[Kristin]

By: Lee Wallender

Source: www.rtacabinetstore.com

If you’re renovating your kitchen and have done any research at all, you probably know that choosing kitchen cabinets is not for the faint of heart (or pocketbook!) Kitchen cabinets cost a lot, and the choices may seem limitless.

Don’t let these things put you off as the right cabinets will make your kitchen a warm, comfortable showplace. People often congregate in the kitchen and creating your own look and feel is fun. You just need to study your options before heading for the home improvement store or custom cabinetmaker.

Source: www.kitchencabinetvalue.com

3 Basic Types

Kitchen cabinets fall into three main categories; stock, semi-custom, and custom. The basic definitions are:
1. Stock: These include mass produced models that install easily but usually can’t be modified to your individual taste except by paint or stain. Stock cabinets cost the least, install the easiest, and are the most readily available.
2. Semi-Custom: Similar to stock cabinets because they are mass produced, the homeowner may order basic changes in size and even select from a fairly wide range of finishes, moldings, and trim.
3. Custom:  In many cases custom actually means semi-custom with more modification choices. If someone wants uniquely designed kitchen cabinets, which defines the true meaning of “custom” he or she should expect to pay top dollar.

Source: http://weheartit.com

Framed vs. Unframed

Another choice you will make is whether to install framed or unframed (also frameless) kitchen cabinets. There is a difference in price and functionality between the two types of cabinets:
Framed Cabinets - With a rectangular-shaped frame on the front of the cabinet, this traditional style of kitchen cabinets allows the cabinet hinges to be mounted on the outside, and for the cabinets to hang independently of each other, if needed. Drawback: the "lip" created by the frame limits storage room.
Unframed Cabinets - Frameless cabinets are a newer style of cabinet that allow for sleeker lines and slightly more storage room--for a slightly higher cost.

Budgeting

Whether your kitchen is new construction or a remodel, your first step should be to establish a budget. Knowing how much you can spend will at least give you someplace to start in the selection process. Be sure to include the cost of installation in your figures.

By the same token, each cabinet grade holds a wide range of choices. For example semi-custom models vary a great deal in price, materials, and detail. Even if you need to limit your selection to the least expensive stock designs, you’re liable to find more models than you may expect.

You can show your creativity with interesting colors and hardware or by adding an artistic trim. In addition to style, you also need to focus on convenience and quality. The least costly stock cabinets will be durable and last for years if you choose well.

Do Bells and Whistles Matter?

Today’s kitchen also offer more features than ever before. Examples include smooth gliding drawers, shelves that pull out for easy access, rotating lazy Susans to help reach items stored in the back, large drawers or bigger cabinet boxes for those oversized pots and pans, and handy small pull-down storage spaces in the front of the sink that hold sponges and scouring pads.

Choosing kitchen cabinets counts as a major decision in designing your home since they will be in place for many years. Doing some homework will help you make practical and attractive choices while staying within your budget.


Artcile Source: http://homerenovations.about.com/

[Kristin]

Kitchen Cabinet Construction: Choosing Between Face-frame and Frameless Kitchen Cabinets

By: Jeff Beneke

Kitchen cabinets are constructed either with or without face frames. The results produce cabinets that look and function quite differently. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but the primary issue for most people when choosing which style to put in their kitchen comes down to looks.

Face-frame Cabinets

Source: www.auracabinetry.com

Face-frame (or framed) cabinets are the most common style in the U.S. The distinguishing feature is vertical and horizontal trim boards that surround the cabinet box. Trim boards add stability and allow for somewhat thinner material for cabinet boxes. The doors rest on the surface of the face frame.
The biggest drawback is that trims boards block access, making it a little harder to fit large containers in them and impossible to install cabinet-width pull-out drawers.

Often, hardwood trim is used over less expensive plywood or particleboard boxes, giving the cabinets a more upscale appearance.

Frameless Cabinets

Source: www.imperiacabinet.com

Frameless cabinets are often called European-style cabinets, since this is where they developed. Instead of covering the edges of the cabinet box with trim boards, the edges of frameless cabinets are covered with veneer that matches the face of the cabinet material (typically wood, melamine or plastic laminate).
The lack of trim boards means that the cabinet boxes require thicker side panels for stability. It also means better accessibility to the contents.

The interior sides of frameless cabinets contain 5mm holes on 32mm centers, which are used for installing drawers, doors and shelf supports. It's a very efficient style that suits the requirements of mass production. Frameless bottom cabinets often rest on legs.


Article Source: http://garages.about.com/od/kitchenstorageideas/tp/KitchCabConstruction.htm