Tips for Installing New Kitchen Cabinetry
Some of the most used components in a kitchen are the cupboards and drawers, which are opened countless times to retrieve and store items. Thus, when renovating, don't skimp on the cabinetry. For tips on how to set up your new storage, read on.
Choose Quality
Cheap cabinetry may be stapled together with a lightweight, thin backing. The problem with such cupboards is that the joints can start to fall apart over time, and the flimsy cabinet backs can buckle and bend.
Quality custom cupboards, though, will be constructed more securely. For example, they might use dowelled joints, plus glue and screws to hold the sides, bottoms, and backs of the cupboards together. Also, the cabinet backs will use more robust material. These quality cupboards will last for years without coming apart. They'll remain square and solid, and your kitchen won't look slipshod after a couple of years.
Consider Hardware Options
Quality hardware is equally crucial. Metal runners will help drawers slide in and out without getting stuck. Cheaper plastic runners can leave you tugging at a drawer that won't glide easily. Cupboard door hinges, too, are central to a functional kitchen. Inferior hinges won't hold the door securely over many years — it will begin to sag and droop, giving the kitchen a shabby look.
Accessories Increase Convenience
The right accessories will make your storage more accessible. You could install lazy susans in corner cabinets and use various drawer inserts that allow you to organise and store everything neatly. Multiple items won't get jumbled together. Other options include pullout wire pantry shelves.
Use Space Efficiently
Practical storage also uses available space efficiently, which is especially important in a small kitchen. For example, drawers of varying depths are more efficient than cupboards with a halfway shelf. Deep drawers can hold saucepans and pans, and shallower drawers can store canned and packaged food. Such a setup doesn't waste vertical space as a simple cupboard can.
Compare Material Options
Many quality cupboards and drawers are made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is water-resistant. You can choose numerous materials and finishes for the cupboard doors and drawer fronts such as melamine, laminate, polyurethane, and vinyl wrap. The most expensive and attractive option is solid timber. Ask your timber joinery contractor which material they recommend.
Your kitchen will last longer if you install quality custom cabinetry. The right accessories and storage options will make it easier to find and access what you're looking for. Plus, practical cabinetry will make the best use of available space.
