If you’re installing new cabinets this year, you may be feeling overwhelmed by all of your choices. From smart cabinetry to unique patterns and colors, you have more options for cabinetry than ever before.
But how do you choose the right one for your home?
How Do I Choose Cabinets?
Choosing cabinets for your home isn’t a decision that should be rushed or taken lightly. Cabinets are an investment. If you find that you are unhappy with your decision in a few months or years, it will be a costly venture to replace them again.
Take the time to find your ideal cabinetry now, so that you are happy with your decision now and in the future.
So, how do you choose kitchen cabinets? Let’s look at what you should look for when buying kitchen cabinets.
What Should I Look for When Buying Kitchen Cabinets?
Whether you’re purchasing executive cabinetry or kitchen cabinets, the decision-making process is roughly the same. There are several things to consider when buying cabinets, including:
Style
One of the first things to consider is style, and there are several to choose from:
- Shaker: A timeless style that features flat-panel doors and clean lines.
- Mission: These cabinets have tongue-and-groove joinery and vertical stiles on the door.
- Beadboard: These cabinets have vertical panels with uniform recessed lines.
- Slab: These cabinets are popular in modern kitchens. They feature flat doors with no handles, frames, or ornamentation.
- Traditional: These cabinets have a raised panel at the center of the door.
Choose a style that you love and that you will continue to love for years to come. Don’t rely on trends when choosing a style, as they come and go. Instead, your decision should be based on your personal taste.
Material
Kitchen cabinets can be made from a variety of materials. The right one for you will depend on what type of look you’re going for, your budget, and your lifestyle. Material is an important consideration because it will affect the lifespan and maintenance of your cabinets.
While you’ll find a wide range of material options, the most popular ones include:
Solid Wood
Solid wood offers durability, beauty, and versatility. There are many types of solid wood used in cabinetry, each with its own unique color, grain patterns, and charm.
Here are some of the most popular solid woods used in cabinetry:
- Cherry
- Maple
- Oak
- Hickory
Solid wood cabinets can be stained, and they offer excellent durability. However, wood contracts and expands with temperature changes, so it may develop cracks. Fortunately, solid wood is relatively easy to repair.
Engineered wood
Engineered wood products are also popular for cabinetry, with the most popular options being:
- Medium density fiberboard, or MDF
- Veneer particle board
- Plywood
- Hardboard, or Masonite
MDF is one of the most popular options in the engineered wood category. This material is comprised of wood fibers, wax, resin, and sawdust, which are compressed together under high heat.
Plywood consists of thin layers of wood that are pressed together to create a single sheet of wood. Unlike other types of wood material, plywood is not prone to contraction, expansion, warping, or splitting. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for cabinet shelving and organizers.
Particle boards don’t offer the same level of durability as other types of engineered wood products. Although budget-friendly, this material is prone to warping and is easily damaged.
You may also find aluminum composite panels (ACP) and stainless steel cabinets. While not as common as the materials listed above, they are great options for modern kitchens or anyone who wants a sleek look for their cabinetry.
Cost
Of course, the cost will also be a factor in your decision, although it shouldn’t be the deciding one. Prices will largely depend on the materials and the level of customization you desire.
On the low-end of the cost spectrum, you’ll find preassembled stock cabinets with little-to-no customization options. On the other end of the spectrum, you have fully custom cabinetry.
In addition to the cabinets themselves, you’ll also need to consider the cost of installation. Some cabinet styles, such as frameless or inset, will cost more to install because they require more precision and time.
Maintenance
Finally, you also want to consider maintenance. Some cabinet materials and finishes require more maintenance than others. If you have a busy schedule and a young family, cabinets that are easy to clean and maintain may be your best bet.
