Custom Cabinet Material
One of the first things to consider is the material of the cabinets. Some popular options are wood, MDF (medium density fiberboard), and laminate. A traditional choice, wood offers a wide variety of styles and profiles. The construction is sturdy and scratches can be repaired. Cabinets can be refinished or repainted if you want to change the look. Depending on your choice of wood and finish, wood cabinets can be expensive, and solid wood doors may warp from moisture. MDF is a wood-fiber composite that can be molded into a variety of profiles and either factory painted or painted on-site. While it can’t be molded into fine detail and tends to dent more easily than wood, it can be an economical alternative. Laminate cabinets are made of layers of plasticized kraft paper over a substrate of either MDF or particle board. Resins and dyes give the laminate its color and texture. Because laminate sheets are flat, your cabinet doors will be flat as well. Other options can include stainless steel cabinets, cabinets from reclaimed materials, or cabinets made of ecofriendly materials such as bamboo. Be sure to research what kind of design finish is possible with your desired material, its durability, and requirements for upkeep to ensure that the type of cabinet you choose is suitable for your kitchen.
Appliances
The next thing to know is what appliances you will be installing. It is important to know the exact dimensions and placement of your refrigerator, dishwasher, stovetop, oven, and any other built-in appliances to determine the available space to install cabinets. The layout of your kitchen will also determine the location of additional features you would like to maximize the efficiency of the design. Architects typically recommend keeping a clear, convenient path between the three most-used parts of any kitchen: the refrigerator, the sink, and the stove. When you know where those items will be located, that will help determine the most sensible design for the rest of the kitchen and the appropriate types of cabinets and special features to install in each location. For example, you will most likely want to have a pull-out with your trash and recycling located conveniently next to the sink, while you may want a drawer with a knife block at your main food prep area.
Installation of Custom Cabinets
Installation of custom cabinets tends to be similar to installing manufactured cabinets. However, should a problem need correcting, you may get a quicker solution with custom cabinets, especially if you are dealing with a local cabinetmaker. In the case of manufactured cabinets, fixing the problem may require ordering a replacement cabinet and waiting out a similar lead time as you had on the original order. Custom cabinetry can also be a great advantage if you are remodeling an older home with unusual nooks that may not lend themselves to standard-sized manufactured cabinets.
If you want to find out more about how a custom cabinet design can transform your kitchen, contact the experts at Sea Pointe Design & Remodel.