Kitchen Planning: How to choose the perfect kitchen Storage - The kitchen cabinets you choose are often dictated by the budget, but it is also important to consider their purpose and longevity. Here's what experts advise when choosing the best materials for your kitchen furniture and achieving a design that you'll love for years to come.
Professional advice from:
Steve Hard Masterclass Kitchens
Richard Davonport of Davonport Kitchen
Bridget Donbavand kitchen and bedroom Store
Conrad Henrick of LWK Kitchens
B & Q
do it yourself
cabinets that come flat packed and ready to be assembled on site are generally less expensive and available in DIY stores such as Homebase, Ikea and B & Q .
in-house designers help you develop CAD (computer aided design) plans, but you will need to take accurate measurements of your space to ensure that you buy should . It is then a matter of installing the cabinets yourself, or using an installer to do the job for you.
Some hardware stores offer in-house design service. A representative will visit you at home to discuss your options and take accurate measurements of your kitchen.
Browse 10 ideas for affordable and achievable kitchens
cabinets that come flat packed and ready to be assembled on site are generally less expensive and available in DIY stores such as Homebase, Ikea and B & Q .
in-house designers help you develop CAD (computer aided design) plans, but you will need to take accurate measurements of your space to ensure that you buy should . It is then a matter of installing the cabinets yourself, or using an installer to do the job for you.
Some hardware stores offer in-house design service. A representative will visit you at home to discuss your options and take accurate measurements of your kitchen.
Browse 10 ideas for affordable and achievable kitchens
Masterclass Kitchens
Buy ready-made
Ready - assembled cabinets are exactly what the name suggests. "The cabinets are built with hinges mounted and attached doors, which makes it much easier if you make a DIY job," says Bridget Donbavand kitchen and bedroom Store. "It also saves time if you have a carpenter or kitchen fitter to install your kitchen, as more time on ways to cooler working. The day rate for carpenters can add up to be very expensive" .
A Masterclass Kitchens, ready assembled cabinets are produced using computer numerical control, or CNC machining equipment. "This ensures panels are manufactured to exacting tolerances" said Steve Masterclass hard. "It also ensures the holes are ultra clean and precisely positioned and, unlike the furniture kit, drill holes are exactly where they should be, without the need of many parts parts.
the drawback to order assembled cabinets is that shipping could be more. "this is usually because a dedicated vehicle is sent to deliver a full kitchen, but it will generally offset the cost of extra installation time of flat-pack units, "says Donbavand.
Ready - assembled cabinets are exactly what the name suggests. "The cabinets are built with hinges mounted and attached doors, which makes it much easier if you make a DIY job," says Bridget Donbavand kitchen and bedroom Store. "It also saves time if you have a carpenter or kitchen fitter to install your kitchen, as more time on ways to cooler working. The day rate for carpenters can add up to be very expensive" .
A Masterclass Kitchens, ready assembled cabinets are produced using computer numerical control, or CNC machining equipment. "This ensures panels are manufactured to exacting tolerances" said Steve Masterclass hard. "It also ensures the holes are ultra clean and precisely positioned and, unlike the furniture kit, drill holes are exactly where they should be, without the need of many parts parts.
the drawback to order assembled cabinets is that shipping could be more. "this is usually because a dedicated vehicle is sent to deliver a full kitchen, but it will generally offset the cost of extra installation time of flat-pack units, "says Donbavand.
Davonport
custom solutions
the advantage of opting for a custom kitchen rather than something "off the peg" is that one size does not fit all when it comes to kitchen design. With a custom kitchen, all the difficult corners and original features of the space can be used to their best effect, maximize the available space.
"This creates a truly transparent finish and ensures the space is used in the best possible way to meet your needs in a way that is not always possible when a kitchen is purchased from standard ranges, "says Richard Davonport to Davonport kitchens. The other great advantage to shoot a custom kitchen is that it will be unique and individual keys and details can be added along the way. '
the advantage of opting for a custom kitchen rather than something "off the peg" is that one size does not fit all when it comes to kitchen design. With a custom kitchen, all the difficult corners and original features of the space can be used to their best effect, maximize the available space.
"This creates a truly transparent finish and ensures the space is used in the best possible way to meet your needs in a way that is not always possible when a kitchen is purchased from standard ranges, "says Richard Davonport to Davonport kitchens. The other great advantage to shoot a custom kitchen is that it will be unique and individual keys and details can be added along the way. '
Brian O'Tuama Architects
perfect fit
the goodness of fit is the most important part of any kitchen project. It is essential to the installer is confident in what they do. 'Your retailer will be able to recommend someone if they do not have their own editors on board, "advises hard. "Always ask for recommendations and always ask to see examples of their previous work.
