The Pros and Cons of Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets


A friend of ours who used to work in contracting recently told us "Unfinished kitchen cabinets are becoming more and more popular every day, as people become more and more aware of style and design". My husband and I were looking for a very specific color and style, and even though there are a great many kitchen cabinet makers out there, we could find the style we want, but not in the color we wanted. So that's when he (our contractor friend) suggested we consider getting unfinished kitchen cabinets and then doing the finishing for them ourselves.



We hadn't even realized that such a thing was even possible! But as soon as we started delving into the research online, it turned out that it was quite easy to find unfinished kitchen cabinets. But there was one thing our dear friend hadn't mentioned to us - because the cabinets are unfinished, and all the cabinet doors should not be attached when the finishing is done, we would have to all the door hanging AND cabinet hanging ourselves! While we were on board for a bit of finishing and painting, we really wanted a perfect job of hanging done (nothing is more annoying that a door that doesn't close properly!), so again on the advice of our friend we decided to hire a contractor from ServiceMagic to get the job done. They connected us with 4 local remodeling professionals for free.



In the end, we still saved money AND got a great looking kitchen, because ServiceMagic had the contractors competing against each other to do our project, which really lowered the cost for us. All we had to do was fill out a simple 3 step form that asked us some basic questions about our project, and then we were connected with the professionals!

Make your dine posh with modern kitchen cabinets

A beautiful kitchen makes the home more beautiful. It is exciting to build the heart of your home in a classy way using modern kitchen cabinets to make it look lavishing. They make your life more active functional and comfortable. These cabinets will take no time to change your tensed mood to a cheerful one. The style, neatness, smoothness and elegance of your new kitchen will add colors to your dine. So, make a step forward and make the best choice to change the appearance of your kitchen area.

Modern kitchen cabinets come in various ranges and designs. You can select the one of your vision with the help of internet. They come in different materials, colors, shapes and sizes. You can get one from home improvement store or can get it made as per your unconventional and innovative idea. You can opt for styles like Mission style of Europe, antique Shaker style, Country style, Italian style, Asian style, Contemporary style and ultramodern style. German technology is used in the ultra modern style, which takes care of the availability of the area, space distribution, handleless or the “no knob” door, material, color and the mobility of the cabinets. Other accessories include shelves and drawers for cookies and wine bottles. The connection to electricity is also very safe and proper. The lighting facility and connections to operate appliances like mixer, oven, food processor etc is also worthwhile. A chimney and exhaust provide proper ventilation.

Cabinets in different materials like stainless steel, glass and wood are available in the market. Stainless steel is the most popular because of its durability, resistivity. They are easy to clean and do not possess handling hazards. You can also go for theme based kitchen cabinets, most popular being Black n White. For contemporary look, glass gives the best output. Interior lighting in glass gives it a dramatic effect. Vivid and bold colors give more life to your kitchen. Proper finishing, varnishing and lighting give a long life to the cabinets and a soothing effect to eyes.


Different Types of Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands continue to grow in popularity. You can create an attractive and add functionality to your kitchen adding more counter space—therefore more space for preparing meals and a place to eat quick meals and desserts. When ch

Kitchen islands continue to grow in popularity. You can create an attractive and add functionality to your kitchen adding more counter space—therefore more space for preparing meals and a place to eat quick meals and desserts. When choosing the right kitchen island the factors to keep in mind are how it will be used and what your needs are. Greentea Design for example, carries a line of Asian-inspired kitchen islands that you might want to check out. Also you’ll have to pay attention to both size and shape of kitchen islands or might as well learn about the different types of islands to suit your style, budget and needs.

If you want an accessible counter and allow better flow of traffic in your kitchen, building a center island for your kitchen might be the ticket. As its name stands for, a center island is at the center of the kitchen which is close to other kitchen necessities such as ink, stove, oven and refrigerator. There are some furniture stores which offer custom built kitchen islands.  Add drawers and cabinets for easy storage or build a multi-piece island that incorporates an amazing array of storage and incorporate built in sink or other appliances like a stove top in its multi-tier design. A center island could also serve as a bar counter where you can place bar stools for people to sit.

