Selecting appropriate materials and finishes for your kitchen cabinets is an important part of achieving both performance and aesthetics in your kitchen. Collaboration with a kitchen cabinet drafting service can ease some of that burden, but being informed will make decision making much easier. The following are some suggestions for finding the best materials and finishes for your kitchen:
- Consider Your Lifestyle
Think about how you will be using your kitchen day to day. If you have an active family or children, you may want the more durable and easy to clean products like good quality laminates or hard woods. This will give your cabinets longevity through daily use and abuse.
- Match Materials to Design Style
The materials you choose should relate to the general design of your kitchen. For example, modern kitchens may lend themselves towards a glossy, glass finish while traditional kitchens may prefer warm woods and traditional matte finishes. Tell your drafting service about your vision for your kitchen, and they will be able to help you create a furnishings in style.
3. Explore Wood Types
Wood is a popular choice for its natural beauty and versatility. Different woods offer unique characteristics:
- Oak: Durable with a classic grain, suitable for traditional kitchens.
- Maple: Smooth and modern, ideal for contemporary designs.
- Cherry: Rich and warm, great for a luxurious feel.
- Birch: Light and budget-friendly, versatile for various styles.
Discuss the advantages of each wood type with your drafting service to select the best option for your needs.
4. Choose the Right Finish
Finishes affect both the look and durability of your cabinets. Consider these options:
- Paint: Offers a variety of colors and a sleek look, but may need more maintenance.
- Stain: Enhances the wood grain and provides a classic look with better scratch resistance.
- Glaze: Adds depth and complexity to painted or stained surfaces.
- Varnish: Provides a tough, moisture-resistant coating.
Your drafting service can guide you on how different finishes will work with your chosen materials.
5. Factor in Maintenance and Durability
Consider how much upkeep you are willing to do. High-gloss and painted finishes may need frequent touch-ups, while forms of stains and varnishes tend to see less wear and tear. Ensure your selections comfortably align with your level of maintenance and lifestyle.
- Coordinate with Your Kitchen Design
Make sure your cabinet materials and finishes fit well with the other elements in your kitchen, such as countertops, flooring, and backsplashes. Bring samples of the different aspects to your drafting consultation to create a coordinated look.
- Budget
Different materials and finishes will have varying monetary costs, so it is important that you set a budget before you begin to decide on the particulars. Once you have a budget set, be sure to communicate it with your drafting service so they can help you find options that allow financial freedom.
- Ask for Samples
Before you finalize down to a material and finish, order samples to see how it looks in your kitchen lighting with your usage. You’ll then be able to visualize the final product, and adjust your selections as needed.
- Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Professional Feedback
Your kitchen cabinet drafting service should have experience in materials and finishes. After you find some items you are interested in, ask for their thoughts about what finishes will look best with your particular project- this should be in their area of expertise.
- Think About Value
Purchasing top of the line products may cost you a little bit more upfront, but in the long run-save you money towards repair and replacements. Assess how the products you are considering will stand the test of time, durability, and style.
Choosing materials and finishes for your kitchen cabinets is a foundational step in creating a space that will function well and looks good. Once you have reflected on your lifestyle, design style, and budget, and communicated to your kitchen cabinet drafting service, you can decide how your decisions will positively impact your space. By doing all of this, you will have a kitchen you love for years to come.
