Kitchen Cabinet Depot Blog

Wood Used for Kitchen Cabinets

2010-04-01T10:37:00.001-07:00

Quality kitchen cabinets are made of quality wood and not particleboard or plywood. Ready-to-assemble cabinets are no different. A customer searching for great-looking cabinets will be severely disappointed if they opt for particleboard products. Read the following post about wood used in kitchen cabinets to become a better-educated consumer.

The most popular species of wood to make cabinets and cabinet accessories are cherry, oak, maple, and hickory. Cabinet doors are usually made from durable, hardwood regardless of the species of wood.

Cherry cabinets are highly popular because the dark-grained wood is one of the most coveted hardwoods. Cherry hardwood kitchen cabinets are known for their fine grain, as well as dark red and brown colors, which deepen with age.

Variations of oak (especially red oak) are frequently used to manufacture kitchen cabinets. Oak is strong, relatively inexpensive, and offers a variety of color options.

Hickory is a very strong wood and offers itself in varying colors and tones. Some interior designers opt for hickory as a replacement to oak because the former is also open-grained, yet offers a more modern look.

Maple is offered in two variations; one type is softer and less expensive. The harder maple is close-grained with a white appearance. Maple provides a contemporary look to your kitchen cabinets.

Why Choose Wood Kitchen Cabinets

2010-03-05T05:05:00.000-08:00

What materials composite your kitchen cabinets? Quality kitchen cabinets are made from wood. Some ready-made kitchen cabinets are constructed with particleboard or plywood; these materials result in inferior products that are far from solid wood kitchen cabinets.

Why choose wood? Read on to encounter a few reasons.
Look around your community. Notice the construction materials of schools, churches, government buildings, residential homes, etc. Wood is a very popular building material. It is considered to be a high-performance component of building. It is low in weight, readily adaptable, and championed by builders and architects.

Working with wood affords kitchen cabinet manufacturers the opportunity for creativity and a multitude of shapes and sizes. Varying wood finishes allow customers a range of choices to satisfy their interior décor needs and expectations.

The look of wood adds a touch of warmth and gregariousness to a room that should be a meeting place and area of comfort for family members. Solid wood kitchen cabinets contribute to the ambiance of a kitchen, creating a sense of ‘home’.

Wood kitchen cabinets are easy to maintain though the surface requires occasional dusting and polishing. Ask your professional about cabinet accessories and proper cleaning methods. Always keep your kitchen cabinets dry and avoid long periods of moisture to ensure optimum maintenance of the wood kitchen cabinets.

In addition, some manufacturers offer unfinished wood kitchen cabinets. This invites the opportunity to discuss finish and color options. Alternatively, ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets are also available to customers online, creating the option to implement the kitchen cabinets on their own.

How to Find Ready to Assemble Kitchen Cabinets Online

2010-02-09T05:03:00.000-08:00

Are you in need of ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets? In the past, you would have to visit multiple, brick and mortar stores to purchase kitchen cabinets. Having access to a number of online suppliers makes it easier to shop. It does help to have additional insights regarding how to use Web search engines. Read the following blog post for help on online shopping for RTA cabinets, vanity cabinets, ready-made cabinets, and more.

The search
Search engines, such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing, serve users by eliciting results that the engine thinks are best suited based on keywords or phrases used. You can be very broad and use a search such as "kitchen cabinets"; "wood cabinets"; or "modern kitchen cabinet". You can also be more specific: "unfinished wood kitchen cabinets"; "bathroom vanity cabinets".

The more specific or 'long-tail' your search query, the easier it may be to find exactly what you're looking for.

The results
Results are provided to the user in two major ways: paid and unpaid results. Paid results can be found at the top of the left-hand side and the right-hand side of the results pages. 'Paid' alludes to the fact that the Web site owner paid the search engine to advertise on results pages. The unpaid results are considered 'organic' and these are the results that the search engine truly feels are most relevant based on a user search.

