Cabinets are one of the most important aspects of any kitchen. Quality cabinets can increase a home’s sales value, while poorly constructed ones can detract not only from the value of a home but also from the beauty and efficiency of a kitchen. In this article, you will learn more about the different types of cabinets, as well as what to do if your kitchen cabinets are not ideal.
There are many different types of cabinets, made from many different types of materials. The most popular material is, of course, wood. The least expensive type of wood that cabinets are sometimes made from includes options like poplar, birch, and maple. If you choose one of these woods, you will probably want to paint your cabinets. Some homeowners choose to use designer effects, such as artificial finishes, to give lower grades of wood a classic and sophisticated look. A step up from these low-quality woods would be options like oak and pine, durable woods that are quite affordable.
Want to spend a little more on high-quality lumber? Then you should consider woods like maple, cherry or walnut. Which one is best for you depends on your personal preferences and what you think looks best in your kitchen. Now if you are looking for a cabinet material that is truly spectacular, you can go for expensive options like mahogany, walnut, or ebony. These woods are not only exotic and attractive, they are durable and long-lasting.
Just as there are many wooden cabinets that can be made from, there are also various types of cabinets to suit every price range and preference. Stock cabinets are the most affordable type of cabinet, however you won’t have much to choose from when it comes to design. These types of cabinets are manufactured in large quantities in a factory. The next step from stock cabinets is semi custom cabinets. While these are also factory made, you have more options in the size, material, and finish of your cabinets. The third and most expensive type of cabinets are custom cabinets. Custom cabinets are designed especially for you and meet all of your specifications and needs from start to finish. These types of cabinets take longer to build and cost significantly more than the other two options, but it can be worth the time and expense.
Perhaps you own a home that has unsatisfactory cabinets. If so, there are two options available. You can remove and replace your existing cabinets or you can simply renovate your cabinets. The option you choose will have a lot to do with your kitchen storage needs and the quality of your cabinets. If your cabinets are made from low-quality wood and you prefer a higher grade, then replacement is probably your best option. If your cabinets don’t provide the storage space you need, this may be another reason to replace it. However, if your existing cabinets are made from acceptable wood and provide you with enough storage space, then refinishing, also known as siding, could be the way to go.
Restoring your cabinets is something you can either hire a contractor to do or do it yourself. The first step is to remove the cabinet doors and all hardware, then label the inside of each door with a sticky note. The reason for the labeling is to make it easy to replace your cabinets when you are done refinishing. After labeling everything and removing all hardware, it’s time to remove the finish from the cabinet doors. This can be accomplished with a varnish removal product purchased from your local home improvement store. These products can be quite toxic, so always be sure to wear the proper safety equipment, such as goggles and gloves. In addition, it is essential to ventilate the room with enough fresh air. If you can, doing work outside is an even safer option.
Once the varnish remover has done its job, rinse the wood and allow it to dry. Once dry, sand the cabinets to a smooth finish, then wipe off any excess sanding dust. You may want to start with a coarse sandpaper to smooth out rough areas and finish with a finer grade for an even finish. After sanding is complete, you can apply the stain or varnish of your choice. If using more than one coat, allow each coat to dry before adding another. Make sure the stain is completely dry before touching the cabinets. Once you are sure the cabinets are completely dry, you can reinstall them in your kitchen. To give them a shiny new look, replace your old hardware with new hardware.
Regardless of the type of kitchen you have, good cabinets are a must. The right cabinets can not only add to the look of the room, but they can also give you all the space you need to store kitchen related items. If you ever sell your home, you can be sure that potential buyers will examine your kitchen cabinets. With that in mind, take a look at your existing cabinets. Is it everything you think it should be? If not, there are many options available. For ideas, check out some books on the subject or flick through a few home improvement magazines. Even a leisurely trip to your local home improvement store can be enough to get you thinking about the improvements you want to make to your cabinets. Whether you do the work yourself or hire someone to do it for you, you’ll find that the end result is definitely worth the time and expense.