Davonport adds: "Do not choose the first installation just because they are cheap, as you may end up having to hire a new installer or pay more money for new kitchen units, simply because they were not professionally equipped to a high standard. "
the goodness of fit is the most important part of any kitchen project. It is essential to the installer is confident in what they do. 'Your retailer will be able to recommend someone if they do not have their own editors on board, "advises hard. "Always ask for recommendations and always ask to see examples of their previous work.
Davonport adds: "Do not choose the first installation just because they are cheap, as you may end up having to hire a new installer or pay more money for new kitchen units, simply because they were not professionally equipped to a high standard. "
Neil Norton design
history inside
carcass is the foundation of every kitchen cabinet. It is hidden behind the doors and end panels and, although invisible, the carcass is essential to the longevity and durability of the cabinet.
The thickness of a kitchen carcass is generally either 15mm, 16mm or 18mm. "If a difference of 3 mm between the highest and lowest specification is not a huge amount, a 18mm cabinet will eventually be more robust than a 15mm, 'advises Davonport.
Be aware that some companies use 3mm board on the back of their kitchen units, which does not tend to last as long. "The majority of domestic Davonport cabinet are made from high quality MFC (melamine faced chipboard), continuous Davonport. "This moisture resistant material is particularly well inside the kitchen cabinets as it is easy to clean and does not stain.
carcass is the foundation of every kitchen cabinet. It is hidden behind the doors and end panels and, although invisible, the carcass is essential to the longevity and durability of the cabinet.
The thickness of a kitchen carcass is generally either 15mm, 16mm or 18mm. "If a difference of 3 mm between the highest and lowest specification is not a huge amount, a 18mm cabinet will eventually be more robust than a 15mm, 'advises Davonport.
Be aware that some companies use 3mm board on the back of their kitchen units, which does not tend to last as long. "The majority of domestic Davonport cabinet are made from high quality MFC (melamine faced chipboard), continuous Davonport. "This moisture resistant material is particularly well inside the kitchen cabinets as it is easy to clean and does not stain.
Cue & Co London
in-frame relative frameless
kitchen doors are either frame or frameless. "A framework door refers to a traditional style of the woodwork in which the panel of the central door is framed and surrounded by a frame around the outside of the front door," says Conrad Henrick of LWK kitchens. "This door is hinged with a hinge butt, which is visible on the outside of a cabinet.
For those who prefer a more contemporary look, choose frameless doors that eliminate part of the face, giving a smoother appearance.
kitchen doors are either frame or frameless. "A framework door refers to a traditional style of the woodwork in which the panel of the central door is framed and surrounded by a frame around the outside of the front door," says Conrad Henrick of LWK kitchens. "This door is hinged with a hinge butt, which is visible on the outside of a cabinet.
For those who prefer a more contemporary look, choose frameless doors that eliminate part of the face, giving a smoother appearance.
Tom Howley Kitchen
The solid materials used to doors and panels
- solid wood is generally used for more traditional cabinetry framework cuisine. 'The natural grain of the wood adds character and warmth to the kitchen and is suitable for traditional and modern spaces, said robust. Generally available in a range of dyes, lacquers and painted colors, the choices are solid wood cherry and oak poplar and pine. Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of different woods before making your final decision. Some are more durable than others.
- solid acrylic doors, such as Parapan are described as solid because they are composed entirely of acrylic 18mm thick all the way. "Because of this, they produce consistent color with a smooth finish and highly reflective, comparable to the gloss lacquered kitchen, said Henrick. "Solid acrylic Kitchens are also very wear resistant, stain resistant and non-porous. They are easy to clean, but non-abrasive cleaning agent is essential that the acrylic surface may be susceptible to scratches. If this happens, the good news is that acrylic is easily repairable and scratches can be sanded out.
Cooking Architech
the composite materials used for doors and panels
- cheaper than solid wood, plywood is made from thin layers of wood placed one above the other and held together by an adhesive. Each layer of wood or ply, is usually positioned with its grain running at right angles to the next layer, resulting in a solid material. You can find plywood in different woods.
- medium density fiberboard (MDF) is usually cheaper than plywood and is manufactured by gluing together wood waste fiber using the resin, heat and pressure. The MDF surface is super smooth, so you do not have to worry nodes in the area. Therefore, there is a large surface for paint, but always applying a first primer.