You don't have to completely disregard paid results (you don't have to avoid a "kitchen cabinet sale" because it is a paid advertisement), yet be aware of how particular sites arrive on the results pages.

Making a choice
It may be best to peruse through the first few pages of the results and select three to four bath cabinet service providers. Next, check prices, warranties, delivery fees, and other factors regarding the sale.

Check to see if the providers have quality pictures of their kitchen cabinet products available for online shoppers to view. Not being able to experience products first-hand is a hurdle of online shopping. If you are not completely satisfied with online images, contact the ready-to-assemble cabinet supplier. They may be able to send you additional photos electronically or offer a full-product brochure.

Creating a Spa Bathroom

2010-01-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

Have you ever walked into a day spa for a massage or beauty treatment and instantly felt at ease? Your heart rate calms, your stress disappears, and a smile quickly appears on your face. Well, why not create that experience in your own home? Transforming your bathroom into a relaxing escape will provide you with a spa- like experience to enjoy whenever you please.

There are a number of options to consider when creating the spa escape you have always dreamed of.

Tub or Shower

If you have a tub, consider upgrading to a Jacuzzi style with a deeper soaking area and multiple jets. Replace old and outdated models with newer versions. If the area functions as a shower too, install a rain shower head and enclose the tub with clear glass doors instead of a shower curtain.

If you have a shower stall, transform it into a walk-in shower. They are very popular in day spas. Tile the walls with a natural texture to match the floors. Add multi jet fixtures and a rain shower head above. Instead of a shower curtain, consider clear glass doors to open up the area.

Vanity Cabinets

If you prefer to have bathroom cabinets for easy storage, go with a neutral color or light wood tone. White or cream colors are soothing. Ready to assemble cabinets can be purchased to make the process cheap and easy.

Top the vanity with a framed mirror (or two for dual sinks) and create a modern feel. Choose a frame that matches the facet and hardware color or the cabinet color.

Sink

If you go with the vanity cabinet option, top it with dual sinks when possible. There are so many modern options to choose from like custom stone sinks, hand blown glass sinks, or even gemstone sinks. Choose a countertop to complement whichever sink you choose. Materials like granite or stone will add a natural texture to the sink.

If you choose a pedestal sink, there are also plenty of modern options. Classic Ceramic, Glass, or stone are a few to consider. Again, go with neutral colors and natural textures to get that relaxing spa feel.

Flooring

Choose ceramic tile flooring in a warm and neutral color. Avoid patterns and shiny, glazed finishes. You want the texture to be natural. A great upgrade for the floor would be to add heating. There are electrically heated floor options that feel perfect on your feet after stepping out of a steamed shower.

Lighting

Lighting is key! You want to be able to dim the lights for relaxing in the tub and then brighten them for functional purposes like showering or getting ready. LED lighting above the shower, tub, and vanity cabinets work well. You can also accent with lights mounted on the wall to either side of the framed mirror(s).

Paint

The wall color is also very important. First of all, get rid of any wallpaper or boarders. They only date the bathroom. Choose a light and airy color that contrasts well with the floor. For instance, a warm caramel wall goes well with a slightly darker tan floor. The wall should also be a lighter tone then the floor.

Fixtures

Fixtures include cabinet accessories or hardware, faucets, door handles, and light switches. The first rule, is that they should all match. Having a brass door handle, black light switches, and chrome faucets is a definite no. It makes all your hard work and design look incomplete. I would recommend going with cool tones like chrome, nickel, Venetian bronze, or wrought iron. The bright brass and gold tones would contrast the calming feel of the bathroom.

Accessories

Complete the relaxing spa bathroom with accessories. Tranquil scented candles, fluffy light toned towels and bathmats, refreshing soaps, and moisturizing body butters or calming lotions will do the job. Remember the clutter creates stress. Store products away in the cabinets and keep the counter tops or shower stall clear.

The Quick and Easy Kitchen Upgrade: Hardware

2009-12-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

You may not have the time or money for a complete kitchen overhaul. Whether the cost of kitchen cabinets is too much or you prefer a quick fix, there is a great alternative to upgrading your kitchen. Adding new hardware or replacing what you have can dramatically change the look and feel of a kitchen.

