Cabinets 101

The look and function of your cabinets are critical to the success of any remodeling project; and according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, up to 60% of the average kitchen’s cost is spent on cabinets, so you want to make the right choice. Selecting cabinets for your remodeling project can be overwhelming and you might not know where to start. Breaking down the selection process into four major categories can simplify things. The location and use of the cabinets along with your personal style will be your biggest influencing factors; you will also want to take your budget into consideration. A good place to start is start is to select your wood species. As each type of wood has its own distinct feel, the wood species will help set the tone for your kitchen. Oak has long been a traditional choice for cabinets. It tends to be warm in tone and has a prominent grain pattern. Oak tends to be less expensive than some of the popular hardwoods. Maple is an excellent choice for cabinets as it has a fine, uniform grain pattern. It tends toward the lighter tones. Cherry cabinets bring an upscale look to kitchen cabinets; they have an elegant warm feel leaning toward reddish tones with a fine grain pattern. Hickory is becoming a popular choice for kitchens as well. It has a rustic feel because of its very distinctive grain pattern and wide color variation. You might also consider some of the more exotic woods that are on the market today such as lyptus or bamboo. Next it’s time to find a door style that’s right for you. Take some time to view some design or home remodeling magazines or websites for photos of different options before deciding on one particular style or another. If you are going for a contemporary look, choose a slab front door which is a single, smooth panel that covers the entire front of the cabinet. It has a clean, uncluttered appearance. Raised panel doors tend to have a more traditional feel. A good choice to create that retro look for a farmhouse are inset cabinets in which the doors and drawers are fitted inside the face frame of the cabinet. This option does come with a higher price tag. You might also consider glass insert (beaded, frosted, or seeded) panels for a distinctive look. Once you’ve selected your material and style, you need to decide on the finish. Staining is the most popular choice as it adds color without obscuring the natural beauty of the wood. Painted cabinets are also becoming very popular. Cabinet manufacturers offer many color choices to complement every décor. You may also want to consider having a glazed finish added to your stain or painted cabinets. The glaze adds a visual effect of contrast and depth. Other considerations are adding distressing or special vintage finishing techniques which give cabinets an aged or antique look. Using two or even more types of finishes can give your kitchen a real custom look. Since your cabinets are a large portion of your budget and you are likely to keep them for many years, you will want to invest in quality construction. Features such as solid wood drawers and all wood construction will increase the cost of your kitchen, but will add to the lifespan and durability of your cabinets. Decorative features such as corbels also increase costs, but these additions can have a huge visual impact on your overall kitchen design. Selecting your new kitchen cabinets isn’t something that you can do in one day. Take the time, do your research and you’ll find the right cabinets for you! Sources: The National Kitchen and Bath Association, Showplace Wood Products, Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., and Masterbrand Cabinets, Inc. Call or email for an appointment today to see how Paulson's can help with all your kitchen remodeling needs. 517-545-8651 or www.paulsonsconstruction.com