Kitchen Cabinets: Know Your Options
by Shea Richardson
shea.richardson@homeimprovementideas.net
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
After making the decision to install new kitchen cabinets, there are many other decisions to make and things to consider. You should be extremely thorough in this decision-making process because this job can be quite costly.
You should know all of your options, your budget, and the time frame available before you begin this project. There are three main types of kitchen cabinets from which to choose, and many other options to consider before you choose the kitchen cabinet you want.
Cabinet Types
- In-stock Kitchen Cabinet
The least expensive and most basic type is the in-stock kitchen cabinet. This type usually consists of engineered wood construction with a melamine finish. They also typically come with steel-sided drawers. There is a very limited selection of style and finish choices available for the in-stock cabinets.
- Semi-stock Kitchen Cabinet
Semi-stock cabinets consist of a higher quality material than in-stock cabinets. They also offer a greater selection of available designs such as plate racks, sliding shelves, and pantries. The styles and finishes for semi-stock cabinets also vary widely. However, they often have sides made of engineered wood or plywood and have solid wood doors or faces.
- Custom Kitchen Cabinet
A custom kitchen cabinet is the most expensive of the three. For these cabinets, you can choose from hand-selected wood, reclaimed wood, and exotic wood such as mahogany. A custom kitchen cabinet offers choices, such as glass doors with hand-blown glass or decorative beading.
Cabinet Options
In addition to the type of cabinet you want in your kitchen, you also have other decisions to make. Doors for a custom kitchen cabinet can be flat, raised, curved, simple and plain, or nicely carved. They can also be decorated using stain, wood veneer, paint, polyester, plastic laminate, stainless steel, or glass.
Pulls and knobs for a custom kitchen cabinet add a beautiful finish to your new kitchen cabinets and come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Some of these include brushed chrome, plastic, ceramic, glass, and forged iron. Good luck on your project and remember to choose carefully.
About the Author
An accomplished educator and writer, Shea Richardson has several years of teaching experience in the Georgia public school system. She holds a degree in Education from Georgia State University and specializes in topics spanning technology, education, and group dynamics.
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