From kitchen cabinets that store our cooking essentials to bathroom vanities that organize personal items, these fixtures significantly impact our daily lives. This guide explores the world of cabinets, covering their basic anatomy, various styles, and how to select the perfect set for your space.
Cabinet Anatomy
Cabinets may seem like simple boxes, but they’re complex structures with several key components. Let’s go over the basics.
The Carcass: The Foundation of Every Cabinet
The carcass, or box, is the main body of the cabinet. It forms the structural foundation and determines the overall size and shape of the unit. Typically made from materials such as plywood or particleboard, the carcass includes the cabinet’s sides, top, bottom, and back. The carcass’s strength and durability are crucial for long-lasting cabinets that can withstand daily use.
Face Frames vs. European-Style Cabinets
Cabinets come in two types based on their front construction: face frame and frameless (aka European-style). Face frame cabinets have a frame attached to the front of the carcass, providing additional strength and a traditional look. European-style cabinets lack this frame, offering a more modern, sleek appearance and slightly more interior space.
Door and Drawer Styles
The doors and drawers are the most visible parts of cabinets and greatly influence their overall style. Cabinet doors come in various designs, from flat panels to more ornate raised panels or glass-front options. Drawer fronts can match the door style or provide a contrasting element, which affects the cabinet’s final look and function.
Materials Used in Cabinet Construction
The materials used for your cabinets impact durability, appearance, and cost. Below are the most common cabinet materials.
Wood
Wood is a popular cabinet material due to its natural beauty and versatility. Plywood is often used for cabinet carcasses because it’s strong and resists warping. Its smooth veneer makes an excellent substrate for paint or clear finishes. Solid hardwoods such as oak, maple, or cherry are frequently used for door and drawer fronts, offering durability and a high-end look.
Engineered Materials
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard are engineered wood products commonly used to make cabinets, especially for more budget-friendly options. These materials use wood fibers or particles bonded together with resin. While they can be less durable than solid wood or plywood over time, they have a smooth surface ideal for painting and are an affordable choice for certain applications.
Metal Cabinets
Metal cabinets have a sleek, contemporary look particularly well-suited to modern or industrial-style kitchens. Often made from enameled steel or aluminum, they’re highly durable and easy to clean.
Cabinet Finishes
The finish of your cabinets affects their appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements. Below are some popular finish options.
Paint
Painted cabinets offer endless color possibilities, letting you create a custom look that matches your home’s style. You can paint various cabinet materials, including wood, MDF, and metal. A high-quality paint finish should be durable and easy to clean.
Stains and Varnishes
Stains enhance the wood’s natural grain and color, while varnishes provide a protective clear coat. These finishes range from light and natural to rich and dark, allowing you to achieve your desired look while showcasing the wood’s inherent beauty.
Laminate and Thermofoil
Laminate and thermofoil finishes are durable and easy to maintain, plus they’re cheaper than other options. You apply these finishes to a substrate material, typically MDF or particleboard, and they can mimic the look of wood or provide solid color options. They don’t have the same high-end appeal as wood or painted finishes, but they can be an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners or areas that require high durability.
Types of Cabinets
When shopping for cabinets, you’ll encounter three main categories: stock, semi-custom, and custom. Each offers different levels of customization, quality, and price points.
Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets are premade in standard sizes and styles, offering the most affordable and quickest option for cabinet installation. These cabinets are readily available and typically cost about $80–$250 per linear foot.* While they offer limited configurations and finishes, stock cabinets can be a good choice for those on a tight budget or timeline.
*All cost information in this article is based on 2024 reports from Angi and HGTV.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets offer more flexibility in sizes, styles, and finishes than stock options. Priced from $125–$650 per linear foot, they allow for some customization while remaining more affordable than fully custom options. Semi-custom cabinets often use higher-quality materials and construction methods than stock cabinets, providing a good balance of quality and value.
Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets are the best option for those seeking the perfect fit and finish. Manufacturers build custom cabinets to your specifications at around $500–$1,200 per linear foot. Local cabinetmakers often make these cabinets and offer the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. While they come with a higher price tag and longer lead times, custom cabinets allow you to create unique storage solutions tailored to your space and style preferences.
DIY vs. Professional Cabinet Installation
Installing cabinets can be a rewarding DIY project, but there are some cases where you should leave it to the professionals.
