Kitchen Cabinet Buying Guide

Kitchens are without a doubt one of the most used spaces in any home. From cozy dinners to classic kitchen parties your kitchen needs to serve up high function and style every day of the week. One of the largest components of any kitchen redesign will be your cabinets! Choosing the foundation for countertops, appliances, and hardware is no easy feat, but the KENT Project Centre is ready to help you find the perfect cabinets. It’s time to stop trying to make poor storage and style work, and create a kitchen that works for you!

Budget

Cabinets typically account for almost a third of all kitchen renovation costs. Get an accurate gauge on your budget by measuring the amount of cabinetry needed and materials that will suit these considerations. Our 3D planning software can help narrow down the perfect pre-made or custom cabinets for your space.

Customization

There are a wide range of cabinet designs readily available that include Lazy Susans, pantries, and utensil storage, but if you’re looking for a special drawer made just for your beloved hand mixer, custom or semi-custom cabinets will make your storage dreams come true. In-stock cabinets are made to fit most basic kitchen designs, so if your space is more unique some customization may be essential. After installation, almost any type of hardware can be added to any cabinet. Consult your Project Centre pro on which hardware usually functions best with your cabinet style!

Materials

Finally, onto the fun part! There is an entire rainbow of design options for cabinetry that narrows down by the type of material you choose: PVC, veneer, or solid wood.

PVC

PVC resembles a painted finish that is more low maintenance than wood options. Most PVC doors aren't painted, but rather the door is MDF (medium density fibreboard) covered in PVC plastic. PVC doesn't yellow, scratch easily, or warp; however, the colour will change if exposed to excessive heat or certain environmental conditions such as tobacco smoke.

Veneer Panels

Veneer panels are another option that will give the appearance of wood at a more affordable price. There are fewer stain options available than in solid wood, but veneer is also less likely to warp than solid wood doors. Veneer wood will absorb more stain than solid wood and will show more colour variation. Ask for samples to compare stain options!

Solid Wood

Solid wood cabinets provide many style and stain choices, and options to refinish down the road. Wood choices include Maple, Oak, Hickory, Cherry, and Birch. Be sure to inquire how each type of wood will adjust to temperature changes and sunlight. If exposed to temperature changes, the wood can warp as it expands and contracts that may give painted doors a “cracked” appearance. Exposure to UV rays and light, as well as aging, may alter your cabinet's colour. Even considering the maintenance of solid wood, it’s a popular choice for classic designs.

Construction

Framed

For a more traditional look, choose framed cabinetry. It is designed with 1/2" of door overlay in mind, and leaves 2" of the cabinet frame visible. This frame is masked with 1" x 2" hardwood to add extra strength. This will ensure the attached hinges stay firmly in place.

Since the hardwood makes the face frame sturdier, these cabinets don't always include a top panel or a full back. They will always include the essential base though. One of the drawbacks to choosing framed cabinetry is that the frame can narrow the opening size for drawers and doors.

Frameless

Also known as European style, frameless cabinets offer a more contemporary feeling. They have a full overlay to conceal the cabinet frame around each door to create a seamless appearance. With frameless, there are finished panels on each side that are edged with a narrow laminate strip.

This strip includes approximately 32 predrilled holes to allow for simple fastening of hinges, shelf pins, slides, and additional hardware. One of the best features of frameless is that there is no frame obstructing your storage space, so you can access your drawers and doors easily.

Installation

Did you know we offer free in-home (or virtual!) kitchen consultations? If you’re feeling unsure about the best options for your kitchen, simply give your local KENT Installation Services a call to set up your consultation! Our 3D rendering of your future kitchen can help guarantee you love your cabinets by easily testing combinations of materials and colours. Explore different configurations and better prepare for a perfect installation!

Last but not least...

The final touches for your beautiful new cabinets will be hardware, moulding, and storage accessories!

Hardware Options

Hardware options are endless from cup pulls to push-to-open closures. Our experts can help you narrow down choices that usually function best with the type of cabinet you choose.

Moulding

Moulding is most commonly used to close the space between the top of cabinets and the ceiling. With base, crown, and edge mouldings, your cabinetry will have beautiful, architectural details and a polished design.

Accessories

Accessories like soft-close slides, storage trays, racks, and rolling garbage cans are the finishing touches that add utility and ease to your everyday use. Add cutlery dividers, rollout trays, and cabinet spice racks to your drawers and pantry to make the most of your beautiful new cabinets.

Finding your dream cabinets can be easy and affordable with help from the KENT Project Centre! Our 3D planning tools, in-store and custom options, and material samples will start your kitchen renos off on the right foot. Stop excusing your nonfunctional, dingy cabinets and create a kitchen you’ll love to use!