Choosing the Right Cabinet Design and Materials for Your Kitchen

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, one of the most important elements to consider is the design and materials of your kitchen cabinets. Your cabinets are more than just storage solutions–they’re a key component of your kitchen’s overall appearance and functionality.
Whether you’re looking to create a contemporary culinary space or a more traditional one, the right cabinets can elevate your kitchen’s design and enhance your daily cooking and living experience. That’s why at Sordan Construction, we specialize in helping homeowners choose the best cabinet design and materials that match their needs, preferences, and budgets.
Which to Choose: Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom Cabinets
One of the first decisions homeowners face when selecting kitchen cabinets is whether to go with stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets.
Stock Kitchen Cabinets
Stock cabinets are generally the most widely available and most budget-friendly. As they’re pre-manufactured and come in standard sizes, they’re often the cost-effective and the fastest to arrive. However, they offer limited flexibility and are not known for strength or durability.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets
For those who want complete control over the design, custom cabinets are the best option. These kitchen cabinets are made to order based on your specific measurements, preferences, and style, allowing you to fully-realize your dream kitchen. At Sordan Construction, we specialize in custom cabinetry, ensuring each design reflects the unique needs of the homeowner and their kitchen, while keeping the work on schedule and on budget.
Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets
If you’re not looking for a fully customized look, semi-custom cabinets can be a good option. They’re the middle ground between stock cabinets and custom cabinets, allowing homeowners to modify certain aspects of their kitchen cabinets, like the size, door style, color, and finish.
Picking Your Kitchen Cabinet Door Style
Cabinet doors are a defining element of your kitchen’s aesthetic. From sleek modern looks to classic designs, there are many door styles to choose from.
- Shaker Style: A timeless design characterized by a simple, clean frame with a flat center panel, these cabinets complement both traditional and modern kitchens.
- Flat-Panel: With no frame, flat-panel doors offer a minimalist and contemporary look, making them ideal for modern or industrial-style kitchens.
- Raised-Panel: A more traditional style of kitchen cabinet, raised-panel doors feature a center panel that stands out, adding depth and richness to the kitchen design.
- Glass-Front: Perfect for homeowners who want to display items like china or glassware, glass-front cabinets are often used in transitional and contemporary kitchens to add elegance.
Whichever style of kitchen cabinets you select, you’ll want to be sure you’re not sacrificing functionality. To make the most of your kitchen space, Sordan Construction can help you integrate storage and organization features such as soft-close drawers, pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, built-in dividers, and hidden compartments. These elements are essential for maximizing storage while ensuring your kitchen remains clutter-free and functional.
Exploring Cabinet Material Options
The materials you select for your kitchen cabinets can make a big difference for the functionality, aesthetic, and customization of your kitchen remodel.
Solid Wood
Solid wood cabinets are a timeless and durable option. They can be refinished over time, making them a long-lasting investment. You also have the benefit of variety, as there are many different types of wood you can choose from. For example, oak is known for its grain and strength, while cherry wood has a rich, warm tone that typically deepens over time. While you can paint over wood, you might consider simply staining it and allowing the material to be appreciated on its own.
Laminate & Thermofoil
Laminate and thermofoil cabinets are low-maintenance and affordable options with a wide variety of finishes and textures. These materials are perfect for modern kitchens that feature bold colors and contemporary designs. Thermofoil cabinets, in particular, are heat- and moisture-resistant, making them a practical choice for busy kitchens.
Metal and Glass Cabinets
For a high-end, modern look, metal and glass cabinets are a great option. Whether it’s stainless steel or a combination of glass and metal, these materials offer a sleek, industrial aesthetic. They can provide a sophisticated, minimalist vibe to your kitchen while adding the extra functionality of being able to see what’s behind each door. This means guests can tell where the glasses are kept when getting a drink, and you’ll be able to display your collection of fine china, glassware, or cookbooks.
When you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, remember that the cabinets are just one element you’ll have to consider. The design-build team at Sordan Construction can help you bring your dream kitchen to life, from designing the layout to picking out materials and styles to the actual building process. We’ll assist you in selecting materials that will complement your chosen cabinets and create an aesthetically pleasing yet functional kitchen. Contact us today to begin your kitchen remodel project.