6 Things to Know Before Buying Kitchen Cabinets

The bulk of a kitchen’s essentials—pots and pans, dishware and utensils, canned and dry goods—is stored in its cabinets. And with so much space devoted to cabinets (25 to 30 feet in the typical kitchen), they go a long way in determining房间的外观和感觉. A number of variables factor into choosing cabinets for a kitchen renovation, including construction method, size, and material—and prices can be all over the map. So whatever your budget, read on for must-know info that will help you ensure that you’re buying kitchen cabinets that fit your stuff and suit your style.

1. There are three options of kitchen cabinets based on how they’re manufactured and sold.

厨柜有三种建筑提供：库存，半定制和定制。

• 库存柜子are mass-produced and sold at many home improvement centers. They are often pre-assembled and ready for installation, though some may require some assembly. Stock cabinets are the least expensive option, running between $100 and $300 per linear foot, but these cabinets may only be available in limited runs of colors, material options, and styles. Delivery usually takes a few weeks.
• Custom cabinets构建你的精确尺寸和样式specificati吗ons in the material, color, and finish of your choice. They often include one-of-a-kind features such as an appliance garage or a coffee station, may boast furniture-style touches such as bun feet and leaded-glass doors, and can be built floor to ceiling, perhaps adorned with crown molding at the top. The craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into custom cabinetry generally mean a longer production time and a high-end price, with costs ranging from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot.
• 半定制柜是储存柜，具有各种额外细节，可帮助您个性化风格和存储功能。例如，您可以更改抽屉的尺寸，或者在门前使用不同的表面。半自定义柜，每线性脚50美元至650美元，通常需要四到八周供货。

2. Don’t hesitate to get help in selecting cabinet sizes.

在你参加有趣的部分之前choosing the look of your cabinets，您可以考虑持有炊具，小工具，储藏室钉书钉等所需的大小。请问自己缺乏当前橱柜的高度，宽度和深度，以及您需要更多（或更少）的储藏室。

Then consider the basic sizes of stock cabinets currently available, according toBuilders Surplus，厨房和浴室柜的零售商：

• 大多数库存柜的宽度范围为12至36英寸。
• Wall cabinets can range in height from 12 to 42 inches.
• Standard wall cabinets are usually 24 inches deep.
• Tall cabinets come in 84, 90, and 96 inches tall.
• 底座柜可以在32到38英寸之间，包括台面。
• 底座柜的宽度可从9到46英寸变化。

Keep in mind that some manufacturers might offer other height and width options. And of course, custom cabinetry builds can accommodate any space.

如果与建筑师或设计师一起使用，他或她将帮助您在机柜尺寸需要句柄。但是，如果您的厨房Remodel是DIY项目，则无需完全独自才能独自一人。许多家庭改善中心提供设计服务，以帮助您确定您的空间和预算的正确配置。计算机化设计服务甚至可以根据您的测量绘制厨房，显示各种配置，并最终获得可打印的图纸和供应列表，以便于购物。

RELATED:6种橱柜需要考虑在您的厨房里诺

3. Cabinet styles are either framed or frameless.

您将看到“框架”的术语和“无框架”描述内阁构建。

• Framed cabinetsare those with a box (i.e., your cabinet) and face frame (i.e., the structure attached to the front of the box that offers reinforcement needed for doors and drawers to attach). With a face frame for reinforcement, the box can be a bit thinner and potentially fit into tighter spaces.
• Frameless cabinets通常具有较厚的橱柜盒，门和抽屉直接连接。(For sturdiest options, look for cabinet boxes that are at least half-inch thick or made from a sturdier material, such as plywood instead of particleboard.) Without a face frame that extends slightly past the storage area, it’s easier to access the full interior. A common European style, frameless cabinets often look more contemporary and at home in modern kitchens.

4.尽可能紧密地评估橱柜的模型，以发现优质柜的迹象。

问自己这些问题，以评估机柜，抽屉，门和货架的质量。

Drawers:

• Are they solid wood?
• Do they slide smoothly on ball-bearing extensions?
• 是否有燕尾榫关节牢牢握住抽屉？
• Is the bottom of the drawer sturdy wood slid into grooves, rather than stapled or glued?

盒子和门：

• 它有实木面板吗？（胶合板面板可能不会随着时间的推移而不是持平，特别是在较重的厨房台面的重量，如大理石。）
• If a frameless cabinet, is the box that the door connects to at least a half-inch thick?
• 橱柜门很容易打开吗？
• 门摇摆是否足够宽，没有被门边缘捕获？
• 铰链可调吗？

Shelves:

• Are these at least three-quarter-inch plywood? (Anything less than that, or anything made of particleboard, can begin to sag under the weight of dishes or kitchen items.)

如果您对此清单上的大多数或所有问题都回答是的，您可以看出更高质量的建筑。Chances are that the price reflects this to some extent, too, but it’s smart to run down this checklist on more budget-friendly options as well so that you can see where it may fall short (and whether that’s something that will disappoint you down the road).

5. Set a realistic budget.

Before buying kitchen cabinets that look the best and pass a quality test with flying colors, consider your intentions for the home. If the house will soon go on the market or become a rental, you might skimp because, historically, a kitchen remodel does not offer the best return on investment. However, when you’re creating a dream kitchen to enjoy for many years to come, you may wish to invest in mid- to high-end cabinets that suit every need.

接下来，衡量您的厨房以近似您将您投入到橱柜的空间数量。保持这个数字可以乘以每脚的上下机柜的每股价格乘以。基本储物柜每尺乘上约100美元，而优质橱柜甚至可以在附加服装成本之前每尺均可营业至每脚每尺或更多。根据您的选择，购买厨柜可能会占全新预算的高达40％。

RELATED:10 Total Kitchen Makeovers—and What They Cost

请记住，自定义如增加或减少机柜深度，安装专业特色like breadboards or wine racks, or even including oak-lined interiors, leaded-glass doors, pull-out trash cans, or roll-out shelves will all cost extra. These personal touches can add more than 20 percent to the cost of kitchen cabinets. However, there are ways to cut costs while still getting what you want; for instance, opting for semi-custom rather than custom cabinets, or limiting add-ons to a few must-haves that you know you will enjoy for years to come. If you’re weighing the cost-benefits in your forever home, consider that quality kitchen cabinets can last up to 50 years.

6.在家庭改善中心或内阁零售商开始购物。

当您准备用新内阁装备厨房时，开始在线购物的比较，了解谁携带什么。看看像这样的地方Cabinets.com,RTA厨柜在线, or橱柜去to get a good idea of what’s out there. Then head to a few stores to look at various cabinetry options in person. Home improvement centers or kitchen appliance stores may have stock cabinetry available to inspect, while kitchen cabinet showrooms and more specialized stores showcase examples of custom work. TheNational Kitchen & Bath Associationcan help you start shopping at stores nearby.