New cabinets are a popular feature of bathroom and kitchen renovations, and they also come into play during garage upgrades and other home improvements where an increase in storage space is desired. Today’s cabinets span an incredible amount of materials, sizes, stains, and styles, and there’s more than one way to replace or upgrade cabinets.
Here are some things to consider as you shop for your new kitchen cabinets.
Cabinets Can Represent a Major Investment
The look of your kitchen, bathroom, or any other space that features cabinets will be greatly influenced by how those cabinets look. Their style and color will often dictate the overall feel of the room. For example, tall cabinets with glass fronts may provide an elegant look for your kitchen while dark cabinets with solid fronts may offer the impression of luxury.
As you look through the many options you have for new cabinets, you’ll see that premium features like dovetail joints often show up in cabinets on the low end of the cost spectrum because manufacturers have realized that offering luxury features at a competitive price is the best way to gain new customers.
According to Consumer Reports, cabinets may make up a fair percentage of your total investment:
“Cabinets can be your biggest expense when remodeling and may account for up to 40 percent of your budget. Not only that, they set the stage for your kitchen, and you’ll have them for years. That’s why choosing cabinets is so daunting.”
Choosing cabinets usually means going a little further than flipping through a magazine or the pages of a website to find cabinets that look good. Consumer Reports expands upon its advice for choosing cabinets by listing the essential steps you’ll want to follow as you choose your cabinets.
- Figure out your budget and the type of cabinets your budget will accommodate.
- Choose a style that complements your overall home’s design.
- Consider quality of construction and options available for your price point.
- Examine the features (like built-in charging stations and full-extension drawer guides).
- Decide whether replacement or renewal is your best option.
Your contractor is also an invaluable resource for helping you to choose the best cabinets for your project that will come in at your budget level. Gettum Associates, Inc. installs Diamond Cabinets and shares:
“Kitchen and bathroom cabinets from Diamond feature designer-inspired finishes, modern innovation, and superior durability to help transform a bland room into a perfect room.”
What Types of Cabinets Can I Get Installed?
Price is a pretty important factor in the cabinets you choose, and it’s a good idea to understand what your budget will accommodate before you start looking for cabinets and choose a set that’s well out of your price range.
There are three main levels of cabinets your contractor can install, but there are several prices within each of those main categories that can subtly influence your overall remodeling budget.
You’ll see basic cabinets that are an “off-the-shelf” variety and offer a budget-friendly cost, midlevel cabinets that are in the “semi-custom” category, and premium cabinets that offer several upgrades over the semi-custom level.
At the very top of the budget, scale is complete custom cabinets, which are a solid investment if you plan to remain in your home for many years. They do cost more than “readymade” versions, but custom cabinets offer the best quality and fit for your kitchen.
What Features Can I Choose for My Cabinets?
Today’s cabinets provide much more than some shelving and a door for your possessions. Virtually every feature of your cabinets is available in a few different versions. For example, the materials used for your cabinets may feature cherry, maple, oak, or hickory, and each of these wood types offers a different hardiness with unique attributes.
For example, cherry cabinets are often marked by unique pin knots while you’ll see wavy variations in maple cabinets. Oak cabinets feature those classic streaks and pin knots, and hickory cabinets offer an interesting combination of specks, burls, and streaks.
As you can see, it’s not just the style or overall price that may influence your cabinet selection. You’re also going to see a variety of wood types, cabinet sizes, and hardware that accompanies your cabinets. The process to pick out your cabinets might feel a little overwhelming, but that’s why working with a contractor who knows and regularly installs cabinets can help you choose the best cabinets for your home.
Is Your Kitchen Ready for New Cabinets?
If you’re ready to get started on your kitchen renovation project and would like to know more about cabinets and cabinet solutions, you’ll want to download our eBook: Seven Questions to Ask When Choosing a Remodeler in the Indianapolis Area or contact us for more information on your new cabinets.
