How Much Are Kitchen Cabinets Worth?
Kitchen cabinets are an integral component of a home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal, but they also represent a considerable financial commitment.
Cabinets come in an array of styles, materials and finishes. Furthermore, their installation costs can differ considerably.
Materials
Kitchen cabinet materials play a significant role in creating the aesthetic and functionality of your space. To get the most value for your money, it’s essential to select materials that complement both your design style, budget, and needs.
Wood is the most commonly used material for kitchen cabinetry, offering a vast array of grain patterns and colors. Not only is it durable and resistant to damage, but its long-term reliability also makes it an attractive option.
Plywood is another option for kitchen cabinets. It consists of thin, layered boards glued together and costs less than MDF yet boasts superior strength.
Additionally, this flooring is rot-proof and anticorrosive – making it a great choice for high-traffic areas of your home.
Easy to maintain and with a smooth finish that resists scratches, dents and water marks, this item comes in an array of colours that can be stained, painted or brushed to match other decor pieces.
Finishes
When selecting kitchen cabinet finishes, there are numerous options to choose from – each offering its own advantages and drawbacks. A great cabinet finish should be durable, easy to keep clean, and visually pleasing.
Stain: For those who prefer the natural wood look, stain is your go-to for kitchen cabinets. Not only does it bring out the grain and texture of the wood, but it also enhances its color.
Glaze: Either a flooded glaze, applied to the entire cabinet door, or penned glaze applied only to highlighted areas give your cabinets an individual and personalized appearance.
Paint: Repainting your kitchen cabinets is an economical way to freshen up the look. You have a wide range of colors to choose from, allowing you to express your individual style while matching other elements in the room.
However, painted cabinets can easily chip and show signs of wear due to constant contact between doors, drawers and shelves. Fortunately, paint can be easily covered up with a clear coat for a fresh new look.
Hardware
Cabinets are essential elements in the kitchen, holding all sorts of items like pots and pans, utensils, and food. Because they get a lot of use, selecting durable hardware that complements your design is paramount.
Many homeowners opt for preassembled cabinets to save money and meet their design preferences. On average, these cabinets cost between $100-$300 per linear foot and are ideal for kitchens with limited space.
However, there are ways to save on kitchen cabinets without sacrificing quality and style. For instance, try a framed cabinet system which leaves the rails and stiles visible with a flat front frame to install your door on.
A more unique design option is a frameless cabinet system. These cabinets don’t have a front frame to install the door on, making them more expensive than their framed counterparts; however, these add value to your home and are easier to keep clean.
Installation
Installing kitchen cabinets requires precise measurements. This includes measuring every section of the wall, including windows, doors and arches.
Step #1 Begin by placing a 2 x 4 on edge against the wall where you plan to install base cabinets, and setting a 4-foot level on it. Check for dips or angles in the installation area that might need shims for plumbness.
Measure each wall corner for squareness and record those numbers on your drawing. You will need these measurements when creating your layout.
Once all studs are located, use a hammer and 12 or 16 penny nail to hit them each in the head. If there are multiple nails sticking out from one corner to the next, move two inches left or right and try again until all studs are located. Finally, drill screws through the back of the cabinet into these same wall studs, locking them securely into place to prevent shifting.