60+ Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are a billion-dollar industry. It’s not surprising that homeowners have questions about how to buy new kitchen cabinets, costs, designs, and how to choose the right style and color for their kitchen and home. Simply Kitchens USA answers these questions daily and can provide homeowners with all of the answers they need to make the best choices for their lifestyle and home.

Here are more than 60 questions about the price, quality, design, style, color, shipping, installation, and more. What’s a “standard” kitchen, and how much do cabinets for a standard kitchen cost? The base cost to purchase semi-custom kitchen cabinets for a 10-foot x 10-foot kitchen is $2,500. Prices will vary depending on cabinet type, the number of cabinet units needed, and accessories added to the package. 

1. What is the best quality of cabinets I can buy?

At Simply Kitchens, we carry a wide range of high-quality, semi-custom kitchen cabinets. All of our cabinets are constructed and evaluated to meet requirements for the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing Association (KCMA) quality certification. Companies whose cabinets will stand up to rigorous use in a home kitchen are awarded the KCMA/ANSI A161.1 quality certification. Although choosing a quality manufacturer is essential, your final cabinet selection will ultimately depend on your taste, kitchen layout, and budget. The best kitchen cabinets are designed to last 20-30 years with proper installation. When planning your budget and kitchen cabinet design, that’s important to keep in mind.

1. When is the best time of year to buy kitchen cabinets?

Many retailers promote cabinet sale events around major U.S. holidays. Many online manufacturers run extra discount sales every couple of months to clear overstock or discontinued cabinet lines.

1. What details should I look for in cabinet construction?

Look for details about the types of wood used in cabinet construction and how the joints are assembled. The two construction methods, framed and frameless, differ in design and assembly.

Framed cabinets

• At Simply Kitchens, framed cabinets feature panels of all-plywood construction or APC. 1/2-inch APC panels are used for the cabinet’s sides, bottom, top, and back, while a 3/4-inch face frame supports the drawers or doors.
• The drawers are all constructed with dovetail joints that interlock for durability and strength. The under-drawer mounted glide adds to the drawer’s strength and is soft-close to prevent drawers banging when closed.
• The base cabinets – which hold the most weight – have I-beam construction in the corners of 1/2 inch all-plywood stretchers. They use a dado joint to hold all four sides of the cabinet, giving extra strength to the cabinet. The door is connected to the face frame in framed cabinetry, and added soft-close hinges keep doors from slamming closed.

Frameless or European–style cabinets

Frameless cabinets are constructed with thicker APC than framed cabinets because they lack the added durability of a face frame. An 18-mm APC cabinet box is a little thicker than what you find in framed cabinets to prevent bowing or sagging. Frameless cabinet sides, floors, and tops are APC and then covered in a melamine finish for a smooth, seamless shine. They are entirely open behind the cabinet doors. The doors have soft-close hinges to prevent slamming, and drawers have undermount soft-close glides to keep their movement smooth and silent. The doors and drawers are connected directly to the cabinet box.

1. Which cabinets are better: framed or frameless?

Either construction style can be a great choice for your kitchen renovation. At Simply Kitchens, we use the same quality construction methods for both framed and frameless kitchen cabinets. Browse various frameless and framed styles to decide which look you prefer.

1. Why do cabinets have so many different prices?

Your price will change based on construction materials, finishes, door styles, and numbers. With Simply Kitchens’ direct-to-consumer pricing, homeowners’ costs are typically 40% less than if they purchased kitchen cabinets from a big-box home improvement store. The cost of cabinets for a 10-foot x 10-foot kitchen starts at $2,500 for a basic L-shaped layout with ten linear feet of cabinets on two runs.

1. What accessories do I need to make my kitchen work the way I want?

The layout and size of your kitchen will determine the number and type of accessories you can add to cabinets in your remodel. Our professional kitchen designers can walk you through choices for pull-out shelves, in-between cabinets, and under-cabinet options to turn your kitchen into a highly functional area for cooking and storage.

