising paper..

If you aren’t sure of the kitchen you want, always feel free to contact us at LKN cabinets (704)232-5169.

SOURCE: www.elegantcab.com

 

www.LKNcabinets.com offers very affordable high quality cabinets in the Lake Norman and Charlotte areas of NC