Cabinetry should be both beautiful and functional. Choose a manufacture and design company that will make the design suit your life style. You can use any manufacture but it will not help you or your design unless the designer or company has experience doing so. It needs to make your space more convenient, productive and comfortable.

Considering the specific people that are using the space and who circulates in the space with them. When choosing cabinetry for your kitchen or bathroom you should also consider the available cabinet types and varying quality of construction. Ask what the actual box is made out of and what the thickness is. Also, what is the door made from. Is it MDF or real wood?

Each manufacture offers different types and qualities but, one thing in common is the four basic types of cabinets:

• Base. Standard base cabinets are 24 inches deep and 36 inches tall. Depth may be increased up to 27 inches on some semi-custom and custom applications. For ease of use, base cabinetry rests atop a four-inch recessed riser called a toe kick.
• Wall. Upper cabinetry is generally 12 inches deep but can be increased to 18 inches on some semi-custom and custom applications.
  Tall. Tall cabinets are typically 84-96” inches in height, serving as pantry space and broom storage.
• Specialty Units. Specialty units maximize square footage and organization efforts. They include corner cabinets, sink/cooktop fronts, suspended units, hutches, bottle racks and appliance garages or roll outs. An 18-inch backsplash creates usable workspace between countertops and the bottom edge of upper cabinets. The minimum height to the bottom of a hood by code should be 30”.

Drawers are something important to also consider. Stronger drawer glide technology has resulted in bigger drawers that can handle heavier items, up to about 100 pounds!

Drawers now store everything from utensils, cutlery and spices to bulkier items like pots, pans, dishware and chopping blocks. “It is not uncommon for there to be a large set of three-foot drawers near a stove for pots and pans these days,” says Alyssa Martin, an Interior Design Specialist based in Nokesville, VA.

Drawers may be kept simple without partitions or divided for easy organization. Drawer fronts typically are the style as the door front but can be a flush slab for a more custom look or ease of cleaning. Full overlay or inset doors are also considerations that upgrade a look. But, so many endless options are now available to suit your needs.

“One design trend we’ve leaned towards with cabinetry design is different color islands. People love mixing and matching stains and colors so they are not stuck with a bold color forever.” says Alyssa.

Solid hardwood has traditionally been the choice material for drawer box fronts and sides. Up until the last vicennial or so wood was harvested at a much older age and resulted in a more stable material. Solid wood joinery includes dovetail, finger, tongue-and-groove, dowel, biscuit and dado joints. “Dovetail construction is the best way to make a drawer. The construction won’t give up over time,” says Alyssa.

Today strong drawers can be commonly made from plywood, particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with joinery often doweled and glued together. Make sure the bottom of the drawers as well are a minimum of a 3/8” thickness as so they do not give out.

Budget Considerations

• Where to Splurge. Well-constructed drawers and solid wood doors and drawers are the indication of a high-quality cabinet. This helps determine the overall value of the cabinets. In the long run you will not have the drawer boxes fall apart or the doors swing off the hinges.
• Where to Save. Keeping the custom units to a minimum or making sure that each unit is a standard size or configuration. Also trying to make sure the installation isn’t too complicated so it doesn’t add too much extra labor. Go with a minimum ½” plywood box and an MDF door will help save as well. But, it is well worth getting a thicker plywood box and solid wood doors so they last for more than 15 years!

Ultimately, makes sure you are comfortable with your designer and or contractor. Making sure they are reflecting your personal style and suiting all your needs in your space. There are so many considerations like comfortable clearances, codes, and layouts. Make sure you consult a professional for the best result as it is going to be a big investment in your home.