29 Kitchen Cabinet Ideas (Buying Guide)

Kitchen cabinets are designed to do more than just help you to store a variety of items.

With a wide variety of high-quality kitchen designer door styles, they will also pull a kitchen remodel and create a beautiful series of borders and boundaries around your dream kitchen. They can be rather decorative and attractive in their designs.

You should look at a number of different options when finding the best possible kitchen cabinets for your home use. There are many types of doors that can be perfect for your use and deserve to be explored so you will have a great option for your kitchen use.

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Cabinet Types by Design

Note: The costs are based on the cost needed to get the actual cabinet doors themselves and not the kitchen cabinetry. The costs may be higher if you are going to get completely new cabinets installed. New cabinets often go from $50 to $200 per linear foot although it could cost up to $1,000 per linear foot if you are trying to work with a completely customized project. Be sure to consider the full costs depending on what you need to get out of a setup.

1. Flat-Panel

A flat-panel design features a plain design. It does not use any indents or recesses around its body.

Pros

• You can get a handle applied onto any part of this kind of door. You have the overall choice of where you want to get the handle placed.
• You can get practically any kind of stain applied onto one of these cabinets.
• You can find this in metal and wood bodies alike.

Cons

• These can look relatively plain or dull in some instances.

Cost

A single flat-panel cabinet door can go from $10 to $50. This depends on the type of material used to make it and the finish applied.

2. Shaker

A shaker design uses a recessed rectangle in the middle. It is made without the use of added ornamentation.

Pros

• This is appropriate for use on traditional and modern kitchen designs alike.
• It is supported by a wide variety of different tiles.

Cons

• You can try and get your own custom ornamentation cuts added into a door but those would have to be carefully measured as evenly as possible.

Cost

A shaker cabinet door can go for $15 to $30. A larger cabinet set can cost a few hundred dollars in some instances.

3. Raised-Panel

With a raised-panel design, there will be a slight rise in the middle section of the door. A recessed border will appear between that middle section and the outside parts of the door.

Pros

• It adds an extra bit of depth to a room.
• The shadows produced by it create an extra bit of detail.

Cons

• This is not the best option to use for a modern kitchen.
• You are limited in terms of where the handles can be placed on such doors.

Cost

A door can cost $20 to $75 depending on how intricate and detailed the raised design is.

4. Recessed-Panel

A recessed-panel set is the opposite of a raised-panel set. This entails recesses around the middle parts of each cabinet. This allows for rectangular or square indentation on each door.

Pros

• This draws more attention to a cabinet.
• This can work in many shapes.

Cons

• This can easily pick up dust as it can develop all around the edges of a door.

Cost

This goes for about the same total as a typical raised cabinet. It can cost $25 to $75 per door depending on its size and how intricate each design is.

5. Beaded Inset

A beaded inset door uses a design where the frame around the outside of the door is noticeable. The door is built into the main body of the cabinet without any outside parts sticking out. It also uses a recessed area in the middle to create a deeper look all around.

Pros

• This can be used on any kind of cabinet size you have.
• It can be paired with knob handles or a small lever handle depending on the size of the cabinet.

Cons

• This requires plenty of measuring to ensure that it can be installed properly. It has to move into the cabinet area without the door protruding in any manner.

Cost

This is one of the more expensive types of cabinets to get in that a door can cost $40 to $80 based on its size and attention to detail.

6. Glass-Front

A glass-front cabinet adds a carefully detailed look. It is often made with a semi-transparent design that allows some things to be seen behind it without being too revealing. This can add a beautiful look although you can always add a design that features a small solid border to the sides depending on what you might prefer. A few other border features can also be added to create a look similar to what you’d find on a typical window around your home.

Pros

• This works best for small kitchens. The glass bodies will make a spot look a little larger.
• The variety of transparencies for you to look for is extensively varied.
• You can use this on cabinets that you want to use for display purposes. Clear glass front panels are best for such options.

Cons

• A slight film can develop on such cabinets due to smoke and other things that are produced inside your kitchen. Make sure you clean off these cabinets regularly if you use them.
• These can break quickly if you are too rough on them.

Cost

A glass door can cost from $20 to $100 depending on how the glass is organized. It might be more expensive if there are a few support features all around the glass door.

