Give Your Kitchen a Storage Makeover by Adding Custom Cabinets
Is your kitchen cluttered with too many appliances, cookware, and pantry items crammed into cabinets and drawers? Do you dream of a kitchen with spacious, organized storage and a fresh, updated look? Transforming your kitchen by adding custom cabinets can provide the extra space, accessibility and style your heart desires.
Read on to discover the many benefits of boosting your kitchen's storage capacity with new cabinetry. We'll explore planning considerations, the installation process, and costs so you can start your kitchen makeover journey.
Reasons to Add New Kitchen Cabinets
Before diving into the how-to, let's look at why adding cabinets can be a smart upgrade for many homeowners:
Increase Storage and Organization
Lack of adequate kitchen storage is a top complaint for many homeowners. Appliances like Instant Pots and air fryers are popular, but finding a home for bulky items strains existing cabinets. Expanding cabinetry creates new storage solutions to neatly stow these appliances when not in use.
More cabinets allow separating cookware by type, while pull-out shelves and other organizational accessories keep contents accessible and tidy. Strategically placed pantry cabinets bring order to canned goods, snacks and other dry ingredients.
Update the Look and Feel
Along with enhancing function, new cabinets boost form. Outdated cabinets make any kitchen feel stuck in the past. Replacing worn or builder-grade cabinetry provides an instant aesthetic upgrade.
Or, complement classic cabinetry by mixing different styles. For example, open shelving or glass-front cabinets create graceful contrasts beside traditional cabinet faces. The design possibilities are endless.
Enhance Workflow and Accessibility
Ever wish your prep bowls were closer to the cooktop, or often rummage around lower cabinets? Adjusting cabinet placement improves kitchen workflow and eases physical strain. New layouts enhance ergonomics by locating commonly used items where they are easier to access.
For mobility-challenged individuals, sink-adjacent drawers eliminate bending down for pots and pans. Roll-out shelves and lazy susans enhance accessibility within existing cabinet footprints.
Planning Your New Cabinet Addition
Careful planning ensures your new cabinets integrate seamlessly into your kitchen. Keep these tips in mind:
Evaluate Your Current Layout
Take a fresh look at your existing kitchen footprint. Are there underutilized spaces like the area over the refrigerator suitable for extra cabinetry? Identify potential new cabinet locations that improve function without disrupting workflow.
Look for wasted zones or awkward transitions between prep, cook and cleanup areas. More cabinets can help bridge these gaps for a more unified space.
Choose Cabinet Design Elements
New cabinets should complement your kitchen's existing style or give it an updated look and feel. Share photos of your current cabinetry with designers to match finishes, hardware and other details.
Opt for custom sizing to make the most of available space for new cabinets. Consider roll-outs, pull-downs and other functional elements to build in smart organization.
Hire a Contractor or Cabinet Installer
Unless you're an experienced carpenter, installing new cabinets is best left to professionals. An expert installer ensures cabinets are properly secured and integrated for optimal performance and appearance.
Ask friends or check sites like Angie's List for referrals. Look for contractors experienced in both cabinetry installation and the construction side (walls, electrical, etc).
The Installation Process
Once planning is complete, it's time to bring your new cabinet vision to life. Here's an overview of the process:
Remove Existing Cabinets If Needed
If fully replacing cabinets, the first step is removing the old set. Appliances will need disconnecting prior. Patch and repair walls, flooring and other surfaces once freed from previous cabinetry.
Measure and Mark New Cabinet Locations
Precise measurements are crucial for proper cabinet fits and alignment. Mark the exact desired placement of corner posts, sides, tops and bottoms for each new cabinet.
Mount Structural Supports
Mount ledger boards horizontally along walls, and vertical hanging rails (usually 2x4s). New cabinets will be secured into these supports.
Hang and Secure the Cabinets
Working from the corner, lift and hang each cabinet on provided mounting strips, screws or hardware. Level, shim if needed, and attach to ledger boards and/or adjacent cabinets.
Install Countertops
With cabinets hung, measure for any modified countertops like islands, peninsulas or desk areas. Cut for precise fits and attach the countertops around the new cabinets.
Add Finishing Touches
Fill any gaps with trim pieces for a seamless look. Install hardware like knobs or pulls on doors and drawers. Touch up with final paintwork if needed.
Costs and Considerations
Adding cabinets represents a significant investment. Be sure to budget for:
Purchase Price
The cost of the cabinets themselves varies based on factors like material (wood species, laminate, etc), door styles, size, and custom versus stock production. Expect to spend $100-$800 per cabinet.
Installation Costs
Professional installation averages $150-$200 per cabinet. Complex layouts or construction needs could push this higher. Countertop modifications also add expense.
Electrical and Plumbing
New cabinet placements might require relocating outlets, switches or plumbing lines. Electrical costs around $125-150 per outlet; plumbing averages $45-65 per linear foot.
Timeline
Order cabinets well in advance - especially for custom. Production lead times range 4-8 weeks. Allot several days to a week for installation once cabinets arrive.
By adding storage-boosting custom cabinets tailored to your kitchen's layout and style, you'll gain valuable organization, convenience, and aesthetic appeal. As long as proper planning and installation techniques are followed, your new cabinetry will serve your household beautifully for years to come.