If your kitchen has not enough space to build a center island, another type of kitchen island is a peninsula counter.  Unlike a peninsula, a center island is separate from the other counters while the peninsula is usually built or attached to the end of a counter—usually in an L-shape. You may choose from a concave, oval, rectangular or square peninsula and make the counter wider for more workspace. It is also possible to Create a bar area by lifting the other side of the counter higher than the rest.

As alternative or your budget does not allow for a big center island or peninsula, you may opt to choose a movable island or folding island instead. These are ready-made kitchen islands that are available from furniture stores and come with or without wheels.


The Basics of Base Cabinets

kitchen base cabinetsA beautiful home is an organized home. The thing is “organizers” and “beautiful” usually don’t mix. When people set out to organize, they usually think in terms of unsightly cardboard boxes that don’t belong anywhere but the attic, or huge, bulky plastic containers. Though efficient and sturdy, these plastics don’t really lend any aesthetic quality to your house. For things that you want to store but would like to keep handy for occasional use, base cabinets are a great storage idea. They are the perfect balance of function and style.

Examples of things that are ideal for storing in base cabinets are those that are in excess but nevertheless useful. These include beddings and towels for guests, dishcloths for the kitchen, fancier utensils and china, glasses, and tea sets. Imagine having to dig these out from the attic and having to clean them whenever you have company! Base cabinets to the rescue! You can have them as free standing kitchen cabinets or if you want some sleek modification, you can go for custom kitchen cabinets.

Base cabinets come in many styles that will suit any purpose and storage solution you need. You can get the bigger styles that have several drawers and cabinets. These bigger models can also serve double purpose as a buffet table or showcase area for collectibles in your dining or living area. You can also get one that has closed cabinets and glass cabinets. The things inside can be showcased yet remain accessible in case you need to use them. You can also get a base cabinet that is a combination of open shelves and cabinets or drawers.

You can use the open shelves to display some decorative items, and use the cabinets or drawers for storage. However, with the use of attractive baskets or boxes, you can also use the open shelves to store things yet keep them out of sight.

Base cabinets are a great addition to any home and can serve any room in the house. A piece or two in your household will not only add function but contribute to its design as well.


Simple Tips on Having Stylish Kitchen Cabinets

Simple Tips on Having Stylish Kitchen CabinetsHaving a gorgeous and stylish kitchen doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice practicality. This is a major misconception popularized by people who doesn’t have the patience in securing the most beautiful kitchen cabinets with the best value for their money. The truth of the matter is, you don’t need to choose between form or function. The most innovatively designed kitchens aren’t just beautiful; they actually make working in the kitchen faster, a lot more efficient, cleaner and safer! After all, the kitchen is the most used room in many homes these days.

Simple Tips on Having Stylish Kitchen CabinetsLet’s take kitchen cabinets for instance. A variety of things need to be taken into consideration -from the type of wood or paneling material to be used, down to the smaller details like door pulls and cabinet handles. Understandably, it’s important for homeowners, especially those who love cooking, to have a kitchen that looks good. However, more than just mere aesthetics, kitchen cabinets should ultimately make working in the kitchen a lot easier and more efficient.

Simple Tips on Having Stylish Kitchen CabinetsFirst of all, the layout needs to be well thought out, taking the natural flow of the cooking into consideration. This means that whatever the cook is doing, they should find that what they need is no more than an arm’s reach away. He or she shouldn’t scramble of have a hard time reaching for ingredients and kitchen utensils needed for cooking. Second, the best kitchen cabinets provide effective storage. This simply means that they maximize every nook and cranny so more items can be kept in them. This frees up more counter space which means the cook is assured a more spacious work area. Finally, maintenance and upkeep should be easy. Keeping the kitchen cabinets and its contents clean should never be an arduous process. Hinges and similar hardware must be resistant to corrosion. The main building materials should not degrade from moisture.

Simple Tips on Having Stylish Kitchen CabinetsKeeping food and kitchen utensils clean ensures healthy cooking. Always remember, a functional kitchen will always be more stylish than a pretty but inefficient one! Happy designing!


