Kitchen cabinetry can take up a major part of the kitchen remodeling budget. Appliances are not far behind. So it makes sense to consider what cabinetry will add to your kitchen and overall space.

How much to spend on cabinetry?
How much you will spend is dictated by whether you select stock, semi-custom or custom cabinetry. It also depends on your appliance budget. Limited budgets or second kitchens can definitely get by with stock cabinetry as discussed in our article in basement kitchens in a Washington DC area home. For less than $1,500 you can have nice looking cabinets.

We've never bought custom cabinetry. Generally the quality of the semi-custom cabinetry is good enough and allows for a degree of customization in most kitchen layouts. Save your money and spend it on other items that will enhance your kitchen. Remember, there's lighting, appliances, granite and flooring (hardwood and ceramic tiles).

The best way to approach how much you spend on cabinetry is to consider whether your kitchen is a separate room or is open to an adjoining room. If it's open like the photo below, then the cabinetry has to do double duty. In other words, it has to be functional and also enhance the entire space.

Getting the higher end cabinets would make sense. However, stick with the semi custom line of cabinetry if you can. Prices skyrocket when you get into the custom cabinet category.

The key thing about kitchen cabinetry is that once it's installed, it is virtually impossible to tell the difference between stock and semi custom cabinetry. In the Washington DC area, we have seen Kraft Maid Cabinetry and Wood-mode Brookhaven Cabinetry installed in two $2.3 million homes. Kraft Maid is a stock cabinet that you can buy at the Home Depot or Lowes Improvement Store. Brookhaven is a semi custom cabinet that is available through Kitchen Design stores that carry Wood-mode.

There are lots of kitchen cabinet choices, colors, and finishes. Besides the cabinetry itself, there is kitchen hardware such as pull and/or knobs that add to the cost.

What to look for?
Besides the look of the cabinet, focus on the moving parts. The mounting parts of wall cabinets or hanging rails are also important. Make sure they are at least 1/2 inch of solid wood.

The end panels (left, right and back) are also important. We generally like to upgrade to 1/2 inch plywood on the sides. Why? Because our base cabinets usually have to support granite countertops which are very heavy. While you can specify 1/2 inch on all sides or 3/4 inch, we don't think this is necessary.

Role of Kitchen Designers
A good kitchen designer is essential to getting the kitchen that you want. He or she can incorporate things into your kitchen to ensure that you have enough space both for working/entertaining and storage. Kitchen designers also incorporate and coordinate lighting, countertops, appliance and furniture layouts.

Some people may choose to hire a kitchen designer and then to shop for cabinetry and accessories separately. This is appropriate. Just inform the kitchen designer up front about this. Note, many kitchen designers welcome these types of jobs so don't be bashful if you want to go this route. You'll pay them for their services and then shop for cabinetry

Kitchen Cabinet Installation
Often overlooked, this is critical. Your cabinetry has to be level with the floor and at the precise elevation. A good carpenter should supervise the installation. Note that if you select granite countertops, the granite fabricator will not even measure for the slab until the kitchen cabinets have been completely installed.

Final Words
Before you select kitchen cabinetry, take into consideration the following factors to put things into perspective:

1. Kitchen cabinets are essentially wooden boxes with fancy doors. For the most part you are only going to see the front of most of your cabinets.
2. Good cabinetry will last for 20-25 years and is a long term investment. If you are planning to stay in a house a long time, it's worth the investment. If you are selling your home, consider less expensive cabinetry,
3. The backs and sides of kitchen cabinets are usually made of plywood or MDF (Medium-density fibreboard). Both are strong. Plywood is probably stronger and not susceptible to water damage.
4. The fronts of cabinets are made of real wood or an artificial material,
5. The only things that are going to move are the doors and draws,
6. Most natural color stains on cabinets will yellow over time, and
7. Inexpensive cabinetry can look as good as custom cabinetry with the right knobs and pulls.

We've done other articles on kitchen appliances and traditional and modern kitchens this week.