7 Things To Know For The Perfect Kitchen
The world of kitchen cabinets, design, and construction has its set of essential terms you should know before diving into a project. This guide will help you move through the seven core concepts you need to understand before purchasing your cabinetry.
Know the Shape of the Kitchen
You may have a particular style, color, or finish in mind for the look of your kitchen. However, the kitchen floor plan determines the design. Before you start choosing cabinets, you need to decide what floor plan works with your kitchen.
Most kitchens fall into four categories: L-shaped, U-shaped, G-shaped, or they are one-wall kitchens.
In every kitchen, your appliances determine essential positions for your workflow. The positions of the refrigerator, stove, and sink, and in relationship to each other are called the “work triangle.” Think about the floor plan and choose one which allows for the best “work triangle.”
Let’s define each kitchen shape so you can determine how to design a kitchen you’ll love.
The L-shaped Kitchen
The L-shaped kitchen is the most versatile of all designs. This shape maximizes space and function for small to medium-sized kitchens. A true L-shaped kitchen is defined by cabinets and appliances spread out against two adjoining walls to form an “L.”
The U-shaped Kitchen
The U-shaped is similar to the L-shape but with an additional “leg” using three adjacent walls. This shape is ideal for large kitchens. By adding an island to this design, you improve the efficiency of the work triangle by and maximize the countertop space, seating, and storage.
The G-shaped kitchen
You find the “G” shaped kitchen in most large kitchens. The G-shape includes all four walls for cabinet storage and counter space. Usually, the G-shaped kitchen has a single countertop peninsula for food prep and seating. This design maximizes counter space and provides an eat-in kitchen or breakfast nook.
The One-wall Kitchen
This kitchen shape is usually found in much smaller spaces like a studio apartment or a small home with an open concept. The one-wall kitchen shape has all the cabinets and counters sit along one wall. This allows for more open area.
The Galley Kitchen
The Galley kitchen is named after the kitchen layout found on boats and is a great alternative to the U-shape for smaller spaces. The Galley has two parallel walls where the cabinets and appliances opposite each other. This shape is typically best for a single cook. It does provide a smooth workflow and convenience inside the work triangle.
The Kitchen Triangle
We’ve touched on the work triangle as the most important consideration when deciding on a kitchen design concept. The triangle references the space between the sink, refrigerator, and range. This is where the majority of kitchen work happens. 
Ideally, you should have between 4 feet and 9 feet of length on each leg of the triangle. If the triangle cuts into a peninsula or island, it should not be by more than 12 inches as then it cuts off the convenient workflow. The sink should be placed between the refrigerator and the range or across from them. There should be no major traffic passing through the established work triangle.
Most designers swear by the work triangle concept as the most efficient layout for a kitchen. You can decide for yourself if it works for you.
Other considerations in your kitchen layout:
- Do you use your kitchen for other purposes than cooking?
- Do you have a large kitchen that you need the triangle, or is it small enough that it might not matter?
- Do you currently have a triangle placement in your kitchen?
- Does the triangle work for you? Would you like a change?
- Would cooking and food prep be more comfortable with a triangle?
There are no set rules to the working triangle, merely a standard practice. A kitchen remodeling project should increase the efficiency in your kitchen and the joy of cooking and entertaining.
The Kitchen Island
A kitchen island is a great feature to add to your remodel if you have space. An island provides additional counter space, storage, and seating. Many stylish options are available. You can add extra features like sinks and stovetops, with a wide range of choices. You can choose from simple to stand-alone islands with basic shelves, to built-in islands that match your cabinets and any variation in-between.
Design Scratch-Sheet Vs. Rendering
A design scratch-sheet is an excellent way to plan out your kitchen layout. To create a scratch-sheet, you take your kitchen floor measurements, as well as measuring the dimensions of your cabinets, appliances, and furniture, and plot them out on the sheet to experiment with different layouts.
Renderings are a high-tech variation that adds 3D visuals to your kitchen designs. Renderings show how the components will look in the placement you have chosen in your kitchen.