- particles is made from wood particles mixed with resin and bonded by pressure. Changes in technology have improved resins, meaning that agglomerated is now stronger than it was before. However, it is the weakest of the materials.
Mowlem & co
What a finish?
Whether your budget extends to solid wood or you opt for a less expensive material, how it is done will affect the longevity, durability and ease of 'interview.
Give your kitchen area the wow factor
Whether your budget extends to solid wood or you opt for a less expensive material, how it is done will affect the longevity, durability and ease of 'interview.
Give your kitchen area the wow factor
B & Q
Foil wrap or vinyl?
Foil and vinyl doors wrapped are very similar and each begin as MDF panels doors, which are then wrapped with what can only be described as an industrial clingfilm style in color of the finished product. This film may be either bright or matt, and made from either PVC or a vinyl sheet, which is wound on the face of the door and glued in place.
'There are about 10 or 15 years the glue that was used to stick the film on the doors reacted with MDF wood, which resulted in the omission of a bad smell, "said Henrick. "For years, companies blamed doors MDF manufacturers for this, and MDF manufacturers blamed the glue companies. For a long time there was no determination and kitchen companies most reputable therefore door changed providers, or ceased to provide this finish completely in favor of an acrylic finish, or equivalent.
Indeed, the German engineers have developed a much more robust and cost effective solution, which has been lacquered kitchen doors (see below). They completely bypass the packaging doors to both cost and quality.
"However, the vinyl packaging doors are still a huge industry," Henrick continues, ' because they are very little expensive to manufacture. You can replicate virtually any finish on the door "Do always check the quality before buying, however: a typical telltale sign of a door of hurt vinyl envelope is what's known in the industry as a '. Orange skin effect ", which is very small ripples or bumps on the surface of the door.
Foil and vinyl doors wrapped are very similar and each begin as MDF panels doors, which are then wrapped with what can only be described as an industrial clingfilm style in color of the finished product. This film may be either bright or matt, and made from either PVC or a vinyl sheet, which is wound on the face of the door and glued in place.
'There are about 10 or 15 years the glue that was used to stick the film on the doors reacted with MDF wood, which resulted in the omission of a bad smell, "said Henrick. "For years, companies blamed doors MDF manufacturers for this, and MDF manufacturers blamed the glue companies. For a long time there was no determination and kitchen companies most reputable therefore door changed providers, or ceased to provide this finish completely in favor of an acrylic finish, or equivalent.
Indeed, the German engineers have developed a much more robust and cost effective solution, which has been lacquered kitchen doors (see below). They completely bypass the packaging doors to both cost and quality.
"However, the vinyl packaging doors are still a huge industry," Henrick continues, ' because they are very little expensive to manufacture. You can replicate virtually any finish on the door "Do always check the quality before buying, however: a typical telltale sign of a door of hurt vinyl envelope is what's known in the industry as a '. Orange skin effect ", which is very small ripples or bumps on the surface of the door.
bulthaup by Kitchen architecture
how about laminate?
a laminate finish is an accumulation of layers of Formica, which is a very dense polymer. 'Laminated doors have come a long way since the old gates of style of the 1960s or 1970s, "said Henrick. "They had a pearlescent finish that meant they looked a little shiny remotely. Combined with a rough texture, the effect was that doors often looked low quality. Historically, the edges of these doors also tend to peel off. These qualities have given laminate doors a very bad reputation.
This reputation still persists today, but the good quality manufacturers, laminate doors are actually now some of the most durable yet affordable doors you can buy, and extremely resistant to marks and scratches.
Beware of textured laminates, which begin life just like a normal laminate kitchen door, but are then pressed with a dye 200 pounds, so that the texture is embossed on the laminate, creating an effect like a wood grain or printed tiles.
a laminate finish is an accumulation of layers of Formica, which is a very dense polymer. 'Laminated doors have come a long way since the old gates of style of the 1960s or 1970s, "said Henrick. "They had a pearlescent finish that meant they looked a little shiny remotely. Combined with a rough texture, the effect was that doors often looked low quality. Historically, the edges of these doors also tend to peel off. These qualities have given laminate doors a very bad reputation.
This reputation still persists today, but the good quality manufacturers, laminate doors are actually now some of the most durable yet affordable doors you can buy, and extremely resistant to marks and scratches.
Beware of textured laminates, which begin life just like a normal laminate kitchen door, but are then pressed with a dye 200 pounds, so that the texture is embossed on the laminate, creating an effect like a wood grain or printed tiles.
