Kitchen cabinets are the most visible and used part of any kitchen. They represent your largest kitchen investment and are probably the most confusing of all the decisions you will make for a new kitchen.

So, before you take the leap, do your homework. Keep a file with pictures from magazines of designs and features you like, go to showrooms and talk to certified kitchen designers. The more you know, the easier the decisions will be. Once you have done your homework and know what you want, or even if you are not sure, then consult a certified kitchen designer.

Choose a designer you are comfortable with, because you are going to spend a lot of time together. Do not be afraid to ask for references and then call them. Get to know them and let them get to know you. The more they know about your family and your lifestyle how you entertain, whether you eat in the kitchen, even if you are right or left handed the more they can suggest options to enhance your space.

There are three categories of cabinetry, which include stock, semi custom, and custom. It is important to know the differences, the advantages and disadvantages of each before you begin shopping. Custom cabinetry is made to order. The cabinetry fits your space and your taste. Each cabinet is made to your specifications, one at a time, when your order is placed. Unlike stock and semi custom, nothing is pre-made or warehoused.

The biggest benefit of custom cabinetry is that it is yours. The space is designed and built especially for you the options are only limited by your wants and wishes. Stock cabinets are mass produced, pre-assembled, and warehoused prior to purchase. They are essentially off the shelf and are made in a limited number of designs and finishes.

Sizes are generally restricted to a range of standard industry sizes beginning at nine inches and increasing by three inch intervals up to the maximum forty eight inches. So, if your dimensions fall outside of the three inch increments there will be gaps. Filler strips are used to close these gaps usually between the cabinet and an appliance or wall. The more fillers needed, the more wasted space you will have. Semi custom cabinetry also follows the industry size format and uses fillers or trim to close gaps.

There are no standard sizes or filler pieces in custom cabinetry. Cabinet depth, height and width can be adjusted to fit corners or unusual spaces. Instead of using fillers to address gaps or dead space, custom cabinetry can turn that space into a unique storage solution or display area. Cabinet drawers and doors will be opened and closed many times a day so construction, materials and finishes are an important part of your cabinetry decisions. Cabinets should have solid frames, door and drawer fronts, reinforced corners and closed backs.

The most common stock cabinets are usually made of engineered wood with a melamine finish. Semi custom cabinetry offers more options and is typically constructed of engineered wood or plywood with solid wood doors or faces. The materials and workmanship tends to be higher quality than that of stock cabinetry. Custom cabinetry construction, materials and finishes are usually superior to that of stock and semi-custom. The drawer fronts, doors, and face frames are generally solid wood.