Category: Cabinets

Bath Plus Kitchen’s Selections Sheets: An Integral Part Of Our Design Process

Get a clear picture of your remodel before you begin

So you’ve decided to embark on a kitchen and/or bath remodel. Where do you begin? You may have fallen in love with inspirational photos on Instagram, Houzz, or in an Architectual Design magazine. Where do you go from there? Well if you live near Alexandria, VA you schedule a time to visit our showroom at 1215 King St :).

In all seriousness, whether you work with us or someone else you’ll want to work with a designer who has the support to provide you a detailed selections sheet. The reason is because with so many choices to make concerning everything from tile design to hardware to how to orient shower doors, there are a myriad of details that must be worked out before construction begins. Add to the fact that each vendor provides varying amounts of detail concerning their products (some provide little or none), and the result can be a morass of confusion and stress that plagues the entire remodeling process from start to finish.

To avoid all this unnecessary worry, Bath Plus Kitchen takes the time to sit down with our clients and complete comprehensive selections sheets, which act as a type of “mood board” – itemized lists which detail all materials to be used in their projects, as well as important details that help things move smoothly throughout the entire remodel process. These selections sheets give our clients access to all information available on the materials we offer, presented in a uniform manner that takes the confusion out of selecting from the many vendors whose products we feature. We’ve found this to be a great help in streamlining the entire remodeling process; not only does it help greatly with the design phase of projects, it helps us avoid many “hiccups” that might otherwise come up along the way.

What to Expect from a Typical Selections Sheet

Our selections sheets are presented in a familiar spreadsheet format that’s easy to use and makes quick work of organizing materials lists in a way that’s easily accessible to both the professional and layman alike. This means when you look at your selections sheet and consult with our design and construction professionals, you’ll be able to fully understand the information provided, reducing the risk of miscommunication. There’s far less opportunity for details to “slip through the cracks,” and this is what makes this feature of our process so valuable for everyone involved. These selections sheets are also perfect companions for our cost estimator, and together they really can take a lot of undue worry out of the remodeling process.

Here’s what you can expect to see on a typical selections sheet:

All materials required for the entire project (with the exception of building materials like drywall, thinset, etc.).
Comprehensive written descriptions of all items.
Hyperlinks to information pages for all items when extra information is available.
Photos of all items.
Any notes pertaining to selected items that might help avoid confusion throughout the process.
Any notes pertaining to installation of items (things like tile orientation, etc.) that speed up or simplify installation.

Why Our Selections Sheets Streamline the Remodeling Process

We’ve put a lot of time and effort into creating a design process that works for our clients, and these selections sheets are a big part of that process. We’ve found that the time we spend with clients in this phase of our process is invaluable, and there are lots of good reasons for this:

Even a small bath remodel can include as many as 50 different items on a selections sheet. With this many choices to make, it’s easy to see how our selections sheets create a systematic process to help ensure every detail is buttoned down before construction begins.
There are often changes during the design phase.Our selections sheets allow for flexibility, and nothing is set in stone until both the client and Bath Plus Kitchen sign off on finalized decisions. Any pending changes that remain after sign-off are highlighted, and allowances are provided.
These selections sheets make fantastic checklists.These checklists are consulted repeatedly throughout the remodeling process – helping us not to forget anything important, and taking away much of the worry clients can experience during the remodel.
Selections sheets help streamline our ordering process. Again, the value of these sheets as checklists comes into play when we order materials for clients, helping us ensure every last detail is complete.
Selections sheets help us keep all our projects organized. We use these lists, for example, when organizing projects via Trello, a tool that helps us keep all our team members on the same page.
Selections sheets help simplify construction and installation. Our designers try to anticipate every possible question our installation professionals may have along the way, working with clients to include these details in the selections sheets. This has been a big help in avoiding the hassles and delays that can often arise when details are overlooked. For example: our tile professionals will rarely need to contact clients with questions concerning tile orientation or patterns– these are details we make sure to cover during the planning phase. So if you’re at work or on vacation you can relax knowing all the details are already decided.
Hyperlinks are great resources for clients.We include web links in these selection sheets that offer clients easy access to specs, dimensions, installation instructions, etc., whenever possible. Not only do these links serve as great resources for clients before, during, and after the construction phase, they also act as valuable and easily accessible resources for our field crews during construction.
Selections sheets provide a protocol that ensures all aspects of the design process (and indeed, the entire remodeling process) are thoroughly considered and thought through to include every possible detail. This creates an environment that encourages us to include every possibility in the design conversation. This means we take care of the small things that make big differences, things like where to place recessed lighting for optimal effect, or what’s the best way for shower doors to open – these are the kinds of details we’re talking about here.