Understanding Kitchen Functions
Your kitchen is naturally divided into zones for different functions. You have a zone for cooking, storage, and preparation. You’ll need to consider the function of each and their relationship to the other.
Cooking
Cooking is the primary activity in most kitchens! Your kitchen is where the “action” happens. High temperatures and open flames transform your ingredients into delicious meals. The cooking zone needs to be open, accessible, and safe. Many cooks prefer having an easily accessible prep area next to the range. Consider storing dishes, pans, pots, and utensils close to or readily available from the cooking area.
Storage
Storage is where you keep both your kitchen equipment and food. Make sure there is adequate space, and it has easy accessibility. Ideally, there should be enough room for cleaning your cupboards and shelves without interfering with high-traffic areas.
Preparing
Most cooks want a lot of counter space to prepare ingredients for cooking, spread out cooked food for serving, and not be bogged down with constant clutter. The food prep area should be central to the cooking and storage areas. Store the items you use most frequently, the closest.
The Kitchen Cabinets
Once the layout is determined, You can start choosing your style of cabinet. The cabinets can set the whole look for your kitchen. Remember, the function is equally as important. So you must select the right cabinets for your purposes.
Materials
Different types of wood have gained popularity over the years. Maple, cherry, oak, and alder are some of the choices of wood for quality cabinets over the last few decades. Keep in mind, classic, functional materials that will last are more important than what’s in style.
Style and Color
Selecting the color and style of your cabinets can be overwhelming. You might be tempted to opt for bold, fashionable colors that will make your kitchen pop. However, keep in mind the resale value and versatility of your overall kitchen design. You can express your preferences, style, and personality, but neutral colors in kitchens are standard for a reason.
Some colors and styles will always be considered classic and chic and will suit different decoration schemes. Neutral does equate boring. However, pale blues, bold grays, or light natural wood can still look beautiful.
Before choosing your kitchen’s colors, you need to consider the size of your kitchen. Bright colors compliment small kitchens, while darker cabinets can make a larger kitchen pop. Consider the natural light your kitchen receives. If you don’t have much natural light? Choose lighters colors to brighten the kitchen.
Cabinet Functionality
Wall cabinets
You can significantly increase the amount of storage space you have with wall cabinets. They require the most effort to hang. Be sure to examine the construction of your kitchen before choosing your wall cabinets. Wall cabinets do tend to dominate a room.
Base cabinets
Base cabinets are the cabinets that sit on the floor and are below the counters or under a kitchen island. They usually experience considerable wear and tear, so they need to be durable. They can provide lots of functional storage spaces for non-perishable food items or larger kitchen equipment like large pans, pots, and small appliances.
Corner cabinets
Corner cabinets were once dead space, awkward, and difficult to access. Recent innovations and simple design changes can make them incredibly versatile and functional. For example, by adding a swing-out corner cabinet or lazy-suzan, you can use 95% of the corner cabinet space. These options contain shelves that rotate, making access, and storage a breeze.
Tall/Pantry cabinets
Tall or pantry cabinets vary in size. Typically, tall cabinets extend from floor to ceiling. They are an excellent option for pantry-style storage and provide a considerable amount of space. They are often custom-made and can be very expensive. However, you can still find great options for tall-stock cabinets.
Glassdoor Cabinets
Glassdoor cabinets are beautiful. Glass can give old cabinets and updated look. Most do-it-yourself people would be able to put together a glass door cabinet at home.
Filler Panel Molding
Panel Molding fills the space between the ceiling and the cabinets provides many stylized options. Cabinet size and ceiling heights fluctuate. By adding crown molding, you create an attractive looking and clean finish. Stacked crown molding gives exceptionally high ceilings an elegant final touch. To accentuate open shelving, you can add edge molding. Edge molding adds an edge to shelves and cabinets that don’t already have one. You can strategically conceal lighting in and under-cabinet lighting molding. These pieces often come standard with a cabinet. When applied to the bottom of all cabinets, shoe molding coordinates with your flooring. You can create a cohesive look of your cabinetry and flooring with applied moldings.
