Sometimes, not knowing what we want can be a good thing. Especially when we’re young, the world is full of possibilities. But when you’ve reached the age that you are building or remodeling your first kitchen, not knowing what you want can be confounding.
There are way too many options, from the flooring to countertops to cabinets—it’s overwhelming. How are we supposed to sort through it all and develop a cohesive fusion connecting all the elements?
Well, slow down, camper. It’s not as hard as it seems; we’ll help you figure it out.
Matching Counters With Cabinets
Let’s start by looking at your budget. Knowing exactly what capital you have to work with will help narrow the field, so to speak.
Of course, you must factor in every relevant element, including materials and construction costs. There are affordable kitchen cabinets, to be certain. Check out stores, go online, and get a feel for what’s timeless.
It’s easy to find something appealing because it’s the current favored trend, but you don’t want to be stuck with something that is dated a year later.
Ideally, you’ll locate a combination cabinet countertop that is not only super functional but also stands out to you personally, giving you a unique look that you’d like to adopt.
Pick The Right Cabinet Style
Start your quest in search of cabinets. You know about the options available – framed, flat, custom, semi-custom… you may even check out what’s available in stock cabinets if you are on a restrictive budget.
Cabinets Based on Construction
When choosing cabinets, you would want to choose between framed or frameless.
Framed Cabinets
Framed cabinets are mostly used in traditional and American-style kitchens. These cabinets feature a one-and-a-half-inch frame (called a “face”) on the cabinet box on which the doors hinge, which is very popular in the Shaker design.
Frameless Cabinets
Frameless cabinets are typically found in contemporary kitchen designs. The frame is hidden, a feature that makes for more complete access to the inside, where the door is actually hinged, a feature invisible from the front.
Cabinets Based on Production
After a frame is chosen, it’s time to pick the kind of cabinet construction you prefer:
Stock Cabinets
Stock or RTA cabinets can be found easily at most big box stores. They’re essentially discount kitchen cabinets, and the low cost is often reflected in equally low quality. Also, they are available only in set sizes and configurations.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets allow you to get affordable cabinets yet modify some parts of them. Though offered in general styles, you can customize the finishes and sizes. For some, this is just the right compromise between what they want and what they can afford.
Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets give you whatever you want. They are built to your specs, there’s almost no way to be dissatisfied with these. Accordingly, however, expect a hefty cost to accompany such perfection.
When comparing shopping, you’ll want to observe a few specific cabinet features. These often provide greater insight into the true quality of the cabinet. For instance, check out the hinges of each cabinet you look at.
They must be durable and adjustable to properly align the doors to the frame (or the entire box when working with frameless cabinets).
Also, be certain that the cabinet panels—the exposed sides and door panels—are “floating” instead of glued.
This means they are freely buoyant in a deep groove set in the cabinet frame. This makes the use of adhesive unnecessary and allows the panels to expand and contract per changes in temperature. Because of this design, cracks and frame damage are avoided.
Whether or not they are of the floating design may not be readily visible to the naked eye, so ask a professional to be certain if you’re considering floating panels.
Also, check for drawer slides. When side-mounted slides support them, they are much more dependable than a single one mounted to the bottom.
Cabinet Wood Types
Finally, you can choose from a variety of cabinet wood types. Avoid exotic woods and select one that looks solid and extremely functional.
Some of the best in this category include Maple (best for Contemporary and Traditional kitchens), Cherry (very durable and able to be combined with other woods), Oak (works great with finishes), and Pine (great rugged look with a long ruining grain).
Alternatively, high-pressure laminate and a material called thermofoil are also popular options that, though not actually solid wood, are just about as durable and nearly as popular.
Best Countertops To Match Your Cabinets
Finally, you’ll need to pick countertops. Obviously, you want to find the best match for your cabinets.
You should be able to ‘eye it’ and get an idea because, ultimately, it’s the combination that most appeals to you that should win your approval.
For many, the idea of countertops doesn’t extend much beyond accepting granite as their primary material. Though it’s certainly experiencing a peak in popularity, even granite will be considered dated at some point, forever associated with a certain bygone era.
Fortunately, there are other options for your consideration. Take a look—maybe one of the many styles of Laminate countertops will best suit your cabinets.
Or you can use marble, a great granite substitute, though more prone to scratches or staining. Quartz is quite durable and doesn’t require much maintenance.
Many prefer the value of Butcher Block (even though it needs to be oiled biannually, it has an excellent quality-to-cost ratio). Corian is a popular solid surface that is also, unfortunately, prone to scratching.
Stainless steel is ideal for the serious kitchen, while granite still reigns as king of them all. Minimal upkeep, reasonable price, and unmatched beauty make it the surface of choice.
