When either building a new home or remodeling an existing, the kitchen is a great place to start. The kitchen and baths carry the most value in your home, and cabinets are at the heart of that equation.
So how does one go about selecting cabinetry? Well, there are many considerations. Type of cabinetry, style of cabinetry and price just to mention a few.
Cabinetry typically comes in two forms: Framed and Frame-less (also known as Euro Style.) Framed cabinetry refers to the use of a “face-frame”, or frame around the front face of the box. From an installers perspective, this type is more sturdy and can be “racked” if need be on installation. This means they bend (to a certain extent) more than a frame-less cabinet. It also uses slightly more material and can be slightly more expensive. From a consumers standpoint they have a more traditional look although when designed as a “full overlay” where little of the faceframe shows they can go contemporary very easily. A frame-less cabinet has no frame on the front, making it somewhat easier to access the contents within. Often this style is used in modern applications but again can work very well if styled correctly in a traditional setting.
Next consider the box construction. What is the box made of? Plywood? Particle Board? MDF? If you have chemical sensitivities of any kind you may want to go with a “No Formaldehyde Added” material. This can be ply or board. Wood boxes are typically more expensive yet somewhat less stable than MDF or Particle Board. What you gain from a manufactured panel is strength and stability, what you lose is its dislike of moisture. Most cabinets these days are not wood due to the cost savings. It is a good strong material and more than adequate.
Next consider hardware. I typically recommend upgrading the guides and drawer box to dovetail. This gives you a more stable construction than just pins and glue, and also a better functioning glide that has undermount full extension capability. It’s a good place to spend more, rather than on the box material.
Finally the style. This is usually the place where the price is determined. Choosing different rail and stile options along with the panel profile are the main components in pricing. Also, painting and distressing add to the cost of finishing so if you are looking to save money choose a standard door style and stain, rather than heavily painted, rubbed through and distressed.
I always start with cabinetry when beginning a project. The floor, counters and backsplash will always follow that selection.
Finally, choose a dealer or cabinet maker with a wide variety of styles and price points. They should offer design services or help with layout if you ar unfamiliar with design and installation.
Cabinetry is a big part of your overall design. Choose wisely and look for something timeless as they will likely be with you for a long time. Easy to change tops, paint, backsplash. A much larger investment to replace the cabinets.
