When remodeling a kitchen, the first thing that clicks is space and cabinets. Afterall, storage is a primary necessity, isn’t it? Hence, choosing the right cabinet style and material is vital to changing your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the different styles—like traditional, modern, and farmhouse—and materials such as wood, laminate, and metal.
These choices affect not only the look of your kitchen but also how long the kitchen remodeling cabinets will last and how easy they are to care for. Let’s explore the many styles and materials to help you make the best choices for your remodel.
Types of Kitchen Cabinets
Custom Cabinetry
Custom cabinetry is tailor-made to specific dimensions, styles, and materials, offering complete design flexibility. It suits unique kitchen layouts or detailed designs. Although more expensive and time-consuming, it provides the highest level of personalization and quality.
Semi-Stock Cabinets (Semi-Custom Cabinets)
Semi-stock kitchen remodeling cabinets offer some customization options in dimensions, finishes, and styles but are factory-produced. They balance flexibility with affordability, suiting those who want moderate personalization. Lead times are shorter than custom cabinetry but longer than stock options.
Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets are mass-produced in standard sizes and limited styles, making them the most budget-friendly option. They are readily available and quick to install. While being affordable kitchen remodeling cabinets, they lack the customization and unique design of higher-end options.
Different Categories of Kitchen Cabinets
Before exploring different kitchen remodeling cabinet ideas and styles, it’s useful to understand the four main categories of kitchen cabinets; here’s a look at their dimensions and characteristics:
- Wall (upper) cabinets range from 12 to 24 inches deep, depending on whether they’re standard or custom-made. Positioned above base cabinets, they typically allow room for an 18-inch backsplash.
- Base cabinets are usually 24 inches deep and 34.5 inches tall (without countertops). Custom sizes vary, but limiting depth to 27 inches ensures easy access to the back of the cabinet, preventing wasted space.
- Tall cabinets often function as pantries, with heights of 84 to 96 inches. Custom designs can adjust these measurements based on ceiling height and kitchen design needs.
- Specialty units are custom cabinets designed to optimize kitchen space, including options like corner cabinets, hutches, bottle racks, and appliance garages for added functionality.
Different Styles Of Kitchen Cabinets
Shaker Cabinets
Shaker kitchen remodeling cabinets feature a simple, five-piece door with a recessed center panel inspired by 18th-century craftsmanship. Made from solid wood like oak or maple, they combine well in traditional and modern kitchens. Their minimalist design suits various hardware styles. While versatile, their simplicity may not appeal to those seeking more decorative details.
Flat-panel (Slab) Cabinets
These cabinets have smooth, unframed doors, creating a sleek, modern look. Often made from MDF or plywood with veneer or laminate finishes, they suit contemporary and minimalist kitchens.
Inset Cabinets
They feature doors set within the cabinet frame, creating a flushed stunner look. Typically crafted from hardwoods like maple or cherry, they are durable but more costly. However, their tight door fit can lead to alignment issues in changing climates and offer slightly less storage than overlay styles.
Beadboard Cabinets
Beadboard cabinets have vertical grooves that create a textured, cottage-style look. Often seen in farmhouses or coastal kitchens, they bring a warm, rustic charm. Made from solid wood or MDF, they are usually painted in light colors.
Louvered Cabinets
They feature horizontal wood slats. Common in coastal and tropical kitchens, they add texture and airflow to storage areas. Made from durable woods like teak or mahogany, they are pricier due to their craftsmanship.
Glass-Front Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets showcase their contents with clear or frosted glass panels. Ideal for displaying dishes or decorative items, they create a sense of openness in the kitchen. They work well with wood or metal frames and can be illuminated for effect.
Distressed Cabinets
Distressed cabinets have a weathered and aged look. Vintage is in, you see! Techniques like sanding or glazing give them a worn effect. Made from solid wood like pine or oak, they are finished in muted colors.
Different Materials and Finishes of Kitchen Cabinets
Materials of Kitchen Cabinets
Solid Wood Cabinets
Solid wood is durable and versatile; popular wood types include oak, maple, cherry, and walnut, each offering unique grains and color variations. Solid wood can be stained, painted, or finished to enhance its natural beauty but may expand or contract with humidity.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) Cabinets
This is a high-quality, engineered wood product known for its smooth surface and resistance to warping. It’s often used for painted finishes due to its even texture. MDF is more affordable than solid wood, making it a budget-friendly option.
Plywood Cabinets
Plywood is a durable, layered wood product used for its strength and stability in cabinet construction. It resists warping and cracking better than solid wood and MDF. Plywood kitchen remodeling cabinets often have a veneer finish that mimics solid wood. They are cost-effective, offering a balance of quality and affordability.
Laminate Cabinets
These cabinets feature a plastic-like surface bonded to particleboard or MDF, creating a durable and stain-resistant finish. They come in various colors and patterns, including wood-like designs.
Thermofoil Cabinets
Thermofoil cabinets are made by applying a vinyl layer to MDF. They’re cost-effective, easy to clean, and moisture-resistant, making them ideal for humid environments.
Veneer Cabinets
Veneer cabinets use thin slices of real wood applied over plywood or MDF, providing the look of solid wood at a lower cost. They can be stained or finished to achieve various appearances.
Stainless Steel Cabinets
Stainless steel cabinets are modern and industrial, offering high durability, resistance to moisture, and easy cleaning. Ideal for contemporary kitchens, they’re often used in commercial settings due to their sturdiness.
Finishes of Kitchen Cabinets
Painted Finishes
Painted finishes involve applying a smooth, solid layer of paint directly onto the cabinet surface. This creates a sleek, uniform look that works well with both traditional and modern kitchen designs. Paint can be used on various materials like wood, Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF), or other engineered wood products. The finish can range from matte to high gloss, depending on the desired look.
Stained Finishes
Staining penetrates the wood, emphasizing its unique patterns and character while adding color without completely covering the surface. Stains come in a variety of shades, from light tones that bring out subtle grain details to dark hues that create a rich, elegant look. Suitable for hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry, stained cabinets are durable and can hide scratches well.
Glazed Finishes
Glazed finishes involve applying a semi-transparent glaze over a painted or stained base coat. This technique creates an antique or vintage effect, adding depth and highlighting details like raised panels or decorative edges. The glaze settles into crevices, giving the cabinets a slightly weathered, aged appearance, which works well with traditional or classic kitchen styles.
Conclusion
From custom designs to different finishes, the right selection can transform your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetics, turning it into a space that reflects your style and meets your everyday requirements. For expert consultation and assistance in kitchen remodeling in Arlington Heights, contact IL General Construction Services at (630) 742-1010 today and get free guidance on cabinet styles and materials. Let us help you create a stunning kitchen!
