If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen cabinets but aren’t sure where to start, look no further than these six tips on how to choose the best kitchen cabinets San Diego has to offer. Whether you’re looking to build or buy a new home, these will be some of the most important considerations on your mind as you shop around town and narrow down your search results.

The different types of kitchen cabinets

When shopping for new kitchen cabinets, there are a number of different styles and materials available. The most popular types include: built-in, shaker, and stock cabinets. The best way to find out which style is right for you is to choose several potential styles that fit your kitchen space. You’ll also want to measure your cabinet needs thoroughly so that you don’t end up with too much or too little storage space.

The materials used to make kitchen cabinets

For most homes, kitchen cabinets come in three materials: wood, plastic, and composite. Each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages. The primary advantage of composite cabinets is their durability. As long as they’re properly installed and maintained, a set of composite cabinets can last for years. They also resist moisture damage better than other types of cabinetry. Wood cabinetry has an old-world charm that some people love, but it can be prone to cracking if exposed to changes in humidity or temperature. It may also require more maintenance, like sealing and varnishing every few years. Plastic is generally pretty sturdy—at least as much so as composites are—but it does tend to give off an unpleasant chemical odor when heated up.

How many kitchen cabinets do you need?

Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. If you’re redoing your kitchen, you may want to ask yourself how much storage space you really need before you start looking at cabinets. But even if your old cabinets aren’t falling apart, it might be a good idea to get rid of them and upgrade.

Styles of kitchen cabinetry

For example, contemporary cabinets tend to look best in modern kitchens, whereas shaker-style cabinetry looks great in traditional kitchens. You can contact an expert like B & F Cabinet Stone & Floor for advice. As with most home-decorating decisions, it’s best to avoid mixing and matching different styles; if you have a mishmash of kitchen cabinetry, you’ll wind up with an odd-looking kitchen that won’t inspire your cooking or be inviting for friends and family members. If you do want a mixed-up kitchen, opt for the same materials (for example, mix and match all wood) to create continuity throughout. Before choosing your materials, though, be sure you know where everything will go; accurate measurements are critical when designing kitchens!

“Color and finishes

The biggest decision you’ll have is which color and finish you want for your cabinets. It all comes down to personal preference, but there are some basic guidelines that can help. Some colors, like blue or red, can look dirty over time (this is especially true for light-colored countertops). Other colors can cause your kitchen to feel cold—black and white tend to do that. Neutral shades like beige or gray may make your space feel larger and brighter.

Tips for picking out kitchen cabinetry

  1. Figure out what you need or want in your kitchen: Measure your space to know how much room you have for each type of cabinet. 
  2. Understand why you’re remodeling: Do you want an open floor plan? Do you need more storage? Are your cabinets falling apart? These questions will help you determine what style will best suit your kitchen. 
  3. Get a feel for styles, materials, and finishes: There are endless options when it comes to choosing kitchen cabinetry, so finding something that fits your taste is vital to finding success with any project.
  4. Make sure your design needs are considered during installation. Be sure to communicate with both the kitchen design company and the builders about your specific style preferences; after all, nothing is worse than watching those plans fall flat during construction. 
  5. Consider cost vs. convenience factors: Many people install granite or marble counters because they look amazing, but find themselves frustrated by constant maintenance costs down the road.