7. Open

If you’d rather have a basic type of arrangement on your kitchen cabinet then you can always stick with an open arrangement. This works in that you will be using a strong open array that uses a series of shelves without any doors all around.

Pros

• This works well when you have just a few doors with an open arrangement.
• It allows you to display all sorts of items right front and center. It is especially perfect if you’ve got a series of symmetrical or identical materials to use.

Cons

• You would have to dust an area regularly to ensure it is comfortable and easy to use for your display needs.
• Anything that you would store in such a spot would have to be identical in color and carefully stacked or organized if you want to make this open look great.

Cost

It clearly doesn’t cost extra to get an open layout on your doors but you should at least look carefully to see how well the entire setup is going to be organized. It does cost extra if you’re going to have a much larger cabinet to work within your kitchen.

8. Louvered

A louvered door has a series of slats in the middle. These are horizontal in most cases. These are organized to create a window shutter-like look. This is especially made with modern kitchen spaces in mind.

Pros

• The detail on this particular option is rather intense.
• This can come with one of many great wood tone finishes.

Cons

• It can be a challenge to clean it off. You might need to get a feather duster just to get through the small slats on one of these doors.

Cost

A louvered door can go for $20 to $50.

Types by Layout

When getting a good kitchen cabinet setup, you have to look at the general layout that you will add to a spot. Here are a few of the best types to look into when getting a quality setup ready.

1. One-Wall

A one-wall design works in that the cabinets will be organized along one wall in your kitchen.

Pros

• This offers a better focal point to use within one part of the kitchen.
• This should be a little easier for you to keep organized.
• It is suitable for break rooms, kitchenettes and other smaller spaces where there is more gathering or dining space than there is space for preparing foods.

Cons

• You would have to look at how well the other walls in your kitchen are organized.
• This might provide you with less spot for storing your items depending on your use.

2. Cornered

With this option, your cabinets will be placed around a corner in your kitchen. That is, it will cover two walls with the middle part of the cabinets being located at the corner of the kitchen. This allows for more coverage around the walls of your kitchen.

Pros

• This offers a more dramatic look to your kitchen.
• It creates a better focal point on one corner in the kitchen.
• You can get the doors on your cabinet attached to open from the left or right. You can use both options with each having using one alignment setup.
• You can use this on a kitchen island or other small space in the middle of your kitchen.

Cons

• This might be a challenge for you to install depending on how large the cabinets are organized. Special wooden or metallic joints must be used to help you connect everything onto a corner.
• You must look at how well such a cabinet might fit under a sink. This comes as many sinks in kitchens are placed in corner areas.

3. L-Shape

An L-shape cabinet uses a design where the cabinets appear to be stretch out on two walls with one wall being much longer than another.

Pros

• This can be as high or short as you want it to be.
• You can use doors in a variety of heights to cover up the entire area.
• Your cabinets can be placed along a good variety of appliances.

Cons

• You should check on how well such cabinets can be insulated. This is so any temperatures from nearby appliances don’t try to influence what’s inside the cabinets.

4. Horseshoe

This is an L-shaped arrangement on a grand scale. It goes in a U-shape to create cabinets in a variety of arrangements. It can include a protruding island filled with a series of cabinets on that spot.

Pros

• This offers more space for storing a variety of items.
• You can use a much larger arrangement to help you keep items organized as carefully as possible.

Cons

• You should look carefully at how the doors are aligned so they won’t get in the way of your refrigerator or other item.
• You will need a ladder or stool to get access to the top-most cabinets above whatever is in the middle.
• The protruding island would have to work with one entry point for cabinets. Make sure you choose an entry point that is actually easy for you to reach.

Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas

The kitchen cabinet color dictates a great deal the overall color of a kitchen. Below we set out examples of different cabinet finishes by color.

1. White

A white finish is a basic option that provides you with a comfortable appearance all around your kitchen. It offers a relaxed style that gives off a good look all the way through.

Pros

• The light tone of white makes any room look a little larger in its appearance.
• This can fit in well with many appliances and metallic fixtures.

Cons

• Stains are very easy to spot on a typical white surface.

2. Medium Wood

Medium wood is popular for how it has a comfortable and light style and isn’t too intense in its design. This can come with a neutral stain.