Getting Your Dream Kitchen With Customized Cabinets

Custom Kitchen CabinetsAs one of the most used and important rooms in a house, the kitchen is usually a space that garners a lot of attention when it comes to decorating or remodeling. In designing a kitchen, there has to be a balance between form and function. Too much form and you’ll get a kitchen where you can hardly do anything, while too much function will give a kitchen that’s well, just ugly. And nobody likes working in ugly places.

One of the most important elements of a kitchen is storage and that’s where kitchen cabinets come in. These cabinets are probably the ones that receive the most abuse in the whole house. Everyday there is constant opening and shutting of its doors, hauling out and piling in of bulky, heavy kitchen things and exposure to heat, smoke and other elements. It’s important that they are made of good stuff, and good looking too.

Anyone who’s worked hard to finally get their dream home shouldn’t skimp when it comes to building their dream kitchen. It’s where meals are fixed, where family members come together to break bread and share their experiences of the day and where visitors are invited to share your table and welcomed to your home. Customizing your kitchen cabinets give you the assurance of the style you want in the exact proportions you need them to be, while serving every purpose you need fulfilled.

Custom kitchen cabinets take the guess work out of figuring out your kitchen. You dictate the layout that works best for you, whether you are cooking for two or twenty. You can choose the wood, the finishing, and the hardware and have them all to match. You can even configure them to house all your kitchen appliances and achieve a streamlined look free from outlets and wires.

With customized kitchen cabinets, the kitchen is given its much deserved treatment as a the center of the household.


Free Standing Kitchen Cabinets

Free Standing Kitchen CabinetsEverybody will agree: the kitchen can be the busiest nook of any household. Not everyone may like watching DVDs in the living room or have a special hobby room designated just for their past time activities, but eating is universal. Everybody has a kitchen and everyone has the same dilemma: storage.

Kitchen storage spells trouble for a lot of people. With all the pots, pans, utensils, appliances, glasses, plates, cups and containers that you need to somehow congregate in a single room, it’s no wonder some people end up with stuff they don’t get to see or use for years. Kitchen cabinets are there for the purpose, but sometimes they’re just not enough. What to do? Free standing kitchen cabinets can be the solution.

These free standing furniture built just for storage is a great storage solution to those who find their household growing with no room to spare. They are designed as great pieces by themselves, but also coordinate with other pieces so you can actually redo your whole kitchen!

Flexibility is the key to stock kitchen cabinets. They can be found in models that will serve your purpose. Get one for storage that will serve as an extension of your pantry. Go for a kitchen island that will add counterspace and storage. A blank wall can be outfitted with a set of new cabinets. Or get all of them and have a new kitchen without any remodeling at all.

Another great advantage to getting stock kitchen cabinets is that they can be used for another purpose later on. Re-purposing them is easy, and they can be used anywhere else in the house.

With stock kitchen cabinets, you don’t have to put up less than ideal circumstances in your kitchen. Without going through any drama, stock kitchen cabinets will provide you with what you need and make your kitchen look good in the process.


How to Install Kitchen Cabinets

How to Install Kitchen CabinetsReplacing kitchen cabinets and installing new sets is a skill that an average homeowner should possess. If you have the right tools and the proper foresight to do this, it is very possible to  achieve a professional look when it comes to having new kitchen cabinets installed.

One of the easiest cabinets to install is the pre-finished and pre-assembled kitchen cabinet types that are available in your local home improvement store especially the large ones. There are stock sizes available and you can pick them up, go home and install them right away.  There are also kitchen cabinets that are unfinished which you can later on paint and stain to create the desired look you want for your kitchen.

So now that you have an idea of what kind of kitchen cabinet you would like to replace your old one with, it’s time to start removing the old cabinets. When done, take measurements carefully. If you want to adapt the same layout for the new cabinets, you can the purchase the same size as the old one. Also, get a stud finder, a few pieces of 2×4 pieces of wood and a level.

