Kitchen Doors Guide

Archive for the ‘Selection’ Category

So you’ve set out to replace or install new kitchen cabinet doors? Now you just need to choose their material – wood, laminate, glass, or steel.

Wood

Wood, just like any other choice, has more options within. Do you want solid wood or just wood veneers? Veneers are said to be cheaper and less vulnerable to outside weather conditions. However, although the temperature and humidity outside can and probably will affect solid wood kitchen doors, the greatest damage will come from the temperatures and humidity of your daily kitchen activities. Veneer may look a bit more uniform because it can be cut thinly to cover the entire face. Wood is available in many colors, and it can be finished how you want – glossy, varnished, painted, or waxed.

Laminate

Laminate kitchen doors come in an even larger variety of textures and colors than wooden doors. You will probably be able to find anything you’re looking for. If you want a soft feel in your kitchen, use creamy colors with a matte finish. Want to show off an elegant kitchen? Get Italian-style doors with bold fronts and shiny colors.

One incredible advantage of laminate kitchen doors when compared to others types is that they are nearly maintenance free! Wood needs all the care and attention it can get, especially in busy households, and it may also be susceptible to temperature and humidity changes. But laminate doors just need an occasional wipe or two and you’re done! They’re clean. Laminate is also less prone to wear and tear and can therefore maintain a fresh look for several years.

Glass

Glass kitchen doors are usually used to display a collection of cutlery, but may also fit well as standard depending on your kitchen style. You also have the option of frosted glass for a concealed yet translucent appearance. Glass doors are versatile no matter what your kitchen theme is –traditional or modern.

Steel

Stainless steel can also be used for kitchen doors. It tends to be more popular as worktops and appliance casing rather than doors because it has its own character. Its look can also vary, from clean and sparkly to purposely warn and matured. Steel is also very durable – it’s low-maintenance and can be easily cleaned. Remember too that steel on its own looks very cold. To make it look warm, you’ll need to combine it with warm colors. One last important note about steel is that it also carries a high price.

The design and appeal of your kitchen will be greatly influenced by the door handles you select, which is why you should consider them as being just as important as the doors themselves. The handles should decorate and accent the style of your kitchen. Keep in mind that they will also be touched and used many times a day, which means they should also be functional. They’ll need to be attractive, stylish, and durable in order to not only make your kitchen beautiful, but also hold up to wear.

There are some questions you should ask yourself before you make your selection for new door handles:

1. Are you replacing your current handles, or is this a new installation?
2. Do you want a door handle or a knob?
3. What style of handle/knob will go well with your kitchen?
4. What size handle would not only look good on your doors, but be functional for you and the other people in your home.
5. Do you have the tools you’d need to install handles?

Handles

Keep in mind that in order to install most handles on new doors, you’ll probably have to make two holes in each door. Make sure you align them vertically by using a level or square before you drill.

To replace an old handle, simply unscrew the old bolts or screws, set the new handle into place, and screw or bolt on the new one. It’s a quick and easy process to replace your old handles, but the rewards can be great; new handles can give a completely new and beautiful look to your kitchen. You’ll be surprised at the change!

Knobs

If you’re installing knobs on new doors, you will again need to drill holes, but the holes for knobs are usually simpler than for handles because they only need to accommodate one small screw. Just keep in mind that you need to be consistent in the placement of your knobs, drilling all the holes the same distance from the edges of the doors.

Changing existing knobs is also an easy process. All you need to do is unscrew the screw or bolt from the back of the door that’s holding the knob on. Then put the new knob into place and screw it on.

Be assured that new handles or knobs can have a huge effect and can greatly improve the appearance of your kitchen. As you can see, selecting and replacing your current handles or knobs can be quite an easy process. If you’re installing new ones, you’ll be in for a challenge, but not a difficult one.