Are you looking to install new kitchen cabinets in your home, but aren’t sure which type of cabinets to choose?
The cabinets you choose can have a huge impact on the overall look of your kitchen. But, there are so many cabinet types out there, how are you supposed to know which one is right for your home?
Check out this guide to learn how to decide which cabinet types look best for your home.
- Shaker-Style Cabinets
Shaker-style cabinets are very popular due to their minimalist yet distinctive look. These cabinets have been around for hundreds of years, and they’ve only risen in popularity.
Each shaker-style door comes with five sections:
- Two horizontal rails on the top and bottom
- Two vertical stiles on the sides
- A recessed panel in the middle
Here are some of the top benefits of shaker-style cabinets:
- They work with a variety of kitchen styles
- They’re low maintenance
- They give your home a timeless appeal
- You can easily combine them with flat-front styles
- They’re available in a wide range of prices
- They’re available in a wide range of kitchen cabinet colors
The biggest downside to shaker-style cabinets is that they can easily collect dirt, so you’ll need to clean them on a regular basis.
- Beadboard Cabinets
Beadboard cabinets are composed of vertical slats that fit into one another. These cabinets are textured and detailed, so you’ll want to stay away from them if you’re trying to achieve a minimal look in your kitchen.
Here are some of the biggest benefits of beadboard cabinets:
- Depending on the exact style you choose, they can give your kitchen a relaxed, Scandinavian look
- You can purchase these cabinets in various widths
- They can be made to resemble real wood
- Beadboard can also be used in the interior of cabinets to add a subtle touch of detail
The biggest downside to beadboard cabinets is that they require careful cleaning because their grooves can easily collect grease and dirt. The cost of beadboard can also vary greatly depending on the type of construction and wood used.
- Glass-Front Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets are another excellent option for your kitchen. Many homeowners choose to mix glass-front cabinets with other cabinet styles.
Here are some of the upsides of glass-front cabinets:
- They can bring more light into dark rooms
- They help display beautiful ceramic and glassware collections
- They add a unique design element to your kitchen
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the display element can also be seen as a negative. Because you can see whatever is inside a glass-front cabinet, you’ll need to make an extra effort to always keep them neat and tidy. While glass-front cabinets can easily be cleaned with a store-bought glass cleaner, you’ll need to clean them frequently, as they’re prone to finger smudges.
- Flat-Front Cabinets
Also known as slab doors, these cabinets don’t have any framing or panels. They give your kitchen a simple, minimalistic look and work nicely with both contemporary and modern kitchens.
These cabinets are usually made from a single piece of MDF or plywood. These materials can either be covered with wood veneer or painted. Here are some of the biggest benefits of flat-front cabinets:
- They’re very easy to clean and refinish
- They’re one of the least expensive options on the market
- They help to showcase beautiful hardware (ie, drawer pulls, knobs, etc)
The biggest downside to flat-front cabinets is that they tend to look a little stark. But, you can stain them or paint them to create less of a contrast.
- Natural Wood Cabinets
Natural wood cabinets, also known as unfinished cabinets, are great for homeowners who want to give their kitchen a rustic, cottage-like appearance. Here are some of the benefits of natural wood cabinets:
- The patina acquired over time will make your cabinets 100% unique
- These cabinets are the least expensive choice on the market
- The doors can easily be swapped out or finished if you don’t like the unfinished look
Before installing natural wood cabinets, you want to make sure your kitchen has an effective venting system. Otherwise, the wood may rot, warp, and grow mold. To prevent grease and moisture from infiltrating the wood, we suggest you coat these cabinets with a flat varnish.
- Plywood Cabinets
Plywood cabinets are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This material has a very warm quality to it that can help give your kitchen a cozy feel. Here are some of the upsides to plywood cabinets:
- Plywood doesn’t warp, shrink, or expand like natural wood
- It’s a very strong and durable material that’s very resistant to dents and scratches
- If you want to bring out the grain of plywood, you can coat it with a clear finish
- It’s a great option for kitchens that get a lot of cabinet use
It’s important to remember though that not all plywood is created equally. It’s best to spend a little more on plywood cabinets so you get a material that’s sturdy and durable.
Cabinet Types: Are You Ready to Buy New Kitchen Cabinets?
Now that you know about the different kitchen cabinet types, it’s time to decide what’s right for your home. In addition to considering these different types of cabinets, you’ll also want to factor in the material, color, price, and installation methods.
Pretty soon, you’ll have your new cabinets installed and your home will be looking better than ever. For more kitchen remodeling tips, be sure to check back in with our blog.
