A Guide to Buying Kitchen Cabinets

If you are in the market for kitchen cabinets, chances are you are feeling quite overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices out there. From modern to traditional, white shaker to cherry wood, you have many styles, colors and designs to pick from. But we are here to make the decision easier, offering you these top tips to choosing the perfect kitchen cabinets for your home in California.
Tips to Choose Perfect Kitchen Cabinets For Your Santa Ana Home

1.      Consider the Existing Layout

First, consider the existing layout before choosing cabinets. Or,  if you’re planning a complete remodel of the space, think about your desired layout. If you have a small kitchen, go for straight-line layouts. If you have a larger kitchen, consider an L-shaped island kitchen with plenty of storage.

Figure out where your refrigerator, stove and dishwasher will be arranged, and go from there. Referred to as the “Golden Triangle” of design, this area is a high-traffic zone and is a critical consideration for cabinet positioning. This will determine how much space you need.

2.      Think About Storage Needs

Cherry wood is ideal if you’re going for rich, dark finishes, while alternative woods such as mahogany, sapele, bamboo and anaglade are better for more exotic features, as they can be stained and lacquered for a sleek finish, says HGTV. Textured looks are on the rise, taking over the glazed cabinet treatment look in favor of natural wood grain visible through brushed finishes.

3.      Choose a Complementary Door Style

The door style you choose will impact the overall look of your new cabinets. Raised-panel doors and inset doors are both fantastic options for a more traditional style kitchen. If you’re looking to go more contemporary in style, then clean-lined flat-panel doors are a solid choice. Shaker style cabinet doors, which are made of a four-piece frame over a flat center panel, can work in both modern and traditional kitchens.

4.      Customize the Look With Molding

Another important factor to consider when choosing wholesale kitchen cabinets in Santa Ana is whether you would like to add edge molding to the cabinets. Molding can help give your cabinets a custom look, resulting in a homier feel. It acts as a decorative feature while providing some additional structural strength to your cabinets, enhancing durability.

5.      Choose Durable Material

In terms of kitchen cabinet material, your main choice will be between solid wood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). MDF is a durable and easy-to-maintain material made of pressed wood fibers to result in a better look than natural wood when painted. Natural wood, on the other hand, is a classic and enduring option that requires more care but can also last for many years when maintained.

6.      Consider Finishing Options

The look of the kitchen depends quite a bit on the finish you choose for the cabinets. If you’d like to a natural look, your best option is solid wood. Solid wood can be finished, stained, or painted. If you want a decorative touch, then you can choose finishes such as glazing, distressing, or crackling. If you want cabinets that are easy to clean, choose lighter cabinets, which hide dirt better than darker colors.

7.      Decide on Parts and Accessories

From push-to-open drawers to soft-closing doors, the hinges and runners you choose will impact which handles you choose. As an example, push-to-open runners are handle-free. Do you prefer traditional handles for a rustic charm or would you like streamlined designer bars for modern luxury? You should always consider your cabinet’s space-saving potential, so be on the hunt for internally-sitting accessories such as wireware and bins that enhance the kitchen’s functionality.

8.      Place a Priority on Function

You may want to try European-style frameless cabinets that provide more storage options over traditional rail-style cabinets. Touchless cabinets offer the same technology that fuels touchless kitchen faucets. These are great for recycling drawers and waste baskets.

9.      Carefully Select Hardware

Your cabinet hardware is the jewelry of your kitchen. Be on the lookout for fully-adjustable door hardware and recessed bottoms or valances, which work to conceal under-cabinet light fixtures. When it comes to drawer pulls, brushed nickel is always a popular choice, but the trend is moving towards long, lean brass and gold drawer pulls for their modern yet traditional appeal.

10.  Address Style and Flow

You should keep the new kitchen’s style consistent with the style of the rest of the home. Think about your kitchen’s work triangle and make sure you have a smooth-flowing, triangular path from the refrigerator to the stove to the sink. Design your cabinetry around that flow and be sure to incorporate plenty of storage options.

11.  Choose Cabinetry for Longevity

For longevity, choose solid wood and steer clear of particle board. Likewise, the shelves should be made of solid wood too, so as to avoid sagging and warping. That’s what we offer here at Summit Cabinets, along with concealed and adjustable hinges, and soft-close door hinge hardware. Consider going with contemporary ready-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets, which significantly cut down on your installation time and labor. They typically take about 10 to 20 minutes to install, using only a flathead screwdriver.

12.  Choose Complementary Countertops

When choosing countertops, keep in mind that light-colored countertops give contrast against dark cabinetry and vice versa. You may be looking at granite, which comes in a wide variety of colors and veining, or perhaps you would like to try soapstone, with its smooth appealing texture in deep dark grays. From concrete to ceramic tile, the option you choose here must match the style and color of your cabinetry for a cohesive look.

Contact Summit Cabinets

Get the perfect kitchen cabinets for your Santa Ana home with us here at Summit Cabinets. To check out our selection, browse our website or contact us today at 909-980-0700 or fill out our online form for a free kitchen design.

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"Excellent service and amazing work! I would definitely recommend Summit Cabinets to my friends and family. They definitely take care of you here."

- Matt A.