How to Install Kitchen CabinetsIf the layout you want calls for a lower and upper kitchen cabinets, then it would be best to install the upper cabinets first as it will be easier for you to do with the lower level still free from any obstructions. Then get your stud finder and use it to locate the studs in the wall, which are typically 16 inches apart. Get a pencil and use it to mark the locations.

How to Install Kitchen CabinetsNext is to  look for a reference point for the cabinets. Typically, 20 inches of space is needed between the kitchen countertop  and the bottom part of the upper cabinets. Measure that distance from the countertop or from the floor if you wish then mark the wall. Use your level and with your pencil, draw a line along the wall where you wish to place the bottom of the cabinets. Temporarily screw the 2×4 pieces of wood to the wall. Make sure that the top of the wood is where your level pencil line is. This piece of wood will also let you have a resting point as you hang the bottom cabinets. They also make sure that your cabinets are level. Please be advised that you should remove the doors of the cabinets to make installation much faster.

Furthermore, when installing cabinets, do the corner cabinets first. Put them up against the wall with the bottom ledge on the 2×4 then drill a screw into one of the studs. Cabinets are always attached to the studs so they can better support the weight of your dishes or whatever you intend to store inside your kitchen cabinets. However, don’t screw them so tightly since you still need to shim the cabinets later on. Just check to ensure that the sides are level and shim if only necessary.

Then install the next cabinet and make sure that the fronts are flush with each other. Adjust the shims in the cabinets to make them flush or even. Once this is accomplished, it’s time to screw the second cabinet into the wall studs and then to each other using longer screws. Clamp then together afterward.

Just do the same procedure with the subsequent cabinets. When every piece of cabinet is installed, tighten all the screws, remove the clamps, then attach the doors. The cabinets should be level with each other. It is then time to remove the 2×4 wood and to patch the holes made by the screw. Then attach your desired hardware for the cabinets.

How to Install Kitchen CabinetsInstallation of kitchen cabinets can be done over the weekend. So start planning now and have than fabulous kitchen cabinet you’ve always wanted installed in your home.


Types of Kitchen Cabinets


Many folks consider their kitchen as their favorite place inside their home. It’s a joyous place for them because this is where they lovingly prepare, cook, and serve food to their family, friends and loved ones. Even when they just want to hang out, they more often do so in their kitchens rather than anywhere else.  Naturally, for people who love to be in their kitchens all the time, they would want to beautify their favorite spot and keep everything posh and organized.  How can this be done, you might ask. Well, by installing an elegant set of kitchen cabinets of course! After all, the only thing they want to hear when they bring people in their favorite spot is the phrase “awesome kitchen!”.

Types of Kitchen CabinetsHowever, many people here feel that beautifying the kitchen is a very tedious project to do. This is because of the many kitchen cabinet options available out, plus the numerous kitchen designs and kitchen makeover layouts. So instead, they just make do with what they have and concentrate on other areas of their house. On the other hand, if they just simply narrow down their choices as to what kitchen cabinets are well suited for their kitchen and the overall ambiance of their home, they will find that beautifying one’s kitchen is not that hard to do.

The choices for kitchen cabinets can be further trimmed down to three types:

Stock Kitchen Cabinets

Types of Kitchen CabinetsThis type of kitchen cabinet is the most affordable in the market. But then because it is cheap, the designs of the stocks are limited. This is because they are usually mass produced and the manufacturing companies can only come up with limited designs and functionality which they will produce many stocks of.

Semi Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Types of Kitchen CabinetsThis one has a lot more designs than the stock type. It’s part stock and part custom, hence the term semi-custom. More stains are available and there are woods available that are not available in stock type.

Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Types of Kitchen CabinetsFor homeowners who want to maximize the customization of their kitchen cabinets and fully base it on their preferred personal style and design, this type proves to be the best. You can have any kind of wood you want, and any design you dream of. You can have your kitchen cabinets in any color, size and shape, with multiple functionality and a very unique look. When your family and friends see this installed in your kitchen, they will definitely say “awesome kitchen!”.


