Of all the elements that go into remodeling a kitchen, nothing is more important than the cabinets. They have the most visual impact on the room, establishing the design style and serving as critical storage for your kitchen needs and so much more. A kitchen renovation should cost between 5 and 15 percent of your home’s value,with about 30 percent of the budget dedicated to new cabinets. (If you’re only refacing rather than replacing your cabinets, the allocation can be much lower.) This is a significant portion of the cost, but high-end cabinetry will serve you well for many years to come—as long as you make the proper selection.With this kitchen cabinet guide, you’ll have a better idea of what finishes will work best in your space.

Kitchen Cabinets

When choosing cabinet boxes and doors, look for these characteristics:

●Solid wood panels
●Easy-to-open doors
●Adjustable hinges with a wide range of motion

In addition to quality, consider the aesthetics of your cabinet doors. There are different panel types and styles available, some of these are:

●Raised panels
●Recessed panels
●Full and partial overlays
●Inset panels
●Arched panels
●Cathedral panels
●Shaker panels
●Flat-front or slab panels
●Beaded inserts
●Glass inserts
●And much more

Cabinet Drawers and Type

Look for cabinet drawers that are sure to stand the test of time. Some characteristics of high-quality include:

●Solid wood components
●Plywood bottoms that won’t shrink or swell
●Ball-bearing extensions for a smooth slide
●Dovetail joints to hold the drawer firmly together

Cabinet drawer fronts should match the style of cabinet doors you choose. Then, consider the many configurations and features available to maximize the functionality and performance of your kitchen drawers:

●Corner drawers for L- or U-shaped kitchens
●Soft-closing drawers with shock absorption to prevent them from slamming shut
●Pull-through slides that allow drawers to open from both sides of the kitchen island
●Specialty slides that allow the drawer to extend beyond a full extension,useful for countertops with deep overhangs
●Self-closing drawers for added convenience when preparing food

Types of Shelving

When you turn your attention to cabinet shelves, look for at least three-quarter-inch plywood. Anything thinner than this may begin to sag under the weight of heavy dishes and cookware over time. Also, avoid particle boards no matter their thickness because it lacks durability. Different types of cabinet shelving are available, including:

●Movable shelves that sit on pins inserted into pre-drilled holes so you canadjust the shelf height
●Permanent shelves that can’t be moved for maximum strength and stability
●Rollout shelves to maximize storage space in pantries and lower cabinets
●Lazy Susans, solutions for corner cabinets that feature round, rotating shelves for easy access

Knobs and Handles

Not all kitchen cabinets have handles and knobs. Homeowners prefer to include them for their aesthetics and ease of use. Some skip them to achieve a clean,minimalist look. If you include cabinet hardware, you’ll find an endless selection of styles, colors, and finishes. Consider the other elements in your kitchen to help you make the right selection. For instance:

●If countertops and cabinet doors have simple, clean lines, choose a similardesign for your cabinet handles
●If your cabinetry has some detailing, consider more elaborate knobs
●Use a finish that is similar among all your kitchen fixtures and hardware,including handles, knobs, hinges, lighting, and faucets

Materials and Finishes

Kitchen cabinets are available in different materials, most are wood or engineered wood. Some popular options include:
●Hardwood
●Plywood
●Medium-density fiberboard
●Particleboard
●Wood veneer
●Laminate
●Thermofoil

Cabinet colours can go beyond stained wood or white paint. Complete your cabinetry any way you wish, from modern shiny finishes to distressed farmhouse finishes and everything in between. Two-tone cabinets are also a popular way to incorporate multiple finishes throughout your kitchen.