Hardware not only dates kitchen cabinets, but it says a lot about the upkeep and care. A kitchen with old or missing handles and knob seems neglected and overused. Fresh and new cabinet accessories add a clean and well kept feel to the kitchen. When you walk into the room, the hardware is usually the first thing you see. The knobs and handles stick out from the surface level of the cabinets and drawers creating an eye catching appeal. This is why making a minor, low cost change in hardware goes a long way!

Style/Design
When selecting hardware you want to consider your kitchen’s style and design. You want your cabinet handles and drawer pull to mesh well with the décor of the room. Common styles to consider when updating your hardware are modern or contemporary, traditional, colonial, and rustic. Besides these, there are a ton of other cabinet accessory styles to choose from that fit your taste and kitchen design.

Material
After choosing which style hardware works with your kitchen, you will need to decide on a material. It is a good idea to stick with what is already in your kitchen. For instance, if you have stainless steel fixtures and accents, your kitchen cabinet hardware will want to match. You do not want to have different metals, finishes, or textures that clash with each other. Remember that some materials are pricier than others so choosing one that works with the kitchen style and your budget is the way to go.

Cost
Common hardware prices are anywhere from $3 to $10 a piece. The number of cabinets and drawers your kitchen contains will determine your costs. If you have a small kitchen with 5 or so cabinets, you might be inclined to buy more expensive hardware. But, if you have a large kitchen with plenty of knobs and handles required, you might want to budget a lower costing hardware to help save money.

Purchasing
When you decide on a style, material, and cost you have many chooses as to where to purchase the hardware from. The massive chains like Lowes or Home Depot carry cabinet accessories, but there are other options as well. Searching online at creative places like, Kitchen Cabinet Depot, provide distinct and one of a kind hardware. They make shopping even easier without having to leave your own home. You order the hardware on their site and they ship it right to your front door. Be sure to consider online shopping for a unique and original hardware purchase.

Installing
Installing knobs and handles can be painless when done properly. The most common mistake is having hardware in different or unlevel locations from cabinet to cabinet. Avoid this by creating a jig or template. Use tape or adhesive on one of the cabinets and drawers to determine where you would like the hardware placed. You can use a ruler and pencil to make sure drawer handles are centered. Stand back and make sure that this looks right then drill the hole(s). To build the jig, cut 2 same sized pieces of plywood that will sit on the front and back of the cabinet when in use. Then cut a small strip of wood that is the same thickness of the cabinet. This will hold the front and back pieces together. Nail the small strip of wood in the middle of the two pieces of plywood, along the left side. Place the jig along the cabinet edge and drill into it at the exact same place that you drilled the first hole in the cabinet. Drill through both pieces of plywood in the jig. Now you have a pattern or template to use. Put the jig on each cabinet to determine where to drill the holes for the hardware. Once the holes are created, screw the hardware into the cabinet you are done!

Adding new hardware creates a new look and feel with little time and labor. Check out Kitchen Cabinet Depot for the many hardware options available. They specialize in creating unique and quality pieces for your kitchen upgrade. www.kitchencabinetdepot.com

Kitchen and Bath Style

2009-12-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

There are so many options today for kitchen and bath cabinets, it can be a bit overwhelming. Sometimes the best way to start is to determine what your style is. Everyone has their own style, and sometimes don’t yet know what it is. Simply looking at design magazine photos, design center display kitchens, or model homes can help define what you like, don’t like and need in a kitchen or bath. Some homeowners prefer a more sophisticated look, with lots of detail, while others want a simple, classic look. Wood species, colors and features are all part of deciding which cabinets are best for you. Start your search by looking at all the available styles and colors. Once you narrow it down, you’ll want to find out which options for color, door style, sizes and features are available in those particular cabinet lines. For those remodelers who need custom sizes, or want more options for getting the finish they love, built-to-order cabinets are a great option.

