Kitchen Cabinets Buyer's Guide

Kitchen cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen's design and functionality. They typically account for 40-50% of a kitchen remodel budget, making them one of the most significant investments in your home. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the many options available and choose cabinets that match your style, needs, and budget.

Understanding Cabinet Construction

Cabinet quality starts with construction. Understanding how cabinets are built helps you evaluate options and make informed decisions:

Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets

Framed cabinets have a face frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. This traditional American style offers durability and a classic look, but the frame reduces interior space slightly. Frameless cabinets (also called European-style) have no face frame, maximizing interior storage space and creating a sleek, modern aesthetic with full-overlay doors.

Box Construction

Quality cabinet boxes are built from 3/4-inch thick plywood or furniture-grade particleboard. Look for dovetail or dowel joinery at corners rather than staples or glue alone. The back panel should be at least 1/2-inch thick and dadoed (grooved) into the sides for strength.

Cabinet Material Options

Solid Wood

The premium choice for cabinet doors and frames. Popular species include maple, cherry, oak, and walnut. Solid wood offers natural beauty, durability, and the ability to be refinished. However, it can expand and contract with humidity changes and is the most expensive option.

Plywood

Made from thin wood veneers layered and glued together, plywood offers excellent strength and moisture resistance. It's the preferred material for cabinet boxes in quality kitchens and can also be used for doors with veneer or laminate surfaces.

MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)

Engineered wood made from wood fibers bonded with resin. MDF provides a smooth, consistent surface ideal for painted finishes. It's more stable than solid wood and less expensive, but it's heavy and can be damaged by moisture.

Particleboard

The most budget-friendly option, made from wood chips bonded with resin. While adequate for light-duty applications, particleboard is weaker than other options and susceptible to moisture damage. Avoid for cabinet boxes that will hold heavy items.

Cabinet Door Styles

Door style significantly impacts your kitchen's overall aesthetic:

• Shaker: Clean lines with a recessed center panel. The most versatile style, working in traditional to contemporary kitchens
• Flat Panel (Slab): Completely flat with no frame or panel. Ultra-modern and minimalist
• Raised Panel: Center panel is raised above the frame. Traditional and formal appearance
• Beadboard: Vertical grooves in the panel create cottage or country charm
• Glass Front: Glass panels (clear, frosted, or textured) showcase dishware and add visual interest
• Louvered: Horizontal slats provide ventilation and a distinctive look

Cabinet Finishes

Paint

Painted cabinets offer unlimited color options and a smooth, uniform appearance. White and gray remain popular, but bold colors like navy, forest green, and black are trending. Quality painted finishes require multiple coats and proper curing for durability.

Stain

Stained cabinets highlight natural wood grain and warmth. Options range from light natural tones to rich espresso. Stains are protected with clear topcoats that can be matte, satin, or gloss. Wood selection affects how stain appears, with oak showing heavy grain and maple appearing more uniform.

Laminate

High-pressure laminate (HPL) offers durability and easy maintenance at a lower price point. Modern laminates convincingly mimic wood grain, stone, and other materials. They're resistant to stains, moisture, and fading.

Thermofoil

A vinyl film heat-applied to MDF creates a seamless, easy-to-clean surface. Budget-friendly and available in many colors and patterns. However, thermofoil can peel or separate when exposed to high heat near ovens.

Cabinet Categories by Quality

Stock Cabinets

Pre-manufactured in standard sizes and finishes, stock cabinets are the most affordable option ($60-$200 per linear foot). Available immediately from home improvement stores. Limited customization but sufficient for basic kitchen layouts.

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Built to order with more size options, finishes, and accessories than stock ($150-$650 per linear foot). Lead times of 4-8 weeks. The best balance of quality, customization, and value for most kitchen remodels.

Custom Cabinets

Built to exact specifications with unlimited design possibilities ($500-$1,500+ per linear foot). Lead times of 8-16 weeks. Ideal for unique spaces, specific storage needs, or when matching existing millwork.

Essential Cabinet Features

Modern cabinets offer numerous features that enhance functionality:

• Soft-close hinges and drawer slides: Prevent slamming and extend cabinet life
• Full-extension drawers: Provide complete access to drawer contents
• Pull-out shelves: Make base cabinet contents easily accessible
• Lazy Susans: Maximize corner cabinet storage
• Drawer dividers: Organize utensils, spices, and small items
• Pull-out trash/recycling: Hide waste containers elegantly
• Appliance garages: Conceal small appliances on countertops
• LED lighting: Illuminate cabinet interiors and under-cabinet areas

Hardware Considerations

Cabinet hardware is like jewelry for your kitchen. Popular finishes include brushed nickel, matte black, brass, and chrome. Consider the balance between knobs (easier to grip, less obtrusive) and pulls (easier to open, more modern). Budget $200-$1,000+ for hardware depending on quality and quantity.

Budget Planning Tips

When budgeting for kitchen cabinets, consider these strategies:

• Invest in quality boxes and hinges; these affect long-term durability most
• Use open shelving in some areas to reduce cabinet costs while adding style
• Mix cabinet types: stock for basics, semi-custom for visible areas
• Consider refacing existing cabinets if boxes are in good condition
• Prioritize organization features in high-use areas
• Get quotes from multiple sources and understand what's included

Working with a Professional

A professional kitchen designer or remodeling contractor brings expertise that saves money and prevents costly mistakes. They help optimize layout for workflow, ensure proper measurements, coordinate with other trades, and navigate the countless decisions involved in a kitchen remodel. At Maison Remodeling, our design team has relationships with premium cabinet manufacturers, often securing better pricing than retail.