Pros

• A medium wood surface offers a neutral tone that is comfortable and enjoyable to apply.
• This is especially nice with granite surfaces and other lighter spots in your kitchen.

Cons

• It does not appear to have as much of an intense look as you might expect.

3. Dark Wood

The darker tone in dark wood makes for a bolder look. It offers a cherry or mahogany look for the most part.

Pros

• This allows any larger room to look a little smaller and easier to keep under control.
• It blends in quite well with lighter surfaces although it could be added alongside some darker worktops if you have enough of a good surface to work with.

Cons

• This is not a good option to use in a smaller space.
• Scratches and scuffs are easier to spot on darker wood surfaces than on lighter options.

4. Light Wood

A lighter wood tone comes with a brighter and more earth-like design. It is not too bright and can come with a few natural stress lines around the surfaces. These are designed with a variety of light tones although some added stains can be added onto such a wood surface depending on what you choose.

Pros

• This makes all kinds of smaller kitchens look a little larger.
• Many metallic handles and other opening features around such a surface will look a little more noticeable.
• You can add such nice counters into a room with a lighter worktop.

Cons

• This is not appropriate for larger kitchens as it can make it look a little too cavernous.
• It is easier to spot stains on such a finish.

5. Gray

Gray is the quintessential neutral color that you can apply into your cabinet space. Gray is a nice tone that is not overly bright or dull. It offers a modern approach to any kitchen in terms of its design.

Pros

• Gray is a made for modern kitchens but it can also be used in traditional or classic-influenced kitchens.
• The look offers a metallic style while still retaining a traditional wooden surface.

Cons

• Gray finishes can fade after a while and need to be sealed or even painted every couple of years.

6. Beige

Beige offers a lighter tone than brown but it still has a nice natural look to it.

Pros

• It is a good midway option between a lighter and darker tone and is suitable for kitchens of all sizes.

Cons

• Scratches are easy to spot on this option.
• This can develop stains fast if it is not cleaned regularly.

7. Black

Black is an immediately striking color that is deep and intense. You can use a strong coating of paint to create a nice black finish on any kind of surface. This works well on wood but it is even better when you use it on metal.

Pros

• This establishes a modern look to your kitchen.
• It mixes in well with lighter worktops and floors although it could also be used alongside a few darker tones depending on what you choose.

Cons

• Excess light can keep the black color from looking too striking.
• The black tone can cause a room to look a little smaller than what it really is.

8. Distressed

A distressed surface uses a rustic appearance with a worn-out style. It makes it look as though there is a bit of fatigue on the surface that you are using but it is all made with decorative purposes in mind. The distressed effects can include either some rust-like spots around the corners or a series of stress lines listed all around a wooden surface. The key is to make something look a little more intense or beautiful.

Pros

• This is ideal for shabby chic kitchens.
• This blends in well with many metallic surfaces.
• The rough discoloration on a distressed surface mixes in well with a good variety of spots.

Cons

• Some distressed surfaces don’t appear too natural. Check carefully on any option you order to see how natural it looks before choosing it.

9. Brown

A basic brown finish offers a comfortable design that is relaxed and comes with a calming look all around. Brown is not too intense or weak in its tone. It rather includes a comfortable style that mixes in well in many rooms although you can always use a light or dark brown depending on the particular style you prefer.

Pros

• You can choose from a variety of shades of brown for your finish.
• The natural tone creates a warmer look and makes a room a little lighter in its appearance and feel.

Cons

• This might not work well with darker surfaces around your kitchen.

10. Blue

When using a blue color, you can choose from either a sky blue tone that is light or a deep blue dark tone that creates an intense appearance around your entire cabinet surface.

Pros

• Blues mixes in perfectly with a variety of lighter surfaces in your spot.
• This is perfect for use in areas where there are bright windows. Blue mixes in perfectly with your windows to add a striking look.

Cons

• This does not fit in well at all with black surroundings. You would need lighter walls, floors, and appliances to make a blue cabinet fit in well.

11. Green

Green is attractive for being a color that adds an immediate sense of liveliness to any kitchen. It adds a lighter look that is intense and positive in its look. It is one of the more intriguing choices to take a look at when finding a brighter option for use in a kitchen setting.

Pros

• It goes well with many lighter surfaces.
• You can choose to add a traditional green tone or you can use a lighter lime green style to really make it stand out.

