DIY Kitchen Cupboards
Choosing A Kitchen Countertop
Quite often homeowners forego renovations to their kitchen because the costs of building and installing kitchen cabinets can account for around 75% of renovating budgets.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at how you can save thousands of Rands on labour costs and create the kitchen cabinets you desire and need in no time, by doing it DIY.
ASSESS YOUR SPACE & SELECT YOUR STYLE
Kitchen Cupboard Door Styles:
What style of cabinet door will suit my kitchen?
- Modern look:
Flat cabinet doors or open shelving work best to create a modern look. The type of kitchen with concealed dustbins to minimise floor space clutter. Be selective with open shelving, however, and limit it to utilities that won’t look untidy stacked out in the open in full view. - Contemporary / Classic look:
Beaded or multi-panel doors in the right shade of finish can complete the contemporary look of a kitchen that will feel familiar, warm, and welcoming while remaining stylish. - Open-plan look:
Glass door cabinets and large sliding drawers can work well to complement an open-plan kitchen - both hiding the clutter and allowing maximum reflection of light. - Country-style look:
Think open shelves with customised woven basket drawers, Tongue and groove cabinet doors, and inset cabinets. With enough room for the whole family to gather and help in the kitchen, while everything has its own neat place to be packed away in. SHOP cabinet handles.
Should you get inset or overlay Doors?
INSET doors sit flush with the cabinet, creating a seamless, clean, modern look. This option tends to be more expensive due to custom cabinetry that must be crafted, and they tend to have less storage space. Also consider that this style features visible hinges, so you`ll want to have more ornate hinges to keep it looking good.
OVERLAY doors are the most common type of kitchen cabinet door for modern kitchens, and tend to be more affordable and are easier to install.
WHAT MATERIALS SHOULD I USE TO MAKE MY KITCHEN CABINETS?
- Wood
Nothing brings natural character and longevity to a kitchen than well-crafted wood cabinets. Wood cabinets can be stained to fit any colour scheme you choose. Some of the best species of wood to use for kitchen cabinets are Cherry, Maple, Oak, Bamboo, Hickory, Burch & Pine. SHOP Boards & Timber.
- Metal
Stainless steel kitchen cabinets are not for everyone, but when combined in the right way, they can afford a kitchen instant sleek style as well as being super easy to clean. Paired with white or dark wood flooring, or even switching out between metal cabinet doors and frosted glass inserts can create a distinctly modern style.
- MDF & Chipboard
A cheaper alternative does not necessarily have to mean it will be any less durable or stylish. In fact, MDF has no wood grain and is ideal for cutting to precise lengths with a jigsaw to create custom inlays and embellishments. It also deals well with temperature fluctuations and won’t swell like most wood. Its painted finish also ensure that your cabinets stay blemish-free.
GET SWINGING SUCCESS WITH HINGES
Deciding on the perfect cabinet hinge rests on two basic questions:
- How do I want my kitchen cabinets to look?
- How much weight and usage will I be placing on the doors, shelves, and kitchen cabinet units?
Types of hinges and how they are used:
- Butt / Mortise hinge - The most common on cabinet doors, windows, and almost all furniture (in brass or stainless steel).
- Butterfly hinge - This decorative option usually contains some symmetrical shape or ornate carving. Consider this option if most of your hinges are going to be highly visible.
- Flush hinge - These are smaller hinges that do not require a corner to be cut into the door, as they feature one leaf that folds into the other. Two to three of these work great on smaller and lighter cabinet doors.
- Barrel hinge - This barrel-shaped hinge can be simpler to fix and can also be dismantled if required to be oiled up or fixed. Smaller fixed plates to the two surfaces mean they bear less weight and are more suitable for smaller doors or applications.
- Spring / Self Closing hinge - This spring-loaded hinge resets back to a flat position, and installing a few of these will create a door/surface that will return back to its closed position when let go of.
- Soft Close hinge - This hinge has a hydraulic system that prevents the door from slamming shut and damaging the cabinet frame. Works great for longer pantry or pull-out vertical drawer doors.
GET THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB
Here is a list of tools and products you might need to build your own kitchen cabinets:
(Click links for options)
Still in doubt about measurements for this job?
Why not visit our board cutting and hinge-hole drilling experts in-store for advice on your kitchen cabinet project – find your nearest BUCO store.
Let’s do your kitchen, together.
Luckily, BUCO has all the in-store products and advice you need to get the job done. Craft your very own kitchen cabinets in no time, by visiting us instore and getting your project started.
RELATED ARTICLE: Choosing a Kitchen Countertop