Tools and Skills Needed for DIY Installation
You need the right tools and skills for a DIY cabinet installation. Basic tools needed include the following:
- Carpenter’s level
- Cordless drill/screwdriver
- Flat bar
- Measuring tape
- Phillips screwdriver
- Shims
You’ll need to be comfortable with tasks such as locating wall studs, ensuring cabinets are level and plumb, and securing cabinets to the wall. While installing a single cabinet is relatively straightforward, larger projects become more complex as you deal with uneven floors, walls, and multiple cabinet configurations.
When To Call the Professionals
We recommend hiring professional installers for larger or more complex projects, or if you’re not comfortable with any aspect of completing the installation yourself. Pros have the experience and specialized tools to handle challenges such as uneven surfaces, complex layouts, and integrating appliances. They can ensure your cabinets are installed correctly, with proper alignment and secure wall attachment.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Cabinets
Proper maintenance can extend the life of your cabinets and keep them looking great. Here are some tips for caring for your cabinets and addressing common issues.
Daily Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish. A mild soap solution is useful for tougher stains. Be sure to dry cabinets thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water damage. Periodically check and tighten hardware to keep doors and drawers functioning smoothly.
Addressing Common Cabinet Issues
Over time, you may encounter common issues such as loose hinges, misaligned doors, or stuck drawers. You can fix many of these problems easily with simple adjustments. Most modern hinges and drawer slides can be adjusted using a Phillips screwdriver. Adjusting the hinges may help warped doors close properly. If shelves are bowing, consider replacing them or adding support.
Upgrading Existing Cabinets
If your cabinets are structurally sound but look dated, there are several ways to give them a fresh look without a full replacement. These upgrades can be cost-effective ways to transform your space.
Refacing
Cabinet refacing involves applying new veneer to the exterior of your existing cabinets and replacing the doors and drawer fronts. This can dramatically change the look of your cabinets at a fraction of the cost of full replacement. Refacing is ideal for cabinets in good structural condition but needing a style update.
Painting
Painting cabinets is a time-intensive process that requires proper preparation and technique, but it can be a rewarding DIY project for many homeowners. For a professional-looking finish, consider using a sprayed two-part lacquer, which provides a durable, smooth surface in any color you choose.
Updating Hardware
One of the simplest and most affordable ways to update your cabinets is by changing the hardware. New knobs, pulls, and hinges can dramatically alter the look of your cabinets. With thousands of styles available, you can easily find options that complement your decor and give your cabinets a fresh, updated appearance.
Choosing the Right Cabinets for Your Home
Here are some tips for selecting the best cabinets for your home:
- Assess your storage needs: Start by evaluating what you need to store and how you use your space. Consider factors such as the size of your cookware, the number of people in your household, and any specific storage requirements you may have.
- Budget your project: Factor in the cost of the cabinets, installation, hardware, and any additional features or accessories you want. Consider stock or semi-custom cabinets if you have budget constraints.
- Match cabinets to your home’s style: Whether your style is traditional, modern, transitional, or eclectic, there are cabinet options to match. Consider factors such as door style, finish, and hardware to ensure your cabinets enhance your home’s look.
Cabinets for Different Rooms
Cabinets provide useful storage space for multiple rooms in your home. Here are some tips for selecting cabinets for different spaces:
- Bathroom vanities and medicine cabinets: Bathroom vanities store toiletries and linens while housing the sink, and medicine cabinets offer convenient, space-saving storage for smaller items. When selecting bathroom cabinets, consider moisture-resistant materials and finishes to provide longevity in this humid environment.
- Kitchen cabinets: Kitchen cabinets store everything from dishes and cookware to food and small appliances. Consider incorporating features such as farmhouse sinks and specialized storage solutions to maximize functionality. The style of your kitchen cabinets sets the room’s tone, so choose a design that complements your home’s overall aesthetic.
- Laundry room and garage storage solutions: Laundry rooms and garages benefit from durable, functional cabinets. In laundry rooms, cabinets can store detergents, cleaning supplies, and linens. Garage cabinets are ideal for organizing tools, automotive supplies, and seasonal items. For these utility spaces, focus on sturdy construction and practical storage solutions rather than decorative elements.
