Choosing to buy unfinished kitchen cabinets can be an economical move for a homeowner with a set amount of money to spend.
It is important not to confuse unfinished kitchen cabinets with cheap or poor quality kitchen cabinets. The easiest way to distinguish unfinished kitchen cabinets from their low quality counterparts is to examine the material from which the cabinets are made and the way in which they are constructed. No matter how good a price a homeowner may be offered on particle wood or pressed wood unfinished kitchen cabinets, they are never a good buy. This is also true of plywood kitchen cabinets. Due to the wet nature of their environment, unfinished kitchen cabinets which are not constructed of durable softwoods or hardwoods will quickly buckle or even disintegrate. Once it has been ascertained that the unfinished kitchen cabinets are made from an acceptable wood source, check them for structural integrity. All joints should be smooth. Drawers must glide easily. Doors must hang uniformly and shut securely. Even though the surfaces will be unfinished, they should still be smooth. The grain of the wood should appear uniform and not have holes or pockmarks.
Once the unfinished kitchen cabinets have been chosen, it is time to select the finish which will be applied to the units. This is also a good time to think about drawer pulls and doorknobs as they should harmonize with the desired finish. One of the least expensive ways to finish a kitchen cabinet is to use a clear sealant. The sealant keeps the wood from changing color, protects it from dirt and makes it easier to maintain. Increasingly there are one step finishes on the market which are easy for even a handy novice to apply. These finishes come in a wide variety of wood tones and colors. Even less expensive softwoods such as pine and cedar can take on a rich, upscale look with a properly applied finish.
After the finish has been chosen, take time to make the final choice of hardware. Drawer pulls and door knobs can be a relatively inexpensive way to upgrade and personalize unfinished kitchen cabinets. They also work to carry out the overall theme and/or look of the kitchen. Try to coordinate the style of the cabinet, the look of the finish and the tone of the hardware. Traditional cabinets with dark finishes often look good with standard unobtrusive hardware. Simple designs with sealed or other plain finishes go well with straightforward stainless steel hardware. Unfinished kitchen cabinets that have been painted in colors or bold finishes may require bold ceramic knobs or jazzy plastic or bakelite hardware.
Unfinished kitchen cabinets can be a wise choice for a homeowner on a budget. They also work well for the handy homeowner who wants to have a more personal look to his/her kitchen. Whatever the reason for choosing unfinished kitchen cabinets be sure to look for quality as well as just a discounted price.
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