The Kitchen is the heart of most homes so remodeling usually happens there first. New kitchen cabinets can make a dated, uncomfortable and inefficient kitchen into a beautiful, comfortable, and functional space. There are many finishes and price points to choose from these days. Use some of the following suggestions when figuring out which cabinets to buy and how to hang them…
Are Your Brand of Kitchen Cabinets Certified?
Are the cabinets you are interested in certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association? Certified cabinets are subjected to tests that replicate years of normal kitchen abuse and can survive exposure to humidity, temperatures ranging from –5 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and spills and spays of vinegar, lemon, fruit juices, ketchup, coffee and other liquids without showing signs of blistering, discoloration, or other damage.
Personalize Your Storage
Cabinets over the years have become more user-friendly. Full extension roll-out shelves keep you from scraping your knuckles as you reach for items buried deep in back. Large drawers in base cabinets can hold pots, pans, and dry goods Pull-out recycling bins are also popular. Built-in open-storage systems like wine racks and dish displays nice additions for ascetics and functionality.
What are Your Design Goals? Pick Your Cabinets Accordingly
For small kitchens use light-colored woods, oak and maple to give the space a brighter and larger feel. If you are after a dramatic look then use darker woods like cherry and mahogany. The hardware, countertop, and other accessories will greatly influence how you kitchen will look after it’s all completed.
The Right Screws Mean Everything
Drywall screws can snap. Make sure your cabinets are attached to studs with 2½-inch deck screws fitted with cabinet washers. When possible, join cabinets together to make a single unit and ensure tight seams between the frames.
Donate Your Old Cabinets If You Don’t Have a Use For Them
Programs like Habitat for Humanity’s Restores accept donations of cabinets. Carefully remove the cabinets or tell your contractor you plan to donate them.
Do You Really Want To Try To Design and Hang Cabinets Yourself?
If you watch the big box store commercials, it all looks so easy. Designing and hanging cabinets are anything but easy and you don’t want to nick, scratch or break your new cabinets as you and a buddy try hanging cabinets for the first time. We suggest you use a professional designer and installer for your cabinets.
What You can Expect from a Professional Designer
- Comprehensive knowledge in kitchen and bath design, as well as construction, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
- A strict code of professional conduct.
- Knows the importance of consumer health, safety, and welfare in kitchen and bath design.
- Highly skilled at assessing consumers’ individual needs and wants and creating designs that meet and exceed these requirements.
- Remains current on local building codes, safety and environmental regulations and the wealth of new products and equipment on the market.
- Has many professional relationships will professional cabinet installers.
W.Stephens Cabinetry and Design provides planning and design services for the entire home including kitchens, bathrooms, wet bars, butler pantries, libraries, home theaters, and closets. Our designers follow a project from conception to completion, assisting clients in not only space-planning and design but also guiding clients through each step of the project.
Contact us (859) 331-8100 to set up an appointment or stop by our showroom.