If your existing cabinets are in good condition, and you’re not changing the layout of your room, you may want to consider just refacing the cabinets you have. This is like getting a whole new kitchen or bathroom at a fraction of the cost, and takes much less time to reach the finish line. There are so many options to choose from, you’ll find something that tickles your fancy!

Kitchen Display

2009-12-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

Many people these days want to integrate their kitchen into the great room, and give it a warmer, more inviting feel. One way to do this is to display collectibles and art. How do you do this in a kitchen? Just take the doors off the cabinets. Wall cabinets have adjustable shelves, which can be replaced with glass to provide a dressier look; putting lights in these cabinets enhances your display even more. Showing off your treasures helps make the kitchen one of the ‘living’ spaces.

Some cabinets are made specifically for display; these cabinets have glass in the upper portion of the door, and interior lights. This gives you the option of displaying your beautiful things, and hiding the more functial items in your kitchen. With options like this, you can make your kitchen more comfortable, inviting and livable.

Benefits of Ready-to-Assemble Kitchen Cabinets

2009-11-25T09:20:00.000-08:00

Many people decide to purchase ready-made kitchen cabinets. When people think of getting cabinets, they may think about showrooms or major home outlets, yet many suppliers of ready-to-assemble cabinets exist.

Are you in the market for new kitchen cabinets? Consider some of the advantages of purchasing RTA kitchen cabinets:

Ready-to-assemble cabinets are no different in regards to standard sizes offered. There are different types of cabinets showcased in showrooms, and ready-made suppliers emulate the variety.

Some people may think that ready-made kitchen cabinets are not made as durable as showroom or large-chain supplier cabinets. This is not true. Some suppliers do sell cabinets made with particle board. These vendors should be avoided because particle board absorbs moisture, which makes the cabinets susceptible to decay. Most ready-made kitchen cabinet suppliers offer goods that are comparable those shown in large showrooms. The cabinets are made from quality hardware and engineered by skilled craftsmen.

The selection of ready-made cabinets does not leave the consumer wanting. You can choose amongst a variety of styles and colors. In addition, finishes and little touches such as knobs and pulls are assorted. There will be no problem matching the established décor of your kitchen or choosing something you will love.

One of the most alluring traits of ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets is the economical pricing. Consumers are offered quality kitchen cabinets at lower prices because the cost of labor and installation is taken out of the equation. In addition, shipping costs are lower because the boxes are smaller since the cabinets are not yet assembled.

Furthermore, ready-to-assemble cabinets do not warrant the need of a master carpenter. The kitchen cabinets are simple to construct, making just about anyone a likely candidate for assembly. Only a few, basic tools are needed to construct the cabinets.

Question about matching furniture to hardwood flooring.

2009-11-20T17:25:00.000-08:00

ncmom

My husband and I ripped out our carpet and installed a beautiful oak hardwood floor. We’ve decided that our next project is going to be building an entertainment unit (wall) in our family room. My question is: should the entertainment unit match the floor exactly? The flooring is a medium oak stain called Gunstock. It’s almost like a warm caramel color. Does it look funny if the wood tones in a room are a little lighter or a little darker than the flooring? I hope this makes sense. I’m not into matchy-matchy stuff, but I don’t want overkill on one color.

Thanks for your help!

LisainVA

IMHO, no. Your new floor sounds nice. I would not build a unit that would match the floor. It would just blend to much together and not stand out. That unit is it’s own piece of furniture. Mixing and matching woods and colors is very nice.

charley

I agree with Lisa, you need contrast between the two.

Same thing when you put wood floors in the kitchen. They always looks better with contrasting cabinets … otherwise it’s just a mass of the same.

Veecee

I’m not into matchy-matchy stuff, but I don’t want overkill on one color.

ncmom, “Matchy” is out anyway. Back-in-the-day; if you had cherry something, you had to have cherry everything. No more.

We have oak hardwood throughout our house, the wood is a backdrop to anything you want to put in your house. I have a medium tone cherry entertainment unit in the family room that looks great, as well as some med-dark oak pieces, and some cream color throughout the house. Matching is not an issue - just go with what you like and it all seems to work.

