The pros and cons of standard kitchen cabinets

Cabinet selection for a new kitchen or remodel involves many choices. One option, with a significant effect on your budget, will be manufacturing styles. Standard kitchen cabinets will be one of the build styles you can choose from.

Cabinets are sold in various build styles. Your choice of one of the four build styles will directly affect the cost of your new kitchen. Cabinets account for 40% – 50% of the total cost of your kitchen.

Knockout (KD) cabinets are the least expensive. They are available at most furniture or home improvement stores and can be taken home right away. In many cases, homeowners can install knockout cabinets without the help of a professional.

Standard kitchen cabinets are mass produced in a factory. This achieves the greatest efficiency in production because they are always manufactured only in standard sizes. Standard cabinets are also available in limited styles and finishes.

Semi-custom cabinets are also available in standard sizes only. However, they are available in more finishes and styles than regular cabinets. They also offer options for the interiors, including organization devices and some accessibility options.

Custom cabinets are sometimes available from cabinet companies. More often though, local cabinetmakers build custom cabinets to order. Custom work allows you to get exactly what you want in terms of wood, finish, measurements, sizes, interior options, custom door designs, and more.

Standard cabinets are an affordable option for most homeowners who can’t afford to install custom cabinets but want cabinets in one of the most popular kitchen design styles and motifs. If they’re done right, they can be a wonderful option.

Standard cabinets are available in standard sizes. What does this mean?

  1. The standard height for a floor-mounted cabinet is 34½ inches. With a countertop added, the work surface is 35 inches from the floor.
  2. Wall-mounted cabinets are anywhere from 12 to 30 inches high, depending on the space available. Your choice can also be influenced by whether you want the cabinets to reach the ceiling.
  3. Floor mounted cabinets extend up to 24 inches deep. Wall-mounted units are 12 inches deep.

Standard units available in “Standard Sizes” are:

  • Basic unit
  • basic drawer
  • sink base
  • blind corner base
  • corner base
  • corner carousel
  • recessed storage base
  • wall unit
  • Tall cabinet (oven, broom closet, pantry)

Cabinet widths range from nine to 48 inches, in three-inch increments. This allows homeowners to choose standard kitchen cabinets for most projects.

Standard cabinets are usually available in only a few different wood options. Often a mid-range wood will be used to make all the cabinets. The finished cabinets are then stained to match the color of more expensive wood or painted black or white (sometimes other colors).

A somewhat limited number of door panel styles are available. For example, there may be only one frame and panel style, one raised panel style, and one flat panel style.

The most important feature of common kitchen cabinets is the construction. Before you buy cabinets, it’s important to check several markers of solid construction:

  • The best construction will use dovetail drawer and cabinet corners (no nails, glue or staples).
  • Drawers must be strong enough to support at least 75 pounds.
  • The cabinet box must be ½ inch or more thick.
  • The interior of cabinets and drawers must be finished.
  • Adjustable shelves must be 5/8-inch or thicker.
  • Good hinges.

Review the construction of the cabinets, measure your kitchen carefully, and find the finish and style you want for your kitchen. You may find that well-made kitchen cabinets are the perfect choice for your new kitchen.

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