Cabinets are an important decision in kitchen remodeling

Selecting the right cabinets for your kitchen remodel is essential to the success of the overall room design. Not only are they the main source of storage for the room, but they also serve to hold the backsplash, countertops, and appliances together. They are also often the most expensive part of the project. Fortunately, cabinets come at a variety of price points in different materials and colors. There are even some DIY options for existing ones, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding something that fits your decor and budget.

When selecting cabinets for your kitchen remodel, think about how you want them to look in your home and how much of your budget you’re willing to spend. The craftsmanship, hardware, materials, design, and level of customization all dictate the cost. In general, there are three basic types with different levels of customization. Stock cabinets are the cheapest option because they are not customized. They are prefabricated, often prefinished, and can be purchased at home improvement stores, ready to install. Semi-custom models are a more expensive option. They come in a wider selection of materials, sizes, styles and finishes and are selected from existing designs. The manufacturer will work closely with the person who designed your kitchen remodel. However, the turnaround time from design approval to delivery can be 12-14 weeks. Finally, custom cabinets are built entirely to your specifications for size, material, finish, and hardware. This is a good option for rooms of irregular size and is not necessarily the most expensive option. A full custom job can be cheaper than semi-custom models because you can select the materials, finishes, and hardware. Talk to your kitchen remodeling company about your budget and the look you’re trying to achieve to determine which option is best.

There are also some inexpensive alternatives to replacing cabinets entirely. If you don’t like the way they look, but replacing them isn’t within your budget, you might consider painting them. Start by cleaning them with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish detergent. Then sand or use a liquid tarnish if the surfaces are shiny, or use a primer if they are stained wood. If you decide to paint, you will need to remove all knobs, handles, and hinges. While you’re at it, you might want to replace the hardware with something that coordinates with the new color scheme. This simple change will have a subtle but noticeable impact.

Alternatively, removing cabinet doors is a free way to modify the room. If you don’t have pets or a pest problem and don’t mind storing your glasses and plates neatly, it may work for you. The designers suggest you experiment with the look for a week to make sure you like it, then remove the accessories to make the change permanent.

Kitchen remodeling has the potential to add thousands of dollars to the value of your home. Regardless of your budget, you should be able to create a room that you enjoy spending time in.