____________________________________________ Kitchen Cabinets and Remodeling the Kitchen Kitchen remodeling is for kitchen contractors or else Kitchen Cabinets for remodeling your kitchen or other area. Or Custom Kitchen Cabinets for those wanting customization options. A change of kitchen cabinets is one the most common remodeling projects in the home and which can affect value, and your enjoyment of your kitchen area. The’ furniture in the kitchen’, the cabinetry, therefore is an important decision and one worth giving some consideration. Styles The styles are revealed mainly be the door panels. The doors of the base or wall cabinets can be flat/slab style for a contemporary feel, in square patterns, or a raised arch. These are the main general styles. Hardware The hardware, comprised of knobs and pulls is a detail not to be overlooked. Constantly handled, they can form a lasting impression both by way of sense of touch, and, by the way they altogether highlight the cabinets themselves. The permanent hardware of door hinges and slide tracks are the moving parts of your cabinets. Quality hinges hold the doors square better, and need no constant manual adjustment. They are less prone to breakage from handling and wear. Slide tracks for the drawers can be visible or hidden (below drawers). Some operate with a true glide, operating on bearings, which may or may not be important as this is generally built into the total price. Finishes Choices of finish include stainless steel surfaces (often mated with glass appliances) natural wood species, engineered wood surfaces and the laminates to which we have all grown accustomed. All have their advantages and disadvantages, although when it comes down to economy and cleanup, the laminates are generally the standout among modular lines of cabinetry. The white finish is compatible with many other whites and it reveals cleanliness, while most are easy to clean up. But keep in mind laminates they are just that, an added layer. Different manufacturers offer different grades/processes of laminating that can possibly reveal their trued durability over time, like on door panel edges that are prone to handgrabbing from constant use. Or on other areas subject to excess wear where re-training the user as to the usefulness of the knob simply is not an option. The availibity of future finish matches may to be a concern – some manufacturers offer replacement doors, drawers and parts more consistently in future years more relaibly than other manufacturers. Installation Prior to install,the layout and configuratoin is important to maximize your usable space. Kitchen designers putting to use software programs can help ensure an efficient layout. Espectially where there are difficult configurations to work with, like untypical inner and outer corners. If fridge lines are being rerouted, know if a copper line or plastic tubing will be the replacement. No one wants pinhole-spray behind areas that are hidden or inaccessible or else cause of later discovery. Also, be assured that all wall cavities within cabinets are sealed on completion wherever any openings have occurred. Other details : Availability of pieces like over-the-sink valences and optional storage accessories on areas like for refuse and added pantry racks for food storage, and filler slats for closing any unwanted voids between where the cabinet and wall surfaces meet Matching appliance panels like for the fridge and dishwasher; assuming the appliances will take panels. Note: some manufacturers offer no more than a slide-in wafer to cover the face of the fridge, that must be finished to match existing, if one prefers to do so. This points to the idea (and for other reasons) that appliances should be coordinated with the rest of the kitchen. Kick-plates that are obvious to the more forward toes in the kitchen, at the lower base cabinet.       Tampa Atlanta San Diego San Jose