OVERVIEW of Kitchen Cabinets:
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and the right choice for kitchen countertops is key to the successful execution and ongoing use of the space. Now more than ever, you can choose from a diverse range of kitchen counter materials. For each aspect of home design and remodeling you can also strive to make choices that are 1) Functional, 2) Stylish, 3) Cost-Effective, and 4) Environmentally Sustainable. These are the four key guiding principles in the GREENandSAVE strategy. You will find that in certain cases, one or two of the criteria take precedent over others. However, as you review the home improvement options that are right for your home, you may be surprised to learn that reaching all four is more achievable than you thought.
Selection Tip: In choosing a kitchen countertop material make sure to think through the backsplash that will work best for your design and installation. Solid surface and natural stone materials typically need to be precut prior to installation versus tiles that can be cut and set right on the job site. Kitchen countertop backsplashes sometimes look great when they match the countertop material, but you can alternatively enhance the countertop material by choosing a different tile to run from the top edge of the counter all of the way up to the underside of the head cabinet. If you decide on the tiles, also take care in choosing the right color grout and look for new tile grouts that are stain resistant.
DETAILS on Cabinet Hardware:
The hardware needed for your kitchen can seem endless, and different pieces of material need specific types of hardware. Before getting overwhelmed by all of the options, wait until you have decided on the exact design for your kitchen. Once you know exactly what you're looking for, research those pieces to find out what hardware you are looking for.
Appliance handles and pulls come in a wide variety of designs and finishes. No matter what theme your design style is going with, there is a handle or pull to match. Along with coming in traditional designs to elegant and sophisticated, the handles and pulls also come in different finishes, including stainless steel, oil rubbed bronze and pewter bamboo.
Hinges are an essential part of kitchen hardware. There are many different types of hinges. The most common in kitchens are:
- Strap hinge: One of the first hinges used was the strap hinge. It is commonly used on many types of doors, both interior and exterior.
- Pivot hinge: Pivot hinges have also been around for a long time and are found in ancient stone buildings. A pivot hinge connects in pivots at the opening of the floor and top of the door frame
- Piano hinge: Also called continuous hinges, these run the entire length of the door
- Concealed hinge: The concealed hinge is made of two parts, the hinge cup and arm, and the mounting plate.
- Inset hinge: This hinge insets into the door and frame. It is made with different materials depending on whether the door swings in or out