1. What about countertops?

Simply Kitchens carries granite and quartz countertops to provide durable, low-maintenance, long-lasting options for the family kitchen. Granite and quartz come in various colors and patterns to suit the decor and personality of any home. Homeowners can also consider an acrylic, stainless steel, marble, tile, slate, soapstone, structural glass, concrete, and custom-formulated terrazzo for their countertop, available from other suppliers.

1. Can I install my cabinets to save money?

Do-it-yourself cabinet installation can be a money-saving solution. However, a mistake could cost you in the long run. Properly installed cabinets can last 20-30 years; however, we have seen projects fail in five years due to improper installation. With the investment you’re putting into your cabinets and your home, consider hiring a professional kitchen contractor to install your cabinets unless you have both experience and the right tools. If you don’t have a reputable kitchen contractor lined up, Simply Kitchens can provide you with names of licensed and insured contractors in your area to help you with your renovation project.

1. Is there anything else I should know about remodeling a kitchen?

If your new kitchen footprint moves cabinet runs or where your appliances sit, you may need new plumbing, electrical, backsplash, flooring, lighting, and paint, which could dramatically increase your budget. The professional kitchen designers at Simply Kitchens can help you determine the costs and help you choose hardware, accessories, and flooring to stay within your budget & help remodeling kitchen.

1. I just want new cabinets. Why do I need a kitchen design, and why do my appliances have anything to do with it?

An updated kitchen adds more resale value to your home than any other upgrade. New cabinets may contrast unfavorably with your existing appliances, flooring, or paint—all things you may need to remedy before selling your house. A comprehensive kitchen design, executed by a professional, will ensure that your investment adds maximum value and is aesthetically pleasing for both you and a future buyer.

1. Will my kitchen remodel be complicated and take a lot of time?

At Simply Kitchens, we can work within your budget and provide you with the best options for what you want to spend. Our designers take the complexity out of the process by providing you with experienced advice and a 3D rendering of what your kitchen will look like when the renovation is complete. They will also walk through the project’s timeframe, from design to ordering to delivery, installation, countertops, flooring, and painting. Our designers know what products are available and will best meet your needs. They are there to answer your questions every step of the way. A kitchen renovation project can take 6-8 weeks from the delivery of the cabinets. Your kitchen contractor can also help you understand the project timeframe.

FAQS about cabinet size, dimensions, and measuring

1. How wide are standard kitchen cabinets?

• Standard cabinet widths for upper cabinets are 12, 15, 18, 24, 27, 30, 33, and 36 inches.
• Upper filler cabinets are 3, 6, and 9 inches wide.
• Tall cabinet widths are 18, 24, 30, and 33 inches.
• Standard base cabinet widths are 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 26.25, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39 and 42 inches.
• Base filler cabinets are 6 and 9 inches wide.

1. How do you measure the height of wall cabinets?

• First, you need to know your ceiling height. If your ceiling is eight feet high and you don’t want your cabinets to take up the entire space, 30-inch high upper cabinets are the right choice. If you’d like your cabinets to reach the ceiling, install 42-inch high wall cabinets. If you want to add crown molding, use 36-inch high cabinets.
• Second, measure base cabinets up from the floor. The standard base cabinet is 34.5 inches. A countertop typically adds another inch or two.
• Third, leave space for the backsplash, either 18 or 24 inches—Mark this measurement to indicate where the bottom of your wall cabinet will sit.

1. How deep are standard kitchen cabinets?

• Base cabinets are typically 21 or 24inches deep.
• Lazy susans are 33 inches deep.
• Tall cabinets are 24 inches deep.
• Wall cabinets are 12 or 24inches deep.

1. What is the standard size cabinet for an over-the-range microwave?

The standard size cabinet for an over-the-range microwave is no more than 30 inches wide, with a height between 10 – 18 inches and depth from 12 – 18 inches.

1. What are standard base cabinet widths?

Base cabinets come in a range of standard widths to fit the smallest spaces and make them more efficient. The standard base cabinet widths are 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 26.25, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39 and 42 inches. Filler cabinets are available in 6- and 9-inch widths.

