Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets are the key ingredient in any kitchen. They will influence the look and feel of the heart of your home more than anything else because it's not only the most visible part of the kitchen, but the "Meeting Place" of every home. Picking the right cabinetry is essential in creating your kitchen's personality. Here's a little Cabinetry 101 to help you get started choosing the right products for your cabinet design.

Stock, Semi-Custom and Custom Cabinets
When you think stock, semi-custom and custom, don't think of these choices in terms of the level of quality, because fine cabinetry is available with all three - as is poor quality. These terms simply designate the type of production method used to make the cabinet. Simply put, stock cabinets are mass-produced, semi-custom are stock cabinets that can be slightly altered and custom cabinets are built to order to meet individual needs and specifications. All three varieties are available in framed (a box with a frame surrounding the front edge) and frameless (a box with no face frame) construction. The cost of having your kitchen cabinets can start around $7,000 to $9,000 for stock and $14,000 to $18,000 for custom. With the amount of styles, materials, brand names, accessories and hardware out there, the price can quickly escalate.

Stock Cabinets
These are the plentiful cabinets, because they're produced in large quantities on a mass production scale. Cabinet manufacturers, dealers and home improvement centers stock pile large quantities of cabinet parts so cabinets can be assembled quickly. Not wanting to miss out on a piece of the pie, stock cabinet manufacturers have greatly improved and expanded its product line to include a nice bounty of sizes, shapes, styles, wood species and finishes. The drawback to using stock cabinets is that you can't make any modifications, so what you see is what you get. You may also find you come up a little short in width and height (filler strips are used to fill the gaps). Stock cabinets still remain the most popular choice because they're affordable and readily available.

Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets are a stock line of cabinets where simple modifications will be made at the time of production. Semi-custom also offers you more choices when it comes to style, construction materials and colors. You can be a little more creative when going semi-custom by choosing some unique built-ins like pullout bins, lazy susans, matching interiors and inverted frames. Be sure to ask the manufacturer if this option is available. Be thorough with semi-custom because changes can be very expensive and increase delivery time (which is already a month or more) and they may not be returnable if they don't fit.

Custom Cabinets
Don't be fooled by the word custom or think that you will be able to draw a design and have it made to your specifications, because that is hard to find (and very, very costly). In the real world of manufactured cabinetry, custom can mean anything from slight modifications to elaborate add-ons. Most manufacturers start out with a basic product line offering cabinets in standard sizes and customize from there. The big difference between a semi-custom and a custom manufacturer is the number of changes they are willing to make to their product lines. Most manufacturers offer a large selection of finish options, trims and storage configurations and accessories. Be patient if you go custom because it can take 12 weeks or longer before your cabinets are delivered and in many cases payment in full is required when the order is placed.

Cabinet Doors

You should enter the cabinet selection process through the doors. Their style, color, and decoration will contribute most to your cabinets' overall look. Be sure that your countertops, flooring, and other design elements complement the cabinets you choose. The first thing you need to decide is the material you want to use and how you want to finish it off.

Wood
Wood doors remain the preferred entree, not just because they're so plentiful but because they're durable, beautiful and versatile. The top woods are oak, maple, cherry, hickory and pine. If you're having a hard time deciding what natural wood you prefer, ask yourself what kind of grain you like. If you prefer a hardwood with a tight grain and a strong pattern that darkens when exposed to light, you'll want to go with cherry. Maple is a light hardwood with a tight grain and less noticeable pattern, while oak is a light hardwood with an open grain and striped pattern. For a more open grain with a strong pattern and random knots you can go for pine - just remember it's a soft wood and shows dents and scratches easily. The odd wood out is hickory because it has very dramatic grain patterns and color variations.

Shaping The Door - Slab, Raised and Recessed Panels
When it comes to deciding the shape of your cabinet doors you can choose to go flat, raised or recessed in a pattern that can be plain and simple or intricately carved. Slab is a flat door style that gives the appearance of a solid piece of wood with no raised or recessed profile. They're usually made out of several pieces of solid stock lumber and joined with an adhesive. If you opt for laminate slab you'll get a door made of substrate material and then covered with laminate. The best way to understand the look of a recessed panel is to think of a picture frame with a flat panel. The frame can be attached to the panel by using a mitered joint, tenon and mortise joint (similar to tongue and groove) or cope and pattern joint. These panels are easy to decorate and popular when made with a groove. A raised panel is constructed in the same manner as a recessed panel except it's given an edge by cutting it dimensionally and then routing or shaping the desired edge profile, like square, Cathedral or arched.

Finishing it off
Thanks to hi-tech finishing techniques used by cabinet manufacturers, cleaning your cabinets is no longer a major household chore.

By using polyurethane finishes, particularly those that are heat catalyzed, your cabinets should only require a good dusting or wiping. Think longevity, when you choose your finish, because a clear finish will show the natural changes in wood over time, while staining the wood in its natural color will lock that shade in forever.