All comments approved by Kitchen Cabinet Depot.com

Odd dimensions "I'm not normal!"

2009-11-11T16:40:00.000-08:00

Question: What do I do if standard cabinet sizes don’t fit my space? I have a very old house, with cabinets that must have been made just for the space. My ceilings are only 70″ high, so if I use regular 30″ high wall cabinets, they will practically be sitting on the counter. Help!

Answer: Help is on the way! Thankfully, someone has thought about the rest of us. It is possible to have a beautiful and functional kitchen, even in an odd space. You just need a little ‘custom’ help.

Standard cabinet sizes from Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets.net can be modified to suit your space. Ordering 16″ high cabinets for your kitchen will solve your dilemma, and still give you plenty of space between the bottom of the cabinets and your countertop (just like ‘normal’ people!). Best of all, it’s easy! Visit Unfinished Kithen Cabinets.net to see all the wood types and door style options for this line. Then call for a custom quote on modified wall cabinets. You’ll be surprised at how affordable these are, and you’ll even get to customize the finish, so you’re kitchen can live up to its full potential.

Ready-Made Kitchen Cabinet Supplier Goes Green

2009-10-27T04:46:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking about remodeling your kitchen cabinets? Do your bath cabinets seem outdated? Did you have an idea to add more vanity cabinets around the house to spruce up its look? Kitchen Cabinet Depot supplies solid wood cabinets. Wood cabinets are durable, well-constructed, and beautiful to look at. Unfortunately, wood comes from trees - there is just no way around the fact.

We at Kitchen Cabinet Depot care about making our customers happy with our ready-made kitchen cabinet kits, and we also care about our world and environment. It requires wood to make our ready to assemble kitchen cabinets, and the wood comes from trees. As a consequence, we make a commitment to replace a tree with every order from our customers.

After their order of bath cabinets, kitchen cabinets, vanity cabinets, etc., we send our customers a thank you card attached with the sentiment that we have planted a tree in their honor as well as in efforts to keep our planet green.

Our Green efforts are not the only endeavors, which make our customers happy. We are fully committed to our customers in any way we can express. We offer a 90-day best price guarantee (if you can find a competitor's price lower than ours and send us proof, we will send you a refund for the difference). In addition, we offer free shipping for orders exceeding $1,500 (the free shipping is for orders of a single finish/style).

Visit our kitchen cabinet Web site and come see what we have to offer you!

Customizing your kitchen: hiding the clutter

2009-10-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

One way to get a more pleasant view of your kitchen from the adjoining rooms is to use taller cabinets on the back of your peninsula or island. Many decorators have used the 42″ high wall cabinets, facing out, to hide the sink/cooktop clutter from view. You can build a base for the cabinets to raise them off the floor, and give even more height. This gives the kitchen a more custom look and is a nice way to vary the look and style. It’s especially effective with glass doors to display collectibles.

You can find 42″ cabinets and glass doors at Kitchen Cabinet Depot.

I just want to add one or two cabinets

2009-10-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

If you are remodeling your kitchen and like your basic layout and your cabinets are in good shape, you can just reface the cabinet boxes with real wood or Thermofoil veneers and hang new doors. Doors and Refacing Supplies can be found at Cabinet Doors Depot If you want to add one or two cabinets, you can get a quote for complete unfinished cabinets, without doors and drawer fronts from Kitchen Cabinet Depot Then you can install the new cabinets and reface everything to match.

Red and yellow base tones will give your kitchen a warm and inviting look.

2009-09-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

Warm colors are appealing and inviting to the senses. Usually the red and yellow based tones are selected for kitchens. They convey a hospitality element. If you limit yourself to reds, yellows and orange tones, you will still have a variety of options. The terra cotta reds, cork colored yellows and yellow based greens are very appealing. Sherwin-Williams has a great variety. Their Anjou pear is a favorite, as well as the gold and copper hues.