Accessories
After selecting your cabinets, your next focus should be on the functionality and use of accessories. You can get kitchen cabinet organizers in a wide range of options, from high-range, low-range, and built-in options. You can have them custom made or purchase them separately. Organizers provide individual cubbies for various items. They also give the kitchen a gourmet-look and style. Wine racks, and spice racks, can be built into your cabinets or purchased individually. Many modern kitchens feature these elements that add a level of chic style to the kitchen.
When designing a kitchen, countertops are a huge focal point. The material dictates the look and function of the kitchen. It’s best to choose cabinet tops that complement each other visually. Granite countertops are stunning to looking at and quite durable. They are quite coveted. However, they require special cleaning to maintain and are very heavy. An economic counterpart is Formica. Formica is easy to customize and maintain but can be worn down.
Lighting is a critical feature of any kitchen design and function. The overall usage and efficiency of your kitchen can be affected by poor lighting. There are a lot of different options. For lower light that focuses on food prep and cooking areas, under-cabinet lighting is ideal. There are many easy-to-install and straightforward options that will brighten up your whole kitchen.
Working with Your Designer
Working with a professional designer can help make the remodeling process more manageable than doing it yourself. With their experience, they help find the right mix of style, function, and maximize your square footage. Some designers will oversee the execution of the entire project. They will hire contractors, manage the ordering, and help support you every step of the way. It is a big decision to choosing a designer. It can be easier by asking friends and acquaintances for recommendations.
When you are choosing a contractor, you need to ask questions and review their qualifications. You need to understand their level of involvement in the project. Ask them how much of the project will be insured, and which permits are necessary for the remodeling project. Contractors can keep you on budget and get your kitchen finished on time. Ask your friends and family for recommendations for good contractors.
Do-It-Yourself or Use Contractors?
DIY
If you like to, you can do some of the kitchen remodeling work yourself. You can save quite a bit of money if you know how to reinstall new cabinets. The first step would be measuring, selecting, and ordering the right cabinets for your shape and kitchen efficiency. Make sure you have removed the old cabinets and components and reroute any utilities if necessary. Then inspect the new cabinets to make sure they are in good shape and have you have all the proper parts. If they are damaged during shipping, it will be difficult to install the cabinets correctly.
Pre-assembled vs. Assembled Cabinets
When you decide to install your cabinets yourself, you’ll have to choose between pre-assembled or assembled cabinets. They each have pros and cons. The pros of pre-assembled cabinets are easy to pick-up at the store, have them shipped to your home, and are easier to install.
Ready-to-assemble cabinets are packaged together with all the necessary components. You can hire a contractor to help or then decide to put them together by yourself.
RTA cabinets ship faster, are lower cost, and less likely to be damaged during shipping because you save on labor and shipping costs you can often afford higher-end cabinets.
Working With Contractors
Experienced kitchen contractors can be a great asset in your kitchen remodel. They know the construction and installation process of appliances and kitchen cabinets. Hiring a contractor is much like hiring a designer. You’ll want to make sure you choose an insured, qualified, and cost-effective individual for the job. Rely on personal referrals and online reviews, ask to see work they’ve done, and make sure they are qualified. Inquire about permitting, the labor, what their quote includes, and how they arrived at their pricing.
Kitchen Cabinet Construction
Every area of your kitchen serves an important function, whether it’s food prep, storage, or cooking. Your cabinetry is no exception. You use cabinets to store dry goods like non-perishables and baking supplies. Cabinets can also house cooking tools and utensils (pans, pots, and small appliances) and dining implements (dishes and utensils).
Kitchen cabinet construction is essential for four main reasons.
- You want your kitchen space to look beautiful and be inviting since you spend a lot of time in this area of the home. Poorly constructed cabinets that lean or sag can compromise the function and ruin an otherwise beautiful kitchen.
- Your cabinets need to support the weight of heavy items in cupboards and drawers. With a properly constructed cabinet, you can hold 90 pounds of weight.
