Revamping kitchen cabinets – where do you start?

One man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure, as the saying goes. What will work in one kitchen may not have the desired effect for another and, thus, the same kitchen doesn’t work for every homeowner. We live in an age of customisation; where every aspect of a kitchen can be tailored to suit a homeowner’s wants and needs. From the type of stone used on a kitchen counter tops to the cabinet handles, homeowners can transform their kitchen into the room they’ve always dreamed about.

Custom cabinets, in particular, are important as these units can have a significant effect on the whole kitchen design. You’ll find a lot of variety – metal, wood, laminates and thermofoils to name but a few – in the cabinet realm and whether you’re revamping an old kitchen or designing a brand new one, there’s a wealth of styles available on the market.

Choosing kitchen cabinets

It is not just the cabinet material that can be changed. Many cabinet manufacturers offer modifications to their wares at an additional cost. For instance, they can increase or reduce cabinet depths; install wine racks or roll out shelves; modify door attachments; add oak-lined interiors and much more. Specialty pullouts, like ironing boards and spice racks, can also be installed depending on the manufacturer. With a custom cabinet, there is no end to what’s on offer!

Semi-custom cabinets are built after ordering with a manufacturer and could be the right choice for buyers not looking for an odd, irregular sized cabinet that may require a custom build. By choosing from certain styles and sizes, homeowners have a sense of flexibility, making it easier to design a standard kitchen to your preferred requirements.

Stock cabinets are the most economical of the cabinet family and represent an easy, off-the-shelf commodity. However they offer less options in finish and modification than their custom counterparts and may be restrictive for the homeowner looking to tailor every aspect of their kitchen. On the flip side, they are more affordable and perhaps the best choice for the homeowner on a budget.

However, one modification open to all buyers are kitchen cabinet handles. From cup handles, mini bars, bow pull handles and more, there are handles to suit all tastes. Changing the kitchen door and drawer handles can have a much bigger effect on a kitchen revamp than first thought; shabby cabinets get a contemporary look with metal mini bar handles while wooden, chic cabinets deliver a traditional, country kitchen look.

Regardless of look, Channel4.com suggests homeowners should be looking at spending cash on “the best handles you can afford”, as these will be parts of the kitchen that homeowners handle every day. By providing eye-catching detail to the room, handles can be one of the most effective but simplest parts of revamping cabinets.

Getting the right f inish

rs have a diverse amount of kitchen cabinet finishes on offer and it’s up to the buyer to see which one appeals to their taste.

According to a guide from chiefarchitect.com, the least expensive finishes are the ones with “simple clear coats” while the most expensive finishes are multi-layered glazes, crackle finishes and rub-through painted surfaces. However, the biggest difference in finish is how each is applied. The best finishes start with a “thorough surface prep”, meaning buyers should see no sanding marks on the surface, regardless of whether it is matte or glossy.

Overall, there are plenty of options available to the buyer willing to spend for a more elaborate result but the basic finish should also provide a long-lasting service to your kitchen cabinets.

Cabinets are not only your kitchen’s most dominant component but it is likely to be the one that will take longer to get than any other, especially cabinets going through the customisation process. As the starting point for every kitchen, it’s important that homeowners get their cabinets right – however as you begin to shop, you’re likely to find a near overwhelming variety of materials, finishes, handles, sizes and styles of cabinets on offer so it makes sense to have a vague design in mind before you drop a significant sum of cash. Once the finished product is installed, your kitchen will have a brand new look for not even half the price of replacing all the units and gadgets.

Author: George Mitchell