Whatever colors you decide to investigate, picking up trial size paints is a good way to see how different shades will look in your home. Most paint companies sell sample packs of their colors that, after an application of primer, can easily be brushed over a small area.

For accent colors, remember that they don’t necessarily have to come in the form of paint. Window treatments, placemats, hardware and other kitchen accessories can often be found in colors that can be a complement to your kitchen cabinets.

If you’re planning to update your appliances, choosing a warm color instead of the standard white, black or stainless also can make your kitchen more inviting.
Many kitchen appliances are now available in warm, bronzed metallic colors. This gives consumers an opportunity to mix warm and cool colors. The warm metallic mixed with a medium to charcoal gray wall color and oak cabinets can provide a real contemporary twist.

One final point to consider: Not all whites are the same. Many have undertones of another color. Glossy, matte or textured finishes also can differentiate white surfaces. People think anything goes with white, and for the most part it does, but don’t forget to look at your existing finishes for help in determining color selection.

Sherwin Williams

Choosing Kitchen Cabinets and Overall Kitchen Layout

2009-09-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

All unfinished kitchen cabinets are not the same. Some types of wood absorb stains better than others. A wood’s final color depends upon its hardness and original shade. It’s easier to darken wood than to lighten it, so select unfinished cabinets accordingly. Light colored woods are ash, maple, pine, oak, birch, beech, chestnut and elm. Medium colored woods include cherry, teak, butternut and rosewood. Darker colored woods are hickory and mahogany.

If you plan on painting, staining or glazing kitchen cabinets, you can use cheaper types of wood. Oak cabinets can be stained to look like expensive mahogany or cherry.

Before making your final choice, try various types of stain on samples of wood you’re considering. Compare those colors against the rest of your kitchen’s woodwork. Which ones complement the furniture you have?

Don’t choose ash unless you want a natural look, or light-colored cabinets. Ash doesn’t absorb stains very well.

If you are considering new cabinets or a simple kitchen refacing, first decide on general distribution of the kitchen cabinets according to the space available. With different types of kitchens, (i.e. single-row, L-shape or corner-shape,

U-shape - with or without kitchen islands), where to put what depends on your room size.

The classical way to distribute basic kitchen appliances around cabinets is: refrigerator, cabinet, oven, cabinet, kitchen sink with dishwasher. Obviously not considering any additional space for a possible washing machine. This traditional lineup keeps the heat of the oven away from the refrigerator and still allows room to have them close enough. You’ll want to find the best distribution, based on the space you have in your home. You can draw a simple floor plan of your kitchen, with the correct dimension, and cut (using paper board) some pieces equivalent to the size of each of your appliances. This will give you a rough idea of what cabinets can be used to fill in the available spaced.

Kitchen cabinet's hinge side or finished sides

2009-08-31T14:10:00.000-07:00

Question: When purchasing kitchen cabinets, you are asked to choose a hinge side or a finished side. Is this when facing the front of the kitchen cabinet or as if you are the cabinet and your front, is the face of the cabinet?

Answer: This would be as you are standing facing the the front of the kitchen cabinet. For more tips on ordering kitchen cabinets go to: Our Articles Page

Painting unfinished cabinets

2009-08-01T03:34:00.000-07:00

Unfinished kitchen cabinets are a great option for those who want a custom finish. Many people have a particular stain they want to use, or are looking for a special glazed or antique look. Of course, painted cabinets have always been popular, so whether you’re excited about just the right yellow to brighten up your kitchen, or want a country blue for your cottage bath, you can find a huge selection of paint colors to complete your project.

It’s important to properly prime and seal the wood before applying color, so be sure you use a high-quality primer meant for wood furniture. We recommend an oil-base primer, to help protect against cracks in the wood. You can find many options for paint and stains at Sherwin-Williams or Minwax.

Start with the right product - our high quality, solid wood unfinished kitchen cabinets, made to order just for you! Or, you can have the products finished for you with our wide selection of paint and stain options. Either way, you can be sure that you are purchasing quality products that will enhance your kitchen or bath for years to come!