In the old days, all you really needed to look at in order to figure out whether or not a kitchen cabinet was of high quality was the dovetail joints.
As the years have gone on, and as manufacturers have been able to adopt premium-style characteristics for cheap, it has become quite a bit more difficult.
That’s why, doing your fair amount of research prior to purchasing your new kitchen cabinets is of the utmost importance. By looking at manufacturer and retail websites, and then look at store displays, you’ll have a much better chance of being able to pinpoint the quality of cabinets from polished pretenders.
However, there is much more to consider when it comes to purchasing your new set of kitchen cabinets.
Here is a list of what you should keep in mind when choosing your new kitchen cabinets.
Consider your budget for the project
There are a lot of cabinet types that you are going to want to look at. Stock, semi-custom, and custom are the three main branches. Stock cabinets are typically sold at home centers pre-assembled. Stores like Ikea sell versions that require assembly but aren’t hard to put together.
Semi-custom cabinets offer more style options and configurations and also allow for a more precise match with your kitchen.
Custom cabinets are the most expensive option but can basically be made to order with added features and specs that you have specifically requested.
Pick a style that works for you
The two primary styles that you are going to be choosing from are framed or frameless. Framed are made of a box and face frame to which the doors and drawers are attached. Frameless cabinets – which are also often referred to as European style – don’t have a face frame. The doors and drawers then attach directly to the cabinet box.
Frameless look is more modern and interior access is easier. That being said, a lack of a face frame can compromise strength and rigidity.
If you are committed to using the European look, but ultimately do want a framed cabinet, choose a full-overlay door. That way, it will cover all or more of the face frame.
Make sure to inspect construction
If you are having a contractor come in to take care of the building process, make sure that you keep an eye on the work they are doing through the entire process. Well-built cabinets have solid wood drawers with dovetail joints as opposed to stapled particleboard. Other things to look out for include full-extensions drawer guides rather than an integrated rail, as well as solid wood frames surrounding a solid wood panel rather than a veneered particle board panel.
Focus on the features you want
While special features specific to your needs can cost you quite a bit more, there are some that can really improve to function and efficiency of your kitchen. If you can afford them, things like pullout trash cans, built-in charging stations, pull out cutting board, a lift cabinet, or more can make your kitchen look and feel great.