Cons

• This might be a little too garish for some people depending on how intense the color might be.
• Scratches can be easy to spot on such a finish.

12. Yellow

Yellow is a choice to look into if you’re aiming to find a kitchen cabinet color that looks attractive and isn’t too garish. Yellow has a vibrant look that immediately adds a sense of attention to any room.

Pros

• It is useful for a number of light spaces. It blends in amazingly well with white.
• This adds a larger look to even the smallest kitchen.
• This looks great when you have windows in a kitchen where the light isn’t going to shine directly onto your cabinets but rather adds enough surrounding light along them.

Cons

• Any light that shines directly onto a yellow cabinet might make it harder for the cabinet to really stand out. The yellow color will not be as visible when this happens.

13. Red

As a basic color red stands out quite well to give you a good design on any cabinet. Red has a vibrant look that calls for your attention.

Pros

• It fits in well with a white wall and floor surface.
• Red can be tinted into one of many shades. You can choose a darker burgundy color to add a luxurious look or you can choose a lighter fire truck red hue to add a bright spot to make a spot look larger.

Cons

• Although red can mix in well with a black surface, it works better when you have enough white materials around a kitchen to make it work.

14. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is often used on many kitchen cabinets to establish a more professional look. It is designed particularly with commercial kitchens in mind but it can be used in your home. It especially offers a silver-like look that adds a good shine.

Pros

• The vibrant silver tone fits in perfectly with both light and dark colors alike.
• This can be paired with a number of other lighter features including some silver-colored handled or knobs on the doors.

Cons

• This needs to be sealed on occasion.
• Stains should be cleaned off as soon as possible as they can stick if not treated well.

15. Orange

Orange is a popular color for how it offers a striking look that adds a great level of intensity to any kitchen. This is often used in retro-inspired kitchens but it can also be used in some more modern designs.

Pros

• Orange is ideal for single-wall cabinet bodies.
• This can be used on wood and metal cabinets alike.
• Most common types of handles can fit in well on such a surface.

Cons

• Orange might not be right for larger kitchens as the color might be a little too overwhelming to some.

16. Turquoise

Turquoise combines green and blue to create a sea-like tone. One look at this color will immediately remind you of the beauty of the ocean.

Pros

• Turquoise is a nice style that offers a comfortable look.
• The exotic design of turquoise creates a bright look in any room.

Cons

• This does not go well with darker surfaces in your home.

17. Purple

Purple is the last option to choose for your kitchen cabinet finish. A purple appearance will offer a dark look that still fits in with many light surfaces. It is especially made with a modern approach in mind.

Pros

• Purple offers a dark hue without being too intense to where it cannot fit in with most other surfaces.

Cons

• This often requires added coats of paint after a while.
• Scratches are easy to spot on a typical purple finish.

Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	47.8
Medium wood	15.2
Dark wood	12.2
Light wood	6.7
Gray	6.6
Beige	3
Black	1.6
Distressed	1.5
Brown	1.3
Other	4.1

Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Flat Panel	27.5
Shaker	26.8
Raised Panel	20.3
Recessed Panel	16.8
Beaded Inset	5.3
Glass Front	2.3
Open	0.5
Louvered	0.5

Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Designs and Finishes By Style

Contemporary

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Flat Panel	60
Shaker	25
Recessed Panel	8.8
Glass Front	2.8
Beaded Inset	2.5
Open	0.8
Louvered	0.1

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	43.8
Dark wood	13.8
Medium wood	13.3
Gray	9.2
Light wood	9
Black	3.1
Beige	3
Brown	1.8
Other	3

Eclectic

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Shaker	28
Flat panel	27
Raised panel	16
Recessed panel	18
Beaded inset	5
Glass front	3
Open	2
Louvered	1

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	39
Medium wood	13
Gray	9.5
Dark wood	9
Light wood	8.6
Blue	4.7
Black	3.2
Green	3.2
Other	9.8

Modern

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Flat panel	64.7
Shaker	15.6
Recessed panel	7.2
Raised panel	4.5
Glass front	2.7
Beaded inset	2.5
Open	1.9
Louvered	0.9

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	45.2
Dark wood	13.6
Medium wood	11.7
Gray	9.4
Light wood	9.2
Black	3.7
Beige	2.5
Brown	2
Other	2.7