1. What size of sink fits in a 30-inch base cabinet?

Select a 26- or 28-inch sink to fit within your 30-inch cabinet if you choose an under-mount sink –the cabinet walls are ½ inch each, and the lip of the sink takes another inch. If you choose a drop-in sink, you can add a 30-inch sink.

1. How do you measure for base cabinet depth?

Today’s building codes dictate a standard kitchen cabinet height of 34 1/2 inches. The depth for base cabinets is measured as the distance from the cabinet’s outer edge to the wall. In practical terms, this means you have less space inside the cabinet than the actual depth measurement. Cabinets with a depth greater than 24 inches make it harder to reach a wall outlet. The countertop’s overhang will add one to two inches in actual depth.

FAQs about kitchen corner cabinets

1. How do you deal with kitchen corners?

You can choose from many different pull-out accessories to make reaching into the blind corner a lot easier. A popular cabinet layout involves sending your cabinet run with cabinets or drawers on one side and an appliance on the perpendicular side.

1. How do I maximize the functionality and space of corner cabinets?

Choose options that don’t impede adjacent appliances, drawers, or cabinets to maximize a corner cabinet’s space. A pull-out shelf or lazy susan will allow you full access to the corner.

1. Do lazy susans save space?

The lazy susan is an excellent way to save space in a corner cabinet. The turntable needs little clearance, and you can stack as much as the shelf will hold. You can easily see and access everything by spinning the shelf.

FAQs about Ready-to-assemble cabinets (RTA cabinets)

Simply Kitchens customers often ask about the difference between assembled and ready-to-assemble cabinets. The two main differences are cost and shipping time. Assembled cabinets cost more due to complete factory assembly and the extra packaging needed to keep cabinet units safe during shipping. This extra assembly time will add 8-12 days to your timeline.

1. What are ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets?

The RTA cabinets manufactured today use the same solid wood as pre-assembled cabinets. RTA cabinets arrive flat-packed, along with all the hardware, parts, and supplies you need to assemble and install them in your kitchen. You might pause at this point if you’re not handy, but don’t worry – manufacturers have perfected the RTA kitchen cabinet game so that even a beginner can assemble and install these units using easy-to-follow instructions that come right in each box.

1. Where can I buy RTA kitchen cabinets online?

When searching for the best RTA kitchen cabinets online, visit Simply Kitchens. We offer a complete range of today’s most popular styles and finishes. You can purchase all of our cabinet styles – Shaker, Tacoma, Cambridge, and Frameless cabinets – as RTA or fully-assembled cabinets.

1. Are the RTA cabinets strong enough to hold granite or quartz countertops?

Yes, all Simply Kitchen RTA cabinet lines are more than strong enough to hold quartz or granite countertops.

1. Are the sides of RTA cabinets finished?

Yes, Simply Kitchens’ RTA cabinets have sides finished to match the drawers, doors, and face frames. All Simply Kitchens cabinets are fully finished on all sides.

1. Can you help me find a local kitchen contractor to install RTA kitchen cabinets?

Simply Kitchens has a list of licensed and insured contractors nationwide, all of whom have previously installed our RTA cabinets. We can help you find a local kitchen contractor.

1. Why choose RTA cabinets?

As you consider your kitchen cabinet choices, you might be drawn to cabinets that arrive fully assembled because they’ll save you assembly time. This time saving comes as a cost, one that can be substantial. First, you’ll pay more for the cabinets. Second, you’ll pay more for shipping as well. Assembled cabinets take more time to ship from the manufacturer, which can add 8-12 days to your timeline.

RTA kitchen cabinets are carefully flat-packed, so there’s zero movement within each package. When you order RTA cabinets online, they are often shipped out the next day for delivery to your home within 4 to 6 days. This fast turnaround gives you the ability to transform your kitchen in a week!

1. How long does it take to assemble ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets?

You want to get your kitchen to remodel underway quickly – but how long does it take to assemble RTA cabinets? Thanks to detailed, easy-to-follow instructions that come with every cabinet unit, even a novice DIY-er can put together their first cabinet in about 30 to 45 minutes. After you complete the first one successfully, you should be able to assemble the remaining cabinets in 15-25 minutes each.

