Your Guide to Choosing Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Design Guides & Resources

I have created a variety of guides and resources to help you with all your interior design projects. For more information and to download my design guides and resources, you can find a complete list here!

In the mean-time, I have included one design guide that I know is important for anyone who is planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation!

Your Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

If you have been through a kitchen renovation, you might know how difficult it is to select your cabinets. How do you determine which style of cabinetry is right for your project when there are so many options available?

I’m sure you’ve found yourself asking these questions:

1. What door style do I choose?
2. Why are there 5 different colours of white?
3. What is the difference between a thermofoil and painted door style?
4. Why is this cabinet door more expensive than this one – they look the same?
5. Why is this so expensive?

Am I right?

I get it. Trust me! I have this conversation each time I am working on a kitchen design.

There are many different styles of cabinetry and each one has its own characteristics, features, and price range. This is why I have created this guideline to help you determine which type of cabinet is best suited for you.

On average, kitchen cabinetry is the largest expense of your renovation, so it is best to determine your total renovation budget before you start researching kitchen cabinetry. You will also require a millwork design to obtain an accurate estimate.

This is when you decide to invest in hiring a designer to help guide you through the entire design process!

Melamine Cabinets

• Fabricated by heat-sealing a substrate such as MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or plywood between paper saturated with thermally fused melamine resin
• Available in flat door and drawer styles only
• Edges are square
• The most cost-effective options
• Entry-level pricing

Thermofoil Cabinets

• Fabricated using a thin layer of vinyl that is vacuum-pressed onto cabinet doors and drawer fronts, typically constructed of MDF.
• Available in a variety of door and drawer profiles.
• No seams as the substrate is one-piece
• Cost-effective alternative to a painted MDF cabinet door.
• Edges are rounded
• One of the more cost-effective options
• Entry to mid-level pricing.

Painted Wood

• Fabricated by painting a 5-piece wood door profile*. Typically, on a Maple substrate
• Flat painted finish.
• Door profile seams will expand and contract and will become visible over time
• Available in a variety of door and drawer profiles.
• Cost varies based on the species of wood
• Mid-level pricing.

Painted MDF

• Fabricated by painting an MDF/HDF door profile
• Perfect for those who aren’t a fan of the character marks common to stained wood cabinets and instead prefer a smooth, flawless finish
• Available in a variety of door and drawer profiles.
• One of the more expensive options
• High-end pricing

To download the complete Guide Your Guide to Choose Kitchen Cabinets, click here or visit my Design Guide & Resources page on my website.