Traditional

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Raised panel	41.2
Shaker	21.6
Recessed panel	20.2
Beaded inset	8.1
Flat panel	6.2
Glass front	2.4
Open	0.2
Louvered	0.1

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	48.3
Medium wood	18
Dark wood	12.9
Light wood	5.1
Beige	4.5
Gray	3.3
Distressed	2.2
Brown	1.4
Other	4.3

Asian

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Flat panel	64.1
Shaker	14.4
Recessed panel	9.9
Beaded inset	5.2
Raised panel	2.7
Glass front	2.5
Open	0.9
Louvered	0.3

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
Medium wood	38.4
Light wood	19.2
Dark wood	16.6
White	15
Beige	4.7
Other	6.1

Beach Style

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Shaker	37.6
Recessed panel	24.7
Flat panel	12.9
Raised panel	9.6
Beaded inset	9
Glass front	3
Louvered	2
Open	1.2

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	73
Gray	6
Light wood	4.4
Blue	4
Medium wood	3.7
Dark wood	2.6
Beige	2.5
Distressed	1.7
Other	2.1

Craftsman

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Shaker	50.2
Recessed panel	18.3
Raised panel	14.2
Flat panel	9.1
Beaded inset	4.5
Glass front	1.7
Louvered	1.4
Open	0.6

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	35.2
Medium wood	30
Dark wood	10.5
Light wood	8.4
Gray	3.1
Other	12.8

Farmhouse

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Shaker	41.2
Recessed panel	24.8
Raised panel	14
Beaded inset	8.1
Flat panel	7.5
Glass front	2.3
Open	1.7
Louvered	0.4

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	60
Medium wood	10
Gray	9.5
Light wood	5
Distressed	4.9
Beige	4.8
Blue	3.5
Other	2.3

Industrial

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Flat panel	55.8
Shaker	20.5
Recessed panel	8.8
Open	6.4
Glass front	4.5
Beaded inset	2
Louvered	1.5

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	30.5
Gray	13.8
Dark wood	11.1
Medium wood	11
Black	9.8
Light wood	9.5
Stainless steel	5.1
Other	9.2

Mediterranean

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Raised panel	51.5
Recessed panel	18.1
Shaker	10.6
Flat panel	7.5
Beaded inset	7.2
Glass front	3.4
Open	1
Louvered	0.7

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	24.2
Medium wood	22.8
Dark wood	21.4
Beige	7.1
Distressed	7
Light wood	6.5
Brown	2.8
Other	8.2

Midcentury

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Flat panel	68
Shaker	16
Recessed panel	6
Raised panel	3
Glass front	2
Beaded inset	2
Open	2
Louvered	1

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	36
Medium wood	24
Light wood	12
Dark wood	12
Gray	10
Blue	2.5
Black	2
Other	1.5

Rustic

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Raised panel	36
Shaker	24
Recessed panel	12
Flat panel	12
Beaded inset	10
Glass front	2.5
Open	2
Louvered	1.5

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
Medium wood	31.6
White	16.9
Dark wood	14.7
Light wood	11.7
Distressed	11
Gray	3.6
Beige	2.9
Green	2.2
Brown	2.2
Other	3.2

Scandinavian

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Flat panel	70.3
Shaker	11.1
Recessed panel	4.8
Beaded inset	4
Raised panel	4
Open	3
Glass front	1.5
Louvered	1.3

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	60
Light wood	10
Gray	6.6
Medium wood	6.5
Black	6
Beige	2.5
Dark wood	2.5
Other	5.9

Shabby-Chic Style

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Raised panel	30.3
Shaker	26.6
Recessed panel	19.1
Flat panel	9.1
Beaded inset	6.6
Glass front	5.5
Open	2
Louvered	0.8

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	61.5
Distressed	11.5
Gray	6.1
Medium wood	5
Dark wood	4.8
Beige	4
Other	7.1

Southwestern

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Raised panel	33.6
Shaker	18.1
Flat panel	16.3
Recessed panel	16.3
Beaded inset	12.4
Glass front	2.3
Open	0.9
Louvered	0.1

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
Medium wood	41.5
Dark wood	20
Light wood	15.5
White	13
Distressed	4.5
Brown	4.3
Other	1.2