FAQs about kitchen cabinet costs

Before committing to their kitchen remodel, most homeowners want to know how much their new cabinets will cost. Here are FAQs about kitchen cabinets costs.

1. How much should a 10-foot x 10-foot kitchen remodel cost?

The first factor to consider for a 10-foot x10-foot kitchen renovation is whether the kitchen contractor handles the entire project – from measuring to demolition to installation and final painting – or whether you hire a contractor only for installation. To keep the cost down, consider tackling low-skill tasks, like demo and clean-up – yourselves, and use the kitchen contractor’s expertise to assemble and install cabinets, flooring, and countertops. The average total cost to remodel a 10-foot x10-foot kitchen runs between $12,800–$21,200. Actual costs will depend on the kitchen’s size and the chosen cabinets, flooring, countertops, paint, and appliances.

1. Can I remodel a kitchen for $10,000?

Yes, at Simply Kitchens, you can find deals on RTA kitchen cabinets and even purchase them at wholesale prices. You can also find attractive options for less-expensive flooring, countertops, and storage solutions.

1. What is the average cost to remodel a small kitchen?

A small kitchen remodel can cost between $4,000–$12,000. To keep costs as low as possible, keep the same layout, choose wholesale kitchen cabinets, and plan to do some demo and clean up yourself.

1. How much does it cost to install kitchen cabinets and countertops? – Installation costs range from $100 – $300 per linear foot depending on the size, design, and type of material chosen.
2. How can I save money renovating my kitchen?- You can take on some work and save money if you’re handy. Choosing high-quality RTA cabinets instead of assembled cabinets can also help you save. Be flexible with your choices, and shop around to look for sales and the best values.

FAQs about kitchen layouts

One of the best ways to save money is to renovate or remodel within your kitchen’s existing footprint. When you start moving walls, cabinets, plumbing, and electrical, the renovation costs increase. Here are FAQs about kitchen layouts to understand what that means for your home.

1. What are the different types of kitchen layouts?

There are five types of kitchen cabinet layouts:

Galley kitchen

L-shaped kitchen

U-shaped kitchen

One-wall kitchen

G-shaped kitchen

Each kitchen cabinet design layout has specific benefits.

1. What is the best kitchen layout?

The best kitchen design layout is one that serves your family’s needs in three main areas: cooking habits, storage, and overall function of the room.

Think about your cooking habits – if you cook a lot, you’ll want cabinets that are easy to maintain and clean. If you are an avid baker, you’ll want a lot of countertop space and ample storage for your baking pans and other equipment. Talk over your cooking habits with your designer, and they can help develop an attractive and functional layout for your new kitchen.

1. How do I work with a designer to design my kitchen layout?

The easiest way to design a kitchen layout is simply updating the current footprint with new cabinets and appliances. To start the kitchen design layout process, you’ll need the current measurements of your kitchen. Working with an expert kitchen cabinet designer is a straightforward process. They can take your measurements and give you a 3D rendering of your new kitchen. With the rendering, you can select the number of cabinets, style, and color.

FAQs about different kitchen styles

1. What is a contemporary kitchen?

‘Contemporary’ is a style term often interchanged with ‘modern .’These styles make use of stark, straight lines and exposed metals.

There is little to no decoration in an authentic contemporary aesthetic. In contemporary design, everything has a function – every furniture, cabinet, or appliance item is there for a reason and placed or arranged for optimal efficiency.

1. What is a modern contemporary kitchen?

A modern contemporary kitchen will blend the minimalist look with other trending styles. Today’s modern contemporary kitchen is often open-concept and features cutting-edge technology, a streamlined look, and a warm ambiance.

1. Is contemporary traditional or modern?

The typical traditional kitchen reflects elegance and symmetry and welcomes added adornment in moldings, layers, and beveled edges. The contemporary design introduces current and trending colors while still honoring clean, uncluttered lines of modernism. Contemporary kitchen cabinets can be transitional Shaker-style or modern flat-front doors.

