Cabinets Buying Guide
Cabinets Direct has been serving New Jersey for decades as the state’s go-to choice for cabinets and countertops. We understand how overwhelming the process of choosing the right cabinets can be. What should you be looking for? What is the best value for your budget? What features will matter most for you and your family on a daily basis? We’ve put together a guide for our customers to get a sense of what to keep in mind when choosing the perfect cabinets for their home.
Cabinets Buying Guide – What To Consider
Unless you’re a woodworker or a contractor, most people don’t necessarily have a lot of experience when it comes to buying cabinets until they tackle their first kitchen renovation. However, learning ahead of buying can be crucial. Not only will cabinets set the tone for your rooms design – they will dictate what you can store and be a part of your home for years to come. In that case, here’s a brief rundown of what to consider and what to expect when you’re deciding on which cabinet brand you ultimately want to go with.
Cabinet Color Options
More premium brands are going to provide you with a greater variety of shades as well as finish quality. This can range from different shades of natural wood staining to premium color finishes that will hold up better to fading.
Framed vs. Frameless (Inset):
Framed cabinets have long been the staple of American-style cabinetry. These are easy to install and provide a wide variety of options for modification. Frameless cabinets have a larger capacity and a sleeker finish but may have some limitations when it comes to modifications and installation.
Custom vs. Semi custom
Do you have a unique space, project, or specific taste in your cabinets? Full custom cabinets will give you the most flexibility regarding your final project design. Many companies, however, carry a semi-custom version of their premium custom options. These usually give quality that approaches the more premium option but at a nice cost savings.
Materials
Materials that you will commonly encounter with cabinets are solid wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF) wood, plywood, and particleboard. Solid wood cabinets will almost always be the most expensive option. MDF, an engineered wood, is a premium alternative that allows for additional customization and provides additional protection against moisture damage, warping, and bug infestation. Plywood has often been considered a popular option because of good longevity for its construction, as well as holding its screws and fasteners effectively. Other than MDF wood, there are particle board options you will find that will likely be the most cost-effective but more prone to scratching and gouged if not properly protected.
Additional Considerations
Unless you’re a woodworker or a contractor, most people don’t necessarily have a lot of experience when it comes to buying cabinets until they tackle their first kitchen renovation. However, learning ahead of buying can be crucial. Not only will cabinets set the tone for your rooms design – they will dictate what you can store and be a part of your home for years to come. In that case, here’s a brief rundown of what to consider and what to expect when you’re deciding on which cabinet brand you ultimately want to go with.
Warranty
Cabinets are an investment people only make on occasion. Due to the cost involved, having a warranty that will cover any manufacturing or durability errors can be your saving grace. Length will range from a couple years to a lifetime warranty.
Cost
Costs will dictate a project for anyone. For kitchen cabinets, prices vary significantly, from $100 to $1,200 per foot. So a 10 x 10 kitchen will cost anywhere from $2,000 to $24,000. Home Advisor projects that kitchen remodel and cabinet investments will earn you a 65% to 80% return on investment when selling your home.
KCMA Certification
Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) is the standard for third-party cabinet certification. KCMA runs cabinets through a series of tests for durability, function, and environmental/ sustainability factors. Cabinets Direct only carries KCMA-certified cabinet brands and advises customers against buying a brand that does not meet the association’s standard.
Kitchen Cabinet Brands Carried By Cabinets Direct USA
Cabinets Direct works to consistently meet the needs of our customers, whether it’s regarding the latest trends or construction materials. The following are Cabinet Brands that top our list in terms of popularity and quality.
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