Transitional

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Shaker	40.9
Recessed panel	22.8
Raised panel	16.5
Flat panel	12
Beaded inset	4.8
Glass front	1.9
Open	1
Louvered	0.1

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	59.8
Dark wood	11
Medium wood	11
Gray	8.2
Light wood	4.1
Beige	2.7
Blue	1.2
Other	2

Tropical

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Shaker	30
Flat panel	24.7
Recessed panel	17.4
Raised panel	14
Beaded inset	6.8
Glass front	3.6
Louvered	3
Open	0.5

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	59.8
Medium wood	11
Dark wood	11
Light wood	8.2
Beige	4.1
Green	2.7
Other	1.2

Victorian

Most Popular Cabinet Designs

Design	Percentage
Raised panel	27.6
Recessed panel	20.8
Shaker	20
Beaded inset	13
Flat panel	9.5
Glass front	5
Open	3
Louvered	1.1

Most Popular Cabinet Finishes

Finish	Percentage
White	59.8
Dark wood	11
Beige	11
Medium wood	8.2
Distressed	4.1
Gray	2.7
Other	1.2

FAQ

Are kitchen cabinets a standard size?

Yes, kitchen cabinets are generally a standard size unless custom ordered. The standard size for a base is 34.5 inches in height, 12 to 24 inches deep, and from 9 to 36 inches wide. Wall cabinets are available in 30, 36, or 42 inches in height and are generally 12 inches deep, but can be as much as 24 inches deep.

Are kitchen cabinets glued together?

Many kitchen cabinets that are manufactured in factories and come ready-to-install are assembled using a combination of methods. This includes hot and cold glue, dovetail joints, power fasteners, and mortise-and-tenon. Depending on whether the cabinets are being delivered already assembled or ready to assemble, glue can be used as well as finishing nails. It is a preferred method by many cabinet makers, because once the glue is set, it is nearly impossible to get the cabinets apart.

Are kitchen cabinets painted on the inside?

Unless kitchen cabinets are going to have glass doors or no doors, most are not painted on the inside. In this instance, many people choose cabinets that are stained inside. On the other hand, many people prefer the insides of their kitchen cabinets to be painted even if they are not going to be seen all the time. Painting them does create a professional finish. They should be painted before the sides and trim are done to help eliminate any runs or mistakes that will need to be corrected.

Can kitchen cabinets be repainted?

Kitchen cabinets can be repainted. If your cabinets are wood, this makes the process much easier. Other types of materials, such as metal and wood laminate, are not difficult to repaint either. Plastic laminate is a little more difficult, and a particular type of paint may be required. You may want to test a small area with the paint you have chosen to make sure it is going to stick to the cabinets. If your cabinets are flat, this is easier.

The type with detailing will need to be prepped beforehand, and you will need to take your time repainting. There are several options that can be used for repainting depending on the paint you choose. Spraying is one, and brushing or rolling is another. If you choose brushing, use a foam brush or the type that has synthetic or natural bristles.

Can kitchen cabinets be re-stained?

Re-staining kitchen cabinets is possible. All the hardware must be removed, and the cabinets taken down, since they will need the old stain stripped from them. It might be necessary to use steel wool on them to ensure the cabinets are totally clear of the old stain.

Mineral spirits are also good for helping to remove any stripper that is left on the wood and wipe them clean to get them ready for the new stain. Doing so will ensure that the stain adheres to the cabinets and there are no streaks or drips that would ruin the look.

Can kitchen cabinets be refinished?

When refinishing cabinets they keep all the same components as they had previously. Refinishing them either changes the color or the stain after sanding the old finish from the cabinets. The main thing to remember if you want to refinish your cabinets is it is important to sand off all the old stain or paint.

This makes a difference when the new finish is applied. If the surfaces are not properly prepared, you will have bubbles and drips in the new finish. This will require you to sand them again to get a professional and clean look.

Can kitchen cabinets be repaired?

If your kitchen cabinets have nicks or chips in them, don’t worry they can be repaired. Plastic wood filler is available in a variety of colors, so you should be able to find one to match your cabinets. Other repairs might include adjusting the hinges and realigning runners to keep drawers opening and closing smoothly.

