Kitchen Cabinet and Counter Los Angeles

Kitchen Cabinet Editorial

Kitchen Cabinet and Counter Contractor Selection Tips


Kitchen remodeling projects can be especially frustrating and inconvenient when planned poorly. Imagine eating takeout and frozen dinners for weeks on end while you wait for your back-ordered kitchen cabinets and counters to be installed into your already demolished kitchen. Whether you are hiring a residential contractor to help with your project or doing the remodel yourself, kitchen cabinets are often a good place to start because they often take a long time to order and are the functional centerpiece of a good kitchen design. The first decision to make is custom vs. stock. Stock cabinets will usually be the best bet in terms of cost ($75 -$250 per lineal foot vs. $300 to $1,200 for custom) and delivery time (2-3 weeks vs. 5-6 for custom). Do some careful measuring and research to determine if there is a brand of stock cabinet that you like that will fit your kitchen. Even if the fit isnt perfect, sometimes the manufacturer will also sell some sheets or pieces that can be used to fill in gaps.

The finish and wood type are a matter of personal preference but if you are taking the time to redesign your kitchen they should be of good quality. High quality kitchen cabinet fronts are solid, single-piece wood with even stains. Low quality cabinets will have thin laminates, mismatched woods, simulated wood grain, and haphazard joinery. One of the best places to look when checking the quality of a cabinet is the drawer because this is the first place manufacturers will cut corners. Look for quality ball bearings and wheels, the quality of the inner surfaces, and the detailing of the joinery.

Avoid static and sterile kitchen cabinet and counter designs. There is no rule that says kitchen cabinets and counters have to be uniform and boring. Varying the heights and depths of the cabinets will breakup the boring straight lines. Using a glass and wire mesh cabinet doors in combination with solid wood doors can liven things up. The same applies to countertop and backsplash materials. A dark granite countertop can provide a nice contrast to a light marble island. You can spice things up with a mosaic tile backsplash or go with a clean stainless steel look. The possibilities for kitchen counters and cabinets are endless so feel free to get creative and even a little daring.