Behind The Doors

Know All Your Panels - Side, Back, Top and Bottom
Now that you've satisfied your taste - aesthetically speaking - it's time to get practical and learn about what's behind the doors. After all, a cabinet is just a box...and the quality of the cabinet lies in the construction of the box, not the door. As a rule, when it comes to cabinetry - you get what you pay for. High-end cabinets are usually always high quality and low cost cabinets are just that - poor quality. The majority of cabinet manufacturers offer several different levels of prices based on quality. Don't forget why you need cabinets in the first place - storage.

Your storage area is usually combined of a series of individual boxes, joined together side-by-side. Boxes that sit on the floor (base cabinets) are covered with a countertop, and may have all drawers, doors, shelves, pull-outs or a combination of these. Sink bases almost always have doors, but no shelves or drawers, leaving the interior space open for the sink and plumbing.

Boxes that hang on the wall, are called wall cabinets, and offer storage above countertops and appliances using shelves.

The panels (sides) that make up the box need to have enough strength and structural integrity to keep the box from falling apart. In the base cabinet, the side panels support the full weight of the cabinet on the floor in framed cabinets.

It may surprise you to learn that solid wood is rarely used for cabinet panels. This is because solid wood tends to warp over time when exposed to moisture. Engineered wood, particle board, furniture-grade flakeboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood are more stable than solid wood, and are used in the majority of cabinets. To help make the panels more water-resistant and durable they're usually treated with special chemicals. All of these material have an excellent reputation for durability and screw-holding power, especially plywood. So before you make you're final decision, be sure to look at the quality of its panels - all of them.

It may not sound like a big deal now, but when you start washing dishes or preparing a meal you'll want to know that your toekick board was installed properly. The toekick is a recessed area at the front of the cabinet near the floor that allows you to stand close to the counter. It also adds support to the cabinet floor and keeps unwanted critters out of your cabinets.

Drawers
Your drawers will likely be made of solid wood or MDF, have framed or flat slab fronts and be held together by dovetail, mortise-and tenon or butt joints. Thing big, when you think about your drawers, because that's usually the first place where storage space is never enough. A top drawer should be able to support at least 75 pounds.

Source thehousedesigners.com

Dishwashers

There are many dishwasher options available these days. Most are very quiet regardless of the sound package you choose compared to older dishwashers. They have many new stylish appearances on the outside as well as additional usage features internally. The rack systems have become better researched and allow more flexibility on dish arrangements. Some dishwashers now have a third rack available specifically for baking sheets that in the past required hand washing.

With new computerized electronics in all but the bottom basic dishwasher of all brands, the efficiency is greatly increased. Dishwashers are now able to sense the amount of water and heat needed to more efficiently reduce waste. They can now even sense the level of cleaning required for the dishes.

The exteriors have also come a long way to look very stylish even with the lower cost machines. The controls are, on many machines, now provided on basic dishwasher packages, placed on the top edge of the door for a much sleeker look and easier viewing, setting, and use. Most all dishwashers are now considered tall tubs. They no longer have a separate toe panel on the bottom and will now blend right in with the kitchen cupboards, although you can still purchase some machines with the toe panel if you desire one.

You may worry that this will be an issue come time that the dishwasher may require servicing, but the lightweight simple installation of them will not cause a problem down the road for servicing unless you have customized a kitchen floor after the dishwasher is installed that it is higher than the bottom of the dishwasher. (This is a flooring note that you should consider, before installing your kitchen appliances). All dishwashers are standard size regardless of brand at this time. You can go to any local appliance dealer or online and print out dishwasher specifications of any built in dishwasher to learn the minimum and maximum height, width, and depth requirements.

When you are given the more expensive option of a stainless steel interior, don't let the salesperson persuade you with the myth of a stainless steel lining being better or higher class. In truth, the main reason that people choose stainless steel is based on the fact that in some areas, the water is very hard, notably high in sulfur, and is damaging to plastic in long term. If you are in an area with decent water or city water, the additional cost is not necessary. Stainless steel is actually harder to keep clean. There are products available if you just have trouble with iron staining or similar issues that you can drop in the dishwasher and run every couple months to easily remove this discoloration without scrubbing.

Depending on the additional features you choose for your dishwasher, expect to pay between $300 and $1500.

Source thehousedesigners.com

Cooktops

There are a variety of cooktop styles to choose from. They range in price and requirements. The choices are gas burners, electric coils, glass ceramic surfaces, and modular burners.

Gas Cooktops
Gas burners heat with natural gas or propane. They are rated on the BTU (British thermal units) usage, which is the heating power. The higher the BTU rating, the quicker foods and liquids will heat. This can be demonstrated by the time is takes to boil water.

