Kitchen and Bath Remodeling in LA » cabinet comparison http://remodeling-los-angeles.com/blog custom home builders in los angeles - 310-736-1856 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:34:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Finding the Right Cabinets for Your Kitchen http://remodeling-los-angeles.com/blog/finding-the-right-cabinets-for-your-kitchen/ http://remodeling-los-angeles.com/blog/finding-the-right-cabinets-for-your-kitchen/#comments Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:13:50 +0000 admin http://remodeling-los-angeles.com/blog/?p=15 When you figure out which look you are going for in your cabinets it’s time to choose the cabinet set that you will be purchasing for your kitchen.

Here is a broad chart for you to look at to match up the style and features you are wanting to your budget.

Basic Midlevel Premium
  • Often called to be stock.
  • Inexpensive, ready to assemble units.
  • Best for buyers who are less picky about style.
  • Fewer style and trim options, sizes, and features.
  • Often made of particleboard, not plywood.
  • Many use frameless construction (doors hide frame)
  • $250-$350 for typical 21″ wide base, 30″ tall wall duo.
  • Great for most kitchens.
  • Lowered priced semicustom models, offering many made-to-order choices; size, door style, materials, finish, trim, and accessories.
  • Face frame construction (part of the solid wood frame shows between doors and drawers).
  • Quality and features vary.
  • The boxes tend to be thin or thicker particleboard.
  • $400-$900 for typical 21″ wide base and 30″ tall wall duo
  • Best for ones that wants the most style and storage options.
  • Including higher priced semicustom models with plywood boxes and other premium materials/hardware.
  • Widths can come in 1/4″ increments, unlike the typical 3″ increments.
  • $600-$1000+ for a 21″ wide base and 30″ tall wall duo.


It’s best to choose what you can afford or what you are willing to pay for cabinets. Cabinets are roughly half of kitchen remodeling budget according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association. And with all products you can pay high price for low-quality cabinets. So it’s best to do as much research as possible before you purchase your cabinets.

Note: If you have fallen under the Basic category, don’t fret! You can still find pretty durable cabinets. Consumer Reports tested cabinets from Mills Pride and IKEA, and they tested better than some of the more expensive brands.

As you are looking for your cabinets, you should find the ones that you want. Not what your friends’ want, not what your contractor suggests, not even what an architect suggests. Now it’s true that they could have good suggestions but do not pick cabinets solely because of them. If you do, you are twice as likely to end up having issues versus a person that was more involved in their decision.

If you spend lots of money in a cabinet be sure that it’s going into well-built drawers and guides, since these will get the most use. You may be able to get away with boxes made of particleboard instead of plywood.

Focus on features that are mostly convenient for you. Features like lazy Susan, soap and sponge holders, and deep pot drawers. Consider what is most practical for you. What may be most practical for you could also be to skip any nonessential features like glazing which can add 10-20% to the price.

Lastly, installation costs can easily be 50% of the cabinet costs – be sure to adjust your budget accordingly. You may have made a great investment into your cabinets, but the installation is just as important. A good job installing them will protect your investment by preventing warping, doors that won’t ever close or sit flush, and wall cabinets that can fall. So before you rush to get your cabinets installed be sure you follow the following tips to make sure that your investment continues to be a good investment.

  1. Check references – Talk with suppliers and past customers to learn about their business practices. Ask for copies of insurance certificates too.
  2. Check for credentials – Having a Certification from kitchen and bath remodeling from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry is something to not overlook. The Certification requires 5 years minimum experience and day long exam.
  3. Have your plan ready! This is so that your installer can give an accurate estimation. Your estimation should include a demolition that may be required and removal of your old cabinets. (Some people do the removal themselves to save some money.)
  4. If you’re using particleboard wall cabinets, have your installer reinforce the mounting strips for your wall cabinets.
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