Your Kitchen Cabinet Options

by Gabby Hyman
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

When refacing your kitchen cabinets seems like putting lipstick on an ugly mule, you're probably facing up to a complete overhaul, from the actual cabinets to cabinet hardware.

Choosing Stock or Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Once you've recognized that your cabinets need a complete change, many people struggle over a decision whether to go with stock, pre-made cabinets or buy more costly - but generally more attractive - custom kitchen cabinets. Overall appearance, the scope of the project, and your working budget should help you draw your own conclusions.

Home improvement centers and furniture stores often have a wide selection of mass-market kitchen cabinets and cabinet hardware. The good news is that the selection often cuts across a wide range of affordability. The bad news is that many stock kitchen cabinets look like they came straight out of a high-school woodcraft shop. But, if you choose wisely, even stock cabinets can set a nice overall color and style for your kitchen.

Custom Kitchen Cabinets and Hardware

You may want to work with a professional in examining the long-term needs for your kitchen, to help you budget accordingly, and to assist with the ordering semi-custom or custom-built cabinets. Semi-custom kitchen cabinets are made upon order, and usually alter the stock cabinet set with paint and hardware accents that best match your kitchen theme. You can create a custom look with semi-custom cabinets by inserting display shelves or plate and wine racks.

If you're going for a custom make-over, seek bids from reputable carpenters and cabinet makers in your neighborhood. Interview employees at home improvement stores. Talk with your relatives, friends, and neighbors. If a complete custom installation is out of your budget, consider bringing in a professional to install manufactured cabinets and then modify the height, the shelves, and cabinet hardware to give your kitchen a personalized look.

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He has created online content for eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Avaya, and Nissan UK. He has also been a web consultant to the Governor of California. As an author of fiction, journalism, and poetry, Gabby is a former English professor for the University of Illinois, University of Alaska, and Old Dominion University. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.