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Kitchen cabinets comprise about two thirds of the cost of a new kitchen. More than half of the cost of a kitchen renovation is generally spent on the cabinetry. The two main factors which influence the cost of kitchen cabinets are: One, whether or not the kitchen cabinets are custom made and two, the wood and finish which are used in making the cabinets. Stock cabinets are the least expensive. Pre-made kitchen cabinets come in standard widths from nine to forty-eight inches. If these sizes do not allow the cabinet to fit flush with appliances the space is either left open or covered with or sealed with a harmonizing strip. The term stock kitchen cabinets should not imply that this cabinetry is necessarily cheap or plain. Stock kitchen cabinets offer a wide variety of styles, woods and wood finishes. They also may be accessorized with unique drawer and cabinet pulls. Semi-custom and custom kitchen cabinets are more expensive than their stock counterparts. Since semi-custom kitchen cabinets are finished only after purchase they can adapt to a variety of kitchen plans. Made to order kitchen cabinets can be built in virtually any configuration that meets construction standards. Desks and china cabinets with extensive glass are available in all three levels of kitchen cabinets. Oak and maple kitchen cabinets are economical and durable. Various wood stains can also give oak and maples cabinets a vast array of attractive and personalized looks. Cherry is also widely used although more expensive and less receptive to finishes. Laminate kitchen cabinets and the relative new thermofoil process provide striking modern looks which are easy to clean. Many homeowners looking for distinctive kitchen cabinets have opted for the thermofoil method. It permits more complicated designs than do either laminate or standard wood cabinets. Upscale homeowners are increasingly using out of the ordinary woods for one of the kind kitchen cabinets. Birch, hickory and alder are in style. There is also a trend toward rescuing endangered woods from older homes or buildings set to be demolished. No matter what the budget for constructing new kitchen cabinets or retrofitting old ones many beautiful styles are available. The keys to finding just the right cabinetry for anyone?s kitchen are study, planning and shopping. A person will have to become familiar with what is available, analyze his/her needs and spend a little time looking around. However, this effort will reward a homeowner with kitchen cabinets that suit the personality of the kitchen and enhance the home?s value as well. |
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