Higher BTU ratings will increase the cost of the cooktop unit. If you plan to use it for just everyday cooking, 9,000 BTU would be acceptable. For high heat needs, such as sauteing, stir-fry, and etc, 12,000 BTU or more will be needed. A high-powered cooktop is normally considered as pro-style. You may also want some of the burner to reduce down to 5,000 BTU for simmering. As a rule of thumb, all new stoves and cooktops are factory made with at least one simmer burner and one boost burner (12,000 BTU or better).

With gas burners you get instant heat and control, rather than waiting for electric to heat up to the temperature you want. All models are now made with electronic ignition. These are safer and more energy efficient than the old-fashion pilot lights.

You are still able to light the burners in the case of a power failure using a match. A word of caution: gas fumes can be very dangerous, so be sure your ventilation and gas-hookup is properly installed and maintained.

Cost for a basic gas cooktop ranges from $300 to $1000. If you purchase from a local dealer, you may find that installation and delivery are included.

They will normally become your future service provider also. Keep in mind that although the appliance has a warranty from the manufacturer, you may have a difficult time finding a service provider in your area if you have not made the purchase from the local dealer.

Electric Coil Cooktops
Electric black coils are metallic tubes covered with insulation that create heat through electrical resistance. The heat moves from the coils to the pot or pan through conduction and radiation. Coils usually cook faster than gas, so if you are using them for the first time, start out with lower temperatures and work up until you get a feel for how quickly they heat. This way you will be less likely to burn your first meal on the new cooktop. Coils are easier to clean and repair. They are normally the lowest cost in electric cooktops for the purchase and repair. Most coil cooktops start around $200.

Glass Ceramic Cooktops
Whether you opt for radiant, halogen or magnetic induction, they all heat up using electricity. The flat, glass ceramic surface has patterns to indicate where to place your cookware. They operate using knobs or a touch pad.

Ceramic cooktops are very easy to clean and keep clean. They give a stylish appearance to your kitchen. These cooktops are equipped with an indicator light to let you know when the cooking areas are still too hot to touch.

It is very important to watch the indicator and be very cautious because you will be unable to tell by looking at the cooking areas if they are still hot. The manufacturers will alert you that any type of pan is safe to use on the cooktop, but it must have a flat bottom.

Pans without a flat bottom can damage the cooktop and be damaged themselves. Steel or cast iron are required if you opt for magnetic induction. If you can't stick a magnet on your cookware, they won't work with this option.

On all glass cooktops you should know two important things...

1. These cooktops will withstand most types of cooking with the exception of boiling sugar water, such as when you make candies. If the boiling sugar water boils over onto the surface, try to clean it immediately as it will bubble, damage, and void the warranty.
   
   
2. Plastic is also a problem, such as bread wrappers. It has been found that if plastic touches the surface while still hot, it melds into the surface and is impossible to remove. Average cost is $500 to $700. Don't let it happen!

Modular Burners
These kinds of burners can run on gas or electricity and allow you to vary the placement of your burners. The benefits to a modular burner are you can use them on an island counter and you can vary the type of cooking you do on the same cooktop. You can expect to pay about $450.

Ranges
A range combines an oven and a cooktop and they generally use the same heat source - gas or electric. A professional-style range affords you the luxury of having a gas burner and electric convection oven. The same pros and cons of oven and cooktop features apply to ranges as well.

When it comes to installation, you can choose from freestanding, slide-in or drop-in. The price varies depending on the style - electric coil ranges will cost between $425-$650; electric smoothtop ranges $650 -$1400; gas burners $550-$2000 and $4000 and up for a pro-style model.

Just as a mental note, keep in mind that all gas appliances are now electric ignition, which is safer and more energy efficient, but in the case of a power outage, you can still light the burners with a match but not the oven.

Ventilation
Grease, smoke, steam, and gas byproducts are always in issue when cooking in your kitchen. The ventilation you choose to address this issue will depend on the layout of the kitchen, your local building codes, and your own personal preference.

The higher the airflow and lower the noise rating will affect the cost of the ventilation hood. Higher CFMs and lower sones will increase the cost.

The CFMs are the cubic feet of air the vent system can move per minute. You can purchase a plain simple vent hood with or without venting to the outside, but if you do a lot of cooking or have planned a stylish kitchen you will most likely prefer either an updraft or downdraft vent hood.

Updraft Vent
An updraft vent is located over a range or cooktop and cleans the air by either pulling the polluted air up by a fan, then through filters and out of your house through a metal duct or by a fan that filters the polluted air and then re-circulates the clean air back into the room. These are very effective and are available in a variety of decorative models. The drawback to this system - they are generally hard to clean and require a filter change regularly. Vents can be as cheap as $100 or as costly as thousands.

Downdraft Vent
The downdraft vent is placed into a base cabinet and expels air by pulling it down through vents located on the sides and back of the cooktop. While appearance may be better, they are not as effective as updraft vents. They only catch the byproducts directly around the vent. Average cost is $500.

Source thehousedesigners.com