How to choose kitchen cabinets when remodeling?

Choosing the right kitchen cabinets when remodeling is one of the most important decisions you’ll make—it impacts your kitchen’s functionality, style, and overall value. With countless options in material, design, and configuration, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This step-by-step guide will help you choose the perfect kitchen cabinets that match your needs, taste, and budget.

1. Determine Your Budget

Before diving into design choices, know how much you’re willing to spend.

Average cabinet cost ranges:

Stock cabinets: $60–$200 per linear foot
RTA (Ready-to-Assemble): $80–$250 per linear foot
Semi-custom: $150–$500 per linear foot
Custom cabinets: $500+ per linear foot

Pro tip: Cabinets can eat up 30–50% of your total kitchen remodel budget, so plan accordingly.

2. Measure and Plan Your Layout

Take detailed measurements of your kitchen space:

Wall-to-wall dimensions
Ceiling height
Window and door placements
Appliance positions

Use kitchen planning tools like IKEA Kitchen Planner, Home Depot Designer, or apps like SketchUp to mock up the layout.

Consider:

Do you want an island or a peninsula?
Are you keeping the existing plumbing and appliance locations?

Proper planning ensures you maximize storage and workflow efficiency.

3. Choose Your Cabinet Style

Cabinet door style sets the tone for your kitchen design.

Popular cabinet styles:

StyleDescriptionBest For

Shaker Clean, square edges; timeless and versatile Most homes—modern to farmhouse

Slab Flat-panel, modern look Minimalist, contemporary kitchens

Beadboard Vertical lines, cottage feel Rustic or coastal designs

Raised Panel Traditional with decorative detailing Classic, formal kitchens

Glass-front Showcases dishes or decor Accent pieces, open feel

Tip: Combine closed cabinets with open shelving or glass doors for a balanced look.

4. Choose Cabinet Materials Wisely

Materials affect both cost and durability.

Cabinet box materials:

Plywood: Strong, moisture-resistant, long-lasting (best choice)
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Smooth, paint-friendly, affordable
Particle Board: Budget-friendly but less durable

Cabinet door materials:

Solid wood: Durable and classic but more expensive
MDF: Great for painted finishes, resists warping
Laminate/Thermofoil: Low-maintenance, budget-friendly

Recommendation: Opt for plywood boxes with MDF or solid wood doors for the best balance.

5. Pick the Right Finish and Color

Your cabinet finish will influence the entire kitchen vibe.

Popular finishes:

Painted: Modern and clean (white, navy, sage green)
Stained: Shows wood grain; good for traditional or rustic looks
Laminate: Smooth, colorful, and affordable
Matte or glossy: Depends on your lighting and style preference

Trendy colors (2025):

Warm whites
Deep greens
Matte black
Natural wood tones

6. Decide on Storage Features and Organization

Think beyond looks—functionality is key in everyday use.

Storage add-ons to consider:

Pull-out spice racks or trash bins
Deep drawers for pots and pans
Lazy Susans in corner cabinets
Vertical tray dividers
Soft-close hinges and drawer slides
The built-in utensil or cutlery organizers

These options may increase costs but add major long-term convenience.

7. Choose Cabinet Configuration

Design your cabinets to match your lifestyle and habits.

Basic cabinet types:

TypeUse Case

Base cabinets Sit on the floor, support countertops

Wall cabinets Mounted above counters for storage

Tall cabinets For pantries or brooms

Open shelving Light, airy feel for decorative items

Layout tips:

Use drawers over doors for base cabinets—they’re more accessible
Consider removing some uppers and using shelves for an open look

8. Decide: Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom?

Your budget and timeline play a role here.

TypeProsCons

Stock Cheap, fast, easy to find Limited sizes & styles

RTA Inexpensive, DIY-friendly Requires assembly

Semi-custom Flexible features & sizes Mid-range price

Custom Fully tailored to space/style Most expensive & longest lead

Tip: If you want a custom look on a budget, go semi-custom or RTA with personalized finishes.

9. Evaluate the Cabinet Construction Quality

Look for these signs of well-built cabinets:

Dovetail joints (instead of staples or glue)
Full-extension drawer slides
Soft-close hinges
Solid or plywood box construction
Adjustable shelving
Durable, moisture-resistant finishes

Even affordable cabinets can be well-made if you shop carefully.

10. Maintenance and Durability

Make sure the finish and materials suit your lifestyle.

Glossy finishes are easy to clean but show fingerprints.
Matte finishes hide smudges better but may be harder to wipe.
Solid wood is durable but can expand with moisture—good ventilation is key.

If you cook frequently, prioritize easy-to-clean finishes and hardware.

Quick Checklist: How to Choose Kitchen Cabinets

Set a realistic budget

Measure and design your layout

Choose a cabinet style that fits your home

Pick durable materials (plywood box, MDF, or wood doors)

Select a color and finish

Add functional storage upgrades

Match cabinet type to your budget (stock, RTA, semi-custom)

Check for construction quality

Choose hardware that complements your style

Consider maintenance and cleaning

Final Thoughts

Choosing kitchen cabinets is about balancing form, function, and budget. By understanding your options and planning carefully, you can create a kitchen that’s beautiful, durable, and a joy to use every day.

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