- You’ll want to make sure that they are capable of keeping out pests, dust, children, and pets. Square and proper closures will keep your cabinets secure and protect your dishes and cookware.
- You don’t remodel your kitchen every year. Many people go through one or two significant kitchens remodels if they live in a home for 15-20 years. The cabinet construction is of great importance for the durability and longevity of your kitchen, as you won’t be remodeling frequently.
As a consumer, you may not know what to look for when you purchase new cabinets. However, since you’re the one who has to live with them, you need to do some research to make informed decisions.
Here are a few things you should know about cabinet construction before you start your kitchen remodel.
Choosing Quality Materials
There are a wide variety of materials to choose from when it comes to cabinet construction. The most common being some form of wood. Most cabinets are not made from solid wood. It is simply too expensive to use solid wood when compared to engineered wood products that function just as well. It is normal to see products advertised as being “all wood,” which implies composite materials like particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), or plywood.
Particleboard is the most common material used for kitchen cabinetry. It consists of wood chips fused with adhesive to create a strong, durable wood product. It is similar to MDF, which is made of wood fibers. Particleboard is often faced with a wood veneer for visual appeal. When choosing particleboard construction, make sure to look for products that are at least 1/2″ thick for sturdy construction and adequate support.
Plywood is also standard and considered to be more stable than some particleboard or MDF products. Plywood is higher-end and may cost a little more. Because of the cost, some cabinet manufacturers only offer plywood in certain product lines, or not at all.
You can also buy stainless steel cabinets. Due to their high cost, they’re not nearly as popular as wood cabinets. They are also challenging to keep clean. These cabinets are less than ideal for high-traffic kitchens due to highly visible smudges and fingerprints.
Understanding Joint Construction
The construction materials are of little consequence if the joints used in building cabinetry are weak. It is essential to know what joints to look for if you want long-lasting kitchen cabinets.
Dovetail joints are considered extremely strong. Unless you are working with a contractor or getting fully finished cabinets, dovetail joints can be complicated, and you probably don’t want to put it together yourself.
A better option to look for is Dado joints. If the cabinets are ready-to-assemble (RTA), you want to make sure you have Dado joints. These joints are also desirable in assembled cabinetry. Dado joints have a groove carved into one panel, into which an adjoining panel is inserted. This type of construction is much stronger than merely gluing, screwing or nailing, pieces together.
Framed VS. Frameless Construction Cabinets
The average homeowner prefers framed construction cabinets. Framed construction cabinets have a front face or frame; that delineates where drawers and doors will go. Frameless construction may free up more cabinet space for usage; it is not ideal.
The front face of a cabinet makes a four-sided box, creating a sturdier construction and helping cabinets to remain square, so they don’t sag. Framed construction also creates a separation of space and makes the addition of drawers and doors easier. Framed cabinets are more common than frameless construction.
Added Convenience
Cabinet construction includes the cabinet boxes and what is inside them. You’ll want to choose the accessories that will help make your cabinets useful and efficient.
You can order a variety of extras to make your kitchen more functional and convenient. Plate racks, spice racks, wine racks, and more can all increase utility and organization in this busy space. Pull-out shelves can help you to make the most of the cabinet space by keeping everything within reach. Think about what will suit your kitchen and your lifestyle.
Return and Replace
Before and after installation, make sure to look over all the materials thoroughly, in case you need to return the cabinets. Keep your warranty paperwork and receipt in a safe place, before purchasing read all of the conditions of filing a warranty claim or return.
Maintenance
A good warranty for your cabinets is essential. If you experience issues with your cabinets or find damaged parts, you can have the cabinet or parts replaced. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep them in working order. Wipe down the outside doors and hinges and clean out the inside of your cabinets to prevent the build-up of moisture, dirt, and dust.
You’ll rarely need to do more than wipe your cabinets down with a damp rag. You should research what products are safe to use on your type of cabinets before using harsh chemicals or cleaners on dirt or tough stains.
Visit our cabinet blog to discover more about kitchen cabinets.