Sometimes the bottoms of drawers get weak and need to be reinforced. This can be fixed by cutting a 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch piece of plywood to fit under the drawer bottom. It can be glued in place to give the drawer additional strength.

Can kitchen cabinets be removed and reused?

Kitchen cabinets can be removed and put to use elsewhere in the home. Removing the doors first can be helpful to keep from injuring your fingers while handling the cabinets. The cabinets can be used in a variety of other places, such as laundry rooms, playrooms, garages, workshops, and even as a console that doubles as a storage area in hallways or other rooms of the home.

Many people have adapted them to be used as a desk for a built-in office in a corner or other area of their home. They can also be used bathrooms for storing necessities, such as towels and wash cloths.

Are kitchen cabinets solid wood?

All kitchen cabinets are not made of solid wood although a few manufacturers do provide kitchen cabinets made of totally wood. Unless you are specifically looking for solid wood, you will find most kitchen cabinets use plywood in the construction as well as supports made of other materials to help reduce the manufacturing expense.

Moisture in the air can cause wood cabinets to warp. If you are considering solid wood for your kitchen cabinets, all sides of the wood should be finished either before leaving the factory or on-site as soon as possible.

How long do kitchen cabinets last?

Cabinets are actually one of the elements of your kitchen that will outlast almost everything else, depending on what type are installed. If you purchase high quality wood cabinets, many will last 50 years or more. It is important to repair any damage that you see to ensure the cabinets will last longer. Pay particular attention to the cabinets around and under the sink for water damage that could result in the need to replace them. It is not unusual for good cabinets to last a lifetime when properly maintained.

What types of materials are kitchen cabinets made of?

Kitchen cabinets are usually made from hardwoods. In order to reduce costs, manufacturers generally apply these hardwoods as veneers over plywood. If the cabinets are made totally from wood, different types, such as pine, birch, maple, cherry, or hickory, are used.

Other options for cabinet material are laminate, stainless steel, acrylic, Thermofoil, and melamine. Therofoil is often chosen by people who want the hardwood look for their cabinets without the high cost. Another advantage of this material is the ease of maintenance, and it more resistant to chipping.

Can kitchen cabinets be recycled?

Kitchen cabinets made of wood can be recycled in several ways. You can donate them to charities, such as Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity. Some charities will even come and take the cabinets apart. There are some places that will take them to burn for fuel, or they can be chipped up to use for mulch or compost.

However, most cabinets have been stained or painted and if so, they cannot be used for this purpose. The process would release chemicals from the stain or paint into the air. There are also some organizations that turn your old kitchen cabinets into other types of furniture such as benches or storage bins.

Can used kitchen cabinets be sold?

Many people looking to remodel their kitchens shop for used cabinets rather than buying them new. Since this is a large part of the expense of refurbishing a kitchen, this can be an option. Many organizations, such as charities, take them to sell to help fund the costs of their work.

When you purchase used kitchen cabinets it is possible to get high-quality name brands, like Kraftmaid or StyleCraft, that you may not otherwise be able to afford. Another advantage to buying used cabinets is that the seller may include the accessories – countertops, sinks, or other things – that would have to be purchased as well.

Can kitchen cabinets be used in a bathroom?

Using kitchen cabinets in bathrooms is an option. However the type with drawers cannot be used under the sink, since this space is needed for the plumbing. When using kitchen cabinets in the bathroom the wood must be sealed, because bathrooms contain more moisture, and this can damage them.

The height and depth of the cabinets may have to be adjusted as well. Kitchen cabinets are taller and deeper than standard bathroom cabinets. The cabinets might need to be taken apart and made to fit depending on their intended purpose.

Can kitchen cabinets go up to the ceiling?

Whether kitchen cabinets go to the ceiling or not will depend on the height of the ceilings in your kitchen. If the ceilings are eight feet tall, cabinets may either go all the way to the ceiling including the crown molding or they can be installed just below the ceiling along with the crown molding or other trim. If the ceilings are higher – nine or ten feet – installing the cabinets all the way to the ceiling is possible.

Generally people stack them by putting a taller cabinet with a smaller one on top. If you do not want the cabinets all the way to the ceiling, we can use this area for decorating. When ceilings are higher than ten feet, most people do not want the cabinets up to the ceiling, since they would not be easy to access.

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