Research Options in Cabinet Design
Today, there is an overwhelming freedom of choice in kitchen and bath cabinetry, in style, construction, quality and function.
Start your shopping for cabinetry with in-depth planning. Determine how many people will be cooking, how often you shop, and how much food you like to stock. These issues can help determine your work and storage zones.
Cabinets account for 35 percent to 60 percent of your budget for the kitchen. Because of the cost involved, it is wise to consult a kitchen designer. Their expertise can save you from making costly mistakes. No matter what materials and style you choose, the cabinets you purchase will be either stock or custom. "Stock" refers to standardized sizes of cabinets manufactured in 3-inch-wide increments, starting with 9 inches and going up to units 48 inches wide. Most stock cabinets are 12 inches deep for wall cabinets and 24 inches deep for base cabinets. Cabinets are manufactured and stored at a distribution center until needed.
By contrast, custom cabinets are produced to the specific measurements of the room and entered into production at the time the order is placed.
Another consideration is the construction method—framed or frameless. Frameless cabinets were developed in Germany after WWII, and many U.S. and European manufacturers now use this method. With frameless cabinets, the doors are hinged directly to the box of the cabinet rather than to a front frame. By contrast, in the traditional framed cabinet, the doors are hinged to the frame. There is no difference in the finished quality between the styles; it’s just a matter of personal taste.
Many factors make up the difference in the quality of cabinets, including functional hardware, shelving, adjustable or not, and thickness of the shelves.
How is the interior of the cabinet finished? Is it vinyl, wood veneer, or melamine? Melamine seems to be the choice for durability. TPW
Start your shopping for cabinetry with in-depth planning. Determine how many people will be cooking, how often you shop, and how much food you like to stock. These issues can help determine your work and storage zones.
Cabinets account for 35 percent to 60 percent of your budget for the kitchen. Because of the cost involved, it is wise to consult a kitchen designer. Their expertise can save you from making costly mistakes. No matter what materials and style you choose, the cabinets you purchase will be either stock or custom. "Stock" refers to standardized sizes of cabinets manufactured in 3-inch-wide increments, starting with 9 inches and going up to units 48 inches wide. Most stock cabinets are 12 inches deep for wall cabinets and 24 inches deep for base cabinets. Cabinets are manufactured and stored at a distribution center until needed.
By contrast, custom cabinets are produced to the specific measurements of the room and entered into production at the time the order is placed.
Another consideration is the construction method—framed or frameless. Frameless cabinets were developed in Germany after WWII, and many U.S. and European manufacturers now use this method. With frameless cabinets, the doors are hinged directly to the box of the cabinet rather than to a front frame. By contrast, in the traditional framed cabinet, the doors are hinged to the frame. There is no difference in the finished quality between the styles; it’s just a matter of personal taste.
Many factors make up the difference in the quality of cabinets, including functional hardware, shelving, adjustable or not, and thickness of the shelves.
How is the interior of the cabinet finished? Is it vinyl, wood veneer, or melamine? Melamine seems to be the choice for durability. TPW