1. Cabinet Styles

You can choose from three styles of cabinets.  The traditional 
style reveals the frame with smaller doors. Full overlay doors, 
similar to European style, cover nearly the full frame. European 
style cabinets also have full doors but have a frameless 
construction.  Inset doors close flush with the frame. 


2. Wood species

Today cabinet makers offer plenty of choices regarding the wood 
used in your cabinets.  Couple the wood choice with the number of 
stains and finishes, and the combinations are almost mind-
boggling.  

Oak – A long-time favorite that has recently slipped in 
popularity.  This wood offers a large and prominent grain that 
makes Oak so distinctive.  Medium hued stains are typically used.

Cherry – Very popular recently although more expensive than most 
other species.  It has small even grain.  If you see a section of 
very light wood, replace the piece as this is the sap wood. 
Cherry can be stained naturally (clear), but traditionally it has 
been stained dark with deep red tones to play up the natural red 
color of the wood.  Cherry is also unique as it will darken as it 
ages.

Maple – With an even grain, Maple is known for its light color, 
one of the lightest of all wood species.  As a result, most 
people use Maple with a natural stain or a very light stain.

Birch – Given its light color and even grain, many people mistake 
Birch for Maple.  It too is usually stained natural or light.

Ash – Often used for painted trim due to its color variations, 
people are now using Ash to turn its varied color into 
interesting cabinets with natural to medium stains.

Painted – More expensive and custom painted cabinets will use a 
high quality hard enamel paint.  Mass produced and even semi-
custom cabinets frequently use a thermofoil laminate over the 
wood substrate, especially for white and almond cabinets.  This 
finish can range from very high gloss to a very small "pebbly" 
look.  With custom painted cabinets, you can also have two color 
tones or rub offs where a second color shows through (almost like 
highlights) in areas that have literally had the top coat of 
paint rubbed off.


3. Doors

Cabinet doors should always be solid wood for the best quality. 
(Thermofoil painted doors can be applied to a particle board or 
MDF – synthetic wood – substrates.)  Styles abound with different 
profiles, accents, plain, and fluted. Cathedral style doors (with 
an arch at the top) are usually only used on upper cabinets. 
When you are looking at cabinets, make sure that no gaps exist 
between the joints or mitered (45 degree angle) cuts. Check that 
the doors are plumb (lay flat) and square (90 degree angled 
corners).  Also look for any cracks in the wood. Any defects like 
these should be sent back and replaced.


4. Drawers

Many lesser quality cabinets can look great once they are hung as 
most doors are usually pretty good and solid. But open the drawer 
to get a true idea of the cabinet's quality and craftsmanship. 
The best cabinet drawers have dove-tail joints. These are like 
teeth that fit together and give added strength to the corners. 
They also should be glued and even nailed with wire brads (small 
nails with practically no head). Cheaper cabinets will just put 
two perpendicular pieces together and nail them.  Over a few 
years, the opening and shutting (or banging, if you have kids) of 
the drawers will loosen the nails, and the joint will begin to 
open, and the drawer begin to fail.

In addition, the best cabinets use metal drawer guides. These can 
be on the sides or bottom of the drawer.  Metal withstands 
greater pressure and bear to break or bend unlike plastic will 
becomes brittle with age and wear.

With custom cabinets, you can also choose drawers that slide all 
the way out unlike standard drawers which stop about ¾ to 7/8 of 
the way.


5. Frames

Very few makers use solid wood frames. Why?  It's extra money for 
parts that aren't seen. Particle board, MDF, or plywood is 
typically used in all except the front frame which should be 
solid wood to match your door. Sometimes the front of the frame 
will be veneer (a thin slice of finish wood laminated to a 
plywood substrate). If an end is butting up to another cabinet, 
it is frequently left unfinished – like the back – except for 
"out of the box" units (literally finished cabinets you buy in a 
box).  Exposed sides are usually finished with a veneer. However, 
I have also seen cabinet sides finished with a wood-look vinyl 
laminate on really cheap cabinets. For a truly finished look in 
custom or semi-custom cabinets, order a wood panel like a door 
front that will be added to an exposed side.


6. Refrigerator or dishwasher panels

With custom cabinets, you can also order fronts for your 
appliances.  Be sure to check that your make and model allows for 
cabinetry and provide the model and specifications to your 
cabinet maker.

Choosing cabinets involves many decisions.  It helps to be 
prepared and knowledgeable before you start the purchasing 
process.  However, your cabinets are truly one of the most 
important elements of your kitchen design and look so take care 
to make the best decision.
 

Julie Lohmeier is the veteran of numerous home remodeling and 
building projects.  From working hands on and doing much of the 
work herself to hiring contractors and construction managers, 
she has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement.  She 
shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other 
various rants at http://www.myhomeredux.com.  Sign up for her 
free email newsletter at: 
http://myhomeredux.typepad.com/blog/2005/09/get_my_home_red_2.html

Copyright © 2006, Julie Lohmeier, http://www.myhomeredux.com