1. What is a minimalist kitchen?

Minimalist kitchen pairs clean, organized design with a simple, modern style. The result? A functional kitchen with clean lines, sleek surfaces, and no tolerance for countertop clutter.

Minimalist kitchen designs rely heavily on modern elements such as lacquered flat-front cabinetry and a waterfall island. Although it emphasizes function and simplicity, a modern minimalist kitchen creates opportunities to showcase unique personality and style with wood elements, unique stone surfaces, aged metal finishes, and trendy color accents. This design often includes spare expanses of countertop, clever hidden storage, and bright, neutral color schemes.

1. What are the best types of cabinets to use in minimalist design?

The natural design choice for a minimalist kitchen is frameless cabinets.

Frameless cabinets feature flat-front doors that close over a full-access cabinet interior with adjustable shelves. The sleek, smooth door can be finished in bold or neutral colors to suit the homeowner’s style.

FAQs about cabinet styles and colors

We all want our kitchens to be a beautiful and welcoming place where friends and family enjoy spending time. That comes by choosing the right cabinet style and color to fit your personality.

1. What is a good paint color for a kitchen with dark cabinets?

Neutral colors are ideal for walls surrounding dark cabinets. Neutral doesn’t need to be dull – think bright white, light blue, light green, or a shade of light grey—or warm-up brown cabinets with antique white walls, or add contrast with gray walls.

1. What is the best color countertop for dark cabinets?

Countertops can provide a dramatic contrast for dark cabinets. Choose a high-energy, bright white surface with Shaker cabinets in dark espresso or dark gray—or consider a creamy granite with brown veining to create a warmer look.

1. What floor color goes with dark cabinets?

Dark or light flooring works equally well, providing either contrast or complementing the cabinetry. You can choose the flooring that will be a monochrome highlight or function as an additional light source in the room. Whether you lean to bright white floors with espresso cabinets or a blonde wood flooring next to cherry cabinets, flooring can help you balance the lighting and pull the whole room together.

1. What is the best accent color for a kitchen with white cabinets?

White kitchen cabinets are classically beautiful. They provide a light and airy ambiance to any kitchen. With the addition of navy cabinets, the white stands out even more and creates a level of sophistication the room didn’t have before. While white is often paired with black as contrasting cabinet color, navy adds depth to the white cabinets, with a softer contrast than black.

Frequently asked questions about Shaker kitchen cabinets

1. What are Shaker cabinets?

Shaker-style cabinets feature one symmetric line inlaid around the door and drawer frame. Shaker style is calming and clean with just a simple inlay, with an almost utilitarian look.

1. Are Shaker cabinets good quality?

Yes, the Shaker style of construction uses all-plywood materials for durability and strength. The drawers have strong, high-integrity dovetail joints; bases are made with I-beams so that Shaker cabinets will hold their shape for 20-30 years. Simply Kitchens’ Shaker cabinets are built in compliance with the nationally recognized KCMA/ANSI A161.1 Standard and bear the KCMA symbol.

1. Are Shaker cabinets popular?

Shaker-style kitchen cabinets are popular due to their timeless appeal and versatility. Shaker cabinets can easily be updated for any style and decor and accommodate trends.

1. How much do Shaker kitchen cabinets cost?

The cost of Shaker kitchen cabinets will vary depending on the paint finish, hardware selected, the number of cabinets due to actual kitchen layout, shipping format and distance, and installation methods. At Simply Kitchens, Shaker cabinets for a standard 10’x10′ kitchen layout start at approximately $2,500.

FAQs about kitchen design

1. Should flooring match kitchen cabinets?

No design rule says flooring must match your cabinets’ colors or finishes, but it needs to contrast or complement your cabinets’ color. You might choose dark wood flooring as your kitchen’s focal point. The tuxedo look – white cabinets with black countertops – works beautifully with wood or white tile flooring. Now picture white Shaker-style cabinets and a white granite countertop with grey veining and dark brown hardwood floor, and you have a modern country kitchen.

1. Should your cabinets match your kitchen island?

Your kitchen island and kitchen cabinets do not need to match. The island can serve as a bold centerpiece in a color that contrasts with both the flooring and cabinets. For example, consider white cabinets with a blue kitchen island and dark wood flooring.

