Kitchen cabinets are typically the main expense in any remodel project, consuming the largest portion of budget. No matter if you choose stock, semi-custom or custom cabinets, their design and installation options will have a major effect on budget considerations.
Refacing cabinets can be an economical and effective way to add freshening up to an existing kitchen, improving both its look and functionality.
Materials
Solid wood kitchen cabinets are an increasingly popular choice, as its resilience allows it to withstand heavy loads without warping or breaking. Unfortunately, however, it can be costly and requires precise installation in order to avoid cracking or bowing over time.
Plywood is another budget-friendly cabinet material option. Composed of layers of medium to softer woods glued together, plywood offers water resistance, heat resistance, and is easy to repair when damaged.
Thermofoil, laminate and melamine cabinets offer cost-effective wood look alternatives that are easy to keep clean. Available in an array of colors and styles, these affordable solutions may not last as long as solid wood or plywood cabinets, however. For something sleek and modern, consider stainless steel cabinets which have an average lifetime cost of $25,000.
Finishes
Kitchen cabinets come in an assortment of finishes that not only affect their look, but also its durability and maintenance needs.
Glossy finishes reflect light but can attract and accumulate dirt more readily than matte paint, while wood-grain type stains may help hide coarse-grained wood’s texture while not its color variations.
Stock cabinets can be an economical solution for remodelers on a tight budget, yet can come with some significant drawbacks: low-grade wood that sags over time and out-of-square carcasses as well as doors and drawers that do not close completely or look crooked when closing are all factors to consider.
Budget-conscious home improvements beyond paint include new cabinet hardware and an eye-catching backsplash, according to Shannon Kadwell. Aim for spending $100-500 on quality hardware that complements your kitchen design while withstanding time.
Hardware
Kitchen cabinets are often forgotten about in most households. Not only do they store dishes, pots and pans, utensils and food; but they’re also the focal point of a room – the first thing most visitors notice upon entering a kitchen.
Cabinets typically come in three distinct designs: framed, frameless and inset. While the first style leaves rails and stiles visible, frameless cabinets tend to have less gap between door frames – although more expensive. Inset options tend to have hidden frames.
Choose hardware wisely; this adds another expense. Think about mixing pulls and knobs to add visual interest or using consistent hardware across drawers and cabinet doors for consistency. Or explore various ceramic, crystal and metal finishes until you find something you like; your installer can assist in this regard.
Installation
Add new cabinets to your kitchen is one of the easiest, cost-effective ways to enhance its look and feel. You have options when it comes to stock, semi-custom or custom cabinetry depending on your budget – select from stock models or semi-custom pieces for best results.
Stock cabinets are pre-manufactured cabinets designed for most kitchens and come in standard sizes with popular styles. These options are the most cost-effective and can be found at most home improvement stores.
Cabinet hardware can quickly add up, so it is wise to take an informed approach when making this purchase. Consider carefully which style and material are most suited to your decor – more expensive trendy styles made of pure metals will likely command higher costs than more classic or timeless options.
Labor costs associated with installing kitchen cabinets can be an additional factor in overall costs. Professional cabinet installers charge either by the hour or per cabinet installed; you could hire a handyman but their quality of work may differ considerably; hiring an experienced professional will ensure everything goes according to plan, avoiding costly mistakes along the way.