James Dawson Interior design
What about veneers?
a great way to get the look of an expensive or exotic wood without the associated cost , plating can be applied to a chipboard or MDF base . "Wood veneers are essentially thin sheets of real wood, pressed on MDF for more stability, making it a difficult choice to wear," says Donbavand. 'It can then be stained and lacquered in various shades and tones
. You can also have what is called book-matched veneer, where the pattern of wood grain is continuously through your units, 'she continues. "Book-matched veneer can be expensive, but it looks amazing and very high end.
a great way to get the look of an expensive or exotic wood without the associated cost , plating can be applied to a chipboard or MDF base . "Wood veneers are essentially thin sheets of real wood, pressed on MDF for more stability, making it a difficult choice to wear," says Donbavand. 'It can then be stained and lacquered in various shades and tones
. You can also have what is called book-matched veneer, where the pattern of wood grain is continuously through your units, 'she continues. "Book-matched veneer can be expensive, but it looks amazing and very high end.
Hobsons Choice
Try lacquer
Not only a finish applied to wood and doors of wood veneer to create a durable protective coating, the lacquer can also be used to finish MDF in almost every color in either a matte or glossy finish.
The coating process can be time consuming because several layers are spray-painted on a surface. The result is that the lacquered doors are generally resistant to wear, although as with everything they need to be treated well. "If they receive a" bang ", they can dent or chip, but it will be a new car if you do not look after," says Donbavand. There are specialized companies and DIY kits available in case repair is necessary.
Lacquers products with fewer layers are available, but do not be seduced by the cheaper price. The process to make them faster and result is often a slightly dimpled surface. 'Lacquered doors can be cleaned with hot soapy water. It is not recommended to clean with abrasive products, "adds Donbavand.
Not only a finish applied to wood and doors of wood veneer to create a durable protective coating, the lacquer can also be used to finish MDF in almost every color in either a matte or glossy finish.
The coating process can be time consuming because several layers are spray-painted on a surface. The result is that the lacquered doors are generally resistant to wear, although as with everything they need to be treated well. "If they receive a" bang ", they can dent or chip, but it will be a new car if you do not look after," says Donbavand. There are specialized companies and DIY kits available in case repair is necessary.
Lacquers products with fewer layers are available, but do not be seduced by the cheaper price. The process to make them faster and result is often a slightly dimpled surface. 'Lacquered doors can be cleaned with hot soapy water. It is not recommended to clean with abrasive products, "adds Donbavand.
LWK Kitchens London
consider acrylic doors face and laser
A more affordable alternative to solid acrylic are acrylic front doors. "These products are manufactured by bonding acrylic for an MDF board, which is then sealed around the edges," said Henrick. "The acrylic front door is a much cheaper option, but the quality is also lower, which means they are harder to maintain. The doors can sometimes be mild, which makes them prone to damage if not handled with caution.
A laser door is a more sustainable alternative. This is a hybrid laminate lacquer, which means that the door color is printed, on which a lacquer surface is applied.
A more affordable alternative to solid acrylic are acrylic front doors. "These products are manufactured by bonding acrylic for an MDF board, which is then sealed around the edges," said Henrick. "The acrylic front door is a much cheaper option, but the quality is also lower, which means they are harder to maintain. The doors can sometimes be mild, which makes them prone to damage if not handled with caution.
A laser door is a more sustainable alternative. This is a hybrid laminate lacquer, which means that the door color is printed, on which a lacquer surface is applied.
design Brayer
Get a handle
handles complete the look of your units and can actually change the way the kitchen seems general. "If you chose a Shaker style kitchen and want a more traditional look, for example, then you probably need to go for cup handles on your drawer units and the corresponding buttons on your cabinets. Whereas if you were to use the bar handles, suddenly there is a contemporary kitchen, "advises Donbavand. "Think about the overall finish you want to achieve before you make your choice.
handles complete the look of your units and can actually change the way the kitchen seems general. "If you chose a Shaker style kitchen and want a more traditional look, for example, then you probably need to go for cup handles on your drawer units and the corresponding buttons on your cabinets. Whereas if you were to use the bar handles, suddenly there is a contemporary kitchen, "advises Donbavand. "Think about the overall finish you want to achieve before you make your choice.
Martins Camisuli Architects
Go without handle
Sleek and smart doors without handles can look good in a kitchen where you want a clean and contemporary look.
Tell us ...
What were your experiences of buying kitchen cabinets - good and bad? Share in the comments below.
Sleek and smart doors without handles can look good in a kitchen where you want a clean and contemporary look.
Tell us ...
What were your experiences of buying kitchen cabinets - good and bad? Share in the comments below.
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