1. Should your window and door trim match your cabinets?

If you want the trim will blend into the background, make it the same color as the cabinets. If you want to create a design element with trim, paint or stain it in a coordinating color.

At Simply Kitchens, our cabinets are not just for the kitchen; they can enhance any room of the house with both style and organizational function. Here are FAQs about closet systems

FAQs about closet systems

1. What is a closet system?

A closet system is an adjustable shelving unit with multiple options for configuration. The ideal closet storage organizers give homeowners ample hanging space, much-needed shelving, open cubbies, drawers, and cabinets – to create an efficient and tidy closet.

1. Can I install a closet system myself?

You can install most closet systems as long as you have the right tools. Closet systems are easier to install with two people, especially when installing multiple units. We recommend hiring a professional cabinet installer for homeowners who are not that handy.

1. How do homeowners plan a closet organization system?

When planning a closet cabinets system, the first assignment is to measure the space. With measurements in hand, a cabinet designer can help you decide what features you have room for and how best to arrange them. For example, you may want a closet organizer with a two-tier garment rod if you have multiple dress shirts to hang. A closet unit with shelving will be a good choice if you store a handbag collection.

1. How do homeowners build a closet in a room without a closet?

Homeowners can create storage in a room without a closet by installing a freestanding closet system. A wall-mounted closet system creates the look and feel of a walk-in closet. Freestanding units can be arranged against any wall without being secured to the wall. They typically include drawers, shelves, and garment rods.

FAQs about Simply Kitchens vs. big-box stores

Simply Kitchens is a cabinet manufacturer that sells directly to homeowners and contractors. A big-box or other retail store comes in as a middle man between the cabinet manufacturer and the homeowner or contractor. Because we sell directly, customers who buy from Simply Kitchens avoid paying the big-box store margin on their cabinets.

1. How is the quality of the kitchen cabinets at Lowes?

You get what you pay for when it comes to cabinet quality. Any retailer, such as Lowes, is the middle-man for customers. They buy from cabinet suppliers and sell them to customers with their retail mark-up added. They often purchase stock cabinets in one style to keep their margins, with lower-quality materials and construction. Lowes cabinets may work if you install cabinets in a basement, garage, or laundry room for extra storage. But for stylish and quality kitchen cabinets, there are other brands that higher quality, will last longer, and look better.

1. Which are the best kitchen cabinets brands?

A high-quality brand involves top-quality materials, construction methods, and customer service. From start to finish, your Simply Kitchens designer walks you through the process of kitchen layout and helps you select the best cabinets to fit your space from start to finish. Simply Kitchen USA has the most popular styles available built to the highest KCMA standards.

1. How much do kitchen cabinets cost at Lowes?

At Lowes, a set of 6 stock cabinets, with no installation, runs between $1,150 and $1,389.

1. Is Lowes a good place to buy kitchen cabinets?

It is as good of a place as any to buy stock cabinets if you want an updated look but doesn’t plan on staying in the home for a long time.

Why Simply Kitchens USA’s kitchen cabinets and closet systems? 

There is a difference between a big box store and a cabinet manufacturer like Simply Kitchen USA. At Simply Kitchens, we use premium cabinet materials and custom-quality construction methods. Our designers will help you through every step of the process and are available for any question along the way.

The cabinets are selected for construction and either flat-packed for RTA installation or fully assembled and packed with zero-movement packaging to ensure quality. All of the cabinets, hardware, and accessories are shipped together, so homeowners can begin their project as soon as the delivery arrives. If there is a problem, homeowners can call their specific designer and get answers immediately.

Big box stores don’t need to rely on excellent customer service or quality cabinetry to keep their customers. They can cater to a mass market and are willing to lose a customer here or there.

At Simply Kitchens USA, losing customers for any reason is unacceptable. With their white-glove service, homeowners are walked through the design process by the in-house designer.

For inspiration to start your kitchen renovation project today, visit our photo gallery or make an appointment with one of our professional kitchen designers.