How to Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets

How to Clean Wood Kitchen CabinetsDon’t believe people when they say that cleaning kitchen cabinets is a hard project to do. You don’t exactly need a professional to do this since it’s as easy as 1,2,3. You just have to be patient because it can take time plus a little elbow grease. There are no special secrets either, as there are no magical cleaners. Read on below and see how easy it is to clean your kitchen cabinets and make them look as good as new.

How to Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets

On the other hand, cleaning kitchen cabinets can be hard when the finish  is damaged or cracked because water can seep through it. When this happens, you won’t only clean your kitchen cabinets, you would have to refinish as well.

Here’s a little info about how kitchen cabinets can get damaged.

You cannot avoid light oxidation, exposure to light and constant use, three things which eventually damage your kitchen cabinets especially when not cleaned regularly. I know you wouldn’t want to have a kitchen with no windows at all. So the next best thing really is to keep it clean most of the time.

When cleaning, use regular finishes:

  • Conversion Finishes: These are pre-catalyzed lacquer, catalyzed lacquer, conversion varnish, moisture-curing polyurethane, epoxy finish,  polyester finish, two-part polyurethane, and ultraviolet-curing finish.
  • Lacquer or Moisture Resistant Lacquer
  • Varnish
  • Polyurethane
  • Shellac

How to Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets

These days, the most often used finish for kitchen cabinets is the conversion lacquer or finish. Conversion finishes are typically used by cabinet makers, both factory and custom built. They’ve been around since the early 1930s and are easy to keep and clean. They dry pretty fast, strong and durable, are resistant to moisture and heat as well. However, don’t let them stand near candles within 18 inches of distance over a prolonged period because this can damage the finish.

How to Clean Wood Kitchen CabinetsKitchen cabinets that use all the above finishes can actually be cleaned by using a mere cloth soaked in water and soap. Just don’t leave any water on the wood surface. For additional moisture and shine, you may apply lemon oil if you want. Just be reminded that doing so may cause a problem when you refinish your wood kitchen cabinets in the future. So to be on the safer side, a simple wet cloth will do. Isn’t that easy enough? What did I tell you?


Expert Tips For Glazing Kitchen Cabinets That You Can’t Mess Up

Glazing Kitchen CabinetsAre you thinking of integrating a classic look to the kitchen cabinets you have already installed inside your home? Perhaps, you want your kitchen cabinets to have a darker stain to make them look more antique and rustic. By using old colorants and learning about the glazing method, this should be a very easy project for you to do. Check out the following materials and procedure and see how easy this is.

Materials

Typically, you won’t have to take the doors and hinges off. This will depend on your personal preference if small amounts of colorant or glaze on your door hinges won’t bother you. What you will need are the following:

  • A couple of brushes
  • Water-based or oil glaze
  • Paint, stain, or colorants
  • A couple of  lint-free rags
  • Paint thinner

Procedure

Carefully do these instructions so you can have a beautiful set of kitchen cabinets in no time.

1. Wood stained cabinets that are light colored can be darkened   if you make use of oil-based glaze. Glaze is a kind of clear substance that you mix with color. It gives your kitchen cabinets the simple look you’re looking for and remains wet until such time that you attain your most wanted glazed effect.

2. Mix together the oil stain and your chosen color for glazing. Do a lot of various mixes. Apply some first on the surface of the inside of the scrap wood or cabinet door to see for yourself which mix will suit your taste when it comes to glazing your kitchen cabinets. Do this “apply and wipe” procedure simultaneously with the natural wood grain.

3. Remove or take out all the knobs and pulls the kitchen cabinet. Take out the drawers as well because it’s easier to glaze them if they are placed on your countertops or when they are strategically lined up. Clean the wood first by applying denatured alcohol.

4. With the use of a natural bristle brush,  apply adequate amount of glaze.  Use the lint-free rags for wiping the glaze off efficiently until such time that you achieve your preferred look. Make sure that you are focusing on one section at a time. You can take a break every now and then but be sure that practice consistency in glazing.

Glazing Kitchen CabinetsBy following these simple instructions, you will attain the perfect look for your kitchen cabinets in no time.


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