Suppose you are planning a new home construction project or making interior renovations. In that case, the kitchen requires many important choices because this multi-purpose room is a prominent place in your home. It’s where your family and friends gather for meals, socialization, and other daily life tasks. That’s why making good choices regarding cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing features, and flooring is critical. This month’s blog post highlights considerations in choosing cabinets for your kitchen.

There are so many choices when it comes to your kitchen cabinets. While you review this information, remember that your choices should be mainly based on your lifestyle and tastes. Also, if you do not plan to be in your home long-term, you want to consider the resale appeal to buyers.

Cabinet Materials

Most kitchen cabinets are made of a combination of plywood, particle board, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and solid wood.  Some may also include glass on the doors for a more open feel.  Because others do not usually see the insides of the cabinets and the box frames, this material is factory-produced.  Each of these materials is designed to match the stain of the wood and simulate wood grains.  The doors and face are more likely solid wood.

While the options are limited for the type of material used, your choice can influence future refinishing or improvement efforts.  For example, some cabinets are re-faced by applying laminate or a vinyl product called Therma foil.

Kitchen cabinet materials have extended beyond wood look grains and stains to solid colors such as white, shades of blues or grays, and even black.  Some homeowners use bright colors like blues to help their kitchen cabinets add a flair of color to their homes.

Cabinet Styles

The style of your cabinets is a very subjective choice.  For example, do you prefer a country or modern look?  Do you like the French Provençal look or sleek and industrial?  Three common styles in homes include the following:

• Flat Front – this style is minimalist. There is no frame, ornamentation, or bevel on the cabinet doors.  This is usually a lower-cost option for homeowners.

• Shaker – Shaker style is one of the more popular styles for cabinets and tends to be a classic for many homeowners.   This style includes square-edged door frame components and flat center panels recessed in the face of the door frame.
• Traditional – The traditional is the most common, with raised center panels on the doors versus the flat front.

Cabinets vary in style by the pulls and knobs as well. You can choose from many other styles that represent a specific look and feel, such as Mission or French Provençal or a Farmhouse look.

Other custom options for style include interior lighting and clear or frosted glass panels on the doors.  Some homeowners may use glass in some doors to display their dinnerware or other items and create a mixed look.

Costs

Kitchen cabinets can be a very costly component of any well-appointed kitchen.  According to Home Advisor, kitchen cabinet costs range from $100 to $1200 per linear foot.  The lower end costs are for stock cabinets, and then there are options for mid-custom and fully custom cabinets that run much higher.  When planning your kitchen, work with your contractor to determine a price range and budget slightly above that amount to consider any unexpected costs.

There are many other considerations for choosing cabinets in your new home or remodel project.  For example, features such as soft-close drawers, organizers and pull-outs are just a few choices you will make.

As you embark on your project, partner with your Prominent Builders and Design consultant to develop a comprehensive plan and review all your choices so you can turn your dream kitchen into a reality. Contact Bergen County’s Prominent Builders and Design today to schedule a consultation.