Why Not Try a Selections Sheet Yourself?

If you live in the greater DC Metropolitan area and are considering a bath or kitchen remodel, we’d love to speak to you about how our selections sheets and other innovations can help take your space to where you want it to be. Our team of professionals is experienced in every aspect of the process, and we have a great track record of satisfied clients living well in the spaces of their dreams. Contact us today to schedule your visit to our showroom at 1215 King St Alexandria, VA 22314.

7 Kitchen Design Trends We’ve Noticed in the Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC Area

Chic, sleek, a dash of color, and a place for Fido, too.

This year’s current kitchen design trends feature a marriage of beauty and function that can work with both traditional or contemporary styles. Let’s have a look at some of the more exciting designs popping up in the DC Metropolitan area and see how kitchen design is evolving to be more vibrant, elegant, and functional for the whole family – even our four-legged friends get the goods in this one!

1. Two-Toned Cabinets

With kitchen design trending toward warmer hues, natural wood, and natural colors, many homeowners can get a little befuddled when it comes to deciding just how much color they should be incorporating into their remodel – too little can leave the room feeling cold, too much can cause your kitchen to lose its airy, spacious feeling. For those who might not want to go all-in with color but still want a look that pops, two-toned cabinets are becoming a very popular choice.

Combining a more traditional white kitchen scheme with just enough natural wood can transform the entire room, often giving the feel of built-ins; many designs incorporate the use of more neutral grays and blacks to subtly break the white monotony without committing to an all-out color revolution.

2. Green Cabinets

For homeowners who aren’t afraid to live on the edge with colorful kitchen design, green is the color for cabinets in 2018. Most designers choose a more earthy green that can give cabinets a vintage look and greatly enhance the warmth of brass hardware. These verdant hues also make a great contrast with stylish, white countertops – making the countertops themselves a focus of light, and an invitation to make memories in this most important room in the home.

3. White Countertops

In the most stylish of kitchens, white continues to be the color of countertops. Veined marble is in, the hottest variety being Carrara marble. Granular stone and dark colors are out, as well as beiges and yellows – the clean white and “fluid” look of marble has a very classic appeal that’s much more inviting than granite countertops and gives kitchens a timeless feel. Marble is also not prone to some of the problems of granite countertops (flaking and coating maintenance), and so offers a much better solution for a kitchen that can play host to a lifetime of living and loving.

4. Lighted Power Strips

One of the coolest innovations in kitchen design is the lighted power strip. Making use of cutting-edge LED technology, these fixtures are stylish, unobtrusive, and really go a long way toward a “cleaner” look by eliminating the need for outlets in the backsplash. This can really make a difference, especially in smaller kitchens where counter space is at a premium. They’re also easy to keep clean, and safely out of reach of tiny hands if you have a little adventurer in your home. They save energy as well, which makes you look just as smart as your kitchen. We believe this is a trend that won’t be going anywhereanytime soon – it just makes sense to include this great piece of design in any new kitchen.

5. Slab Front Cabinet Doors

For a more contemporary, minimalist look, many designs now include flat cabinet doors. A far cry from more conventional shaker style doors, flat doors offer a sleek look that’s much less busy. Flat cabinet doors are mounted flush with the cabinet frames, and use recessed pulls instead of exterior hardware – the result is very clean and elegant, and cabinets that function just like ordinary cabinets. They’re available in a myriad of finishes from foil to acrylic to natural wood, and their popularity is booming due to their beauty and functionality. This is a timeless design touch that promises to age well in modern kitchens, and if simplicity is a priority for your remodel, these cabinets might be right up your alley.

6. Mixed Metals

One way to really get creative and give a kitchen its own personality is by using mixed metals. By combining different materials and finishes, many homeowners find they can create focal points in their kitchens through thoughtful placement of contrasting elements. Mixing metals also creates a more dynamic space, and offers the opportunity to combine more traditional finishes like brass with more “exotic” materials like rose gold and copper. The results of these combinations can be spectacular – a dazzling pair of sconces or a range hood, for example, can light up the whole kitchen with contrast. Mixing metals also offers homeowners more subtle design options; adding touches of color here and there in this way can really be eye-catching without being garish or clumsy – an effect many modern kitchen designs seek to achieve.

7. Designing for Pets

And finally, for our furry friends, we’re pleased to see kitchen design that really brings pets into the fold. From built-in feeding stations to feeding drawers to islands complete with dog beds underneath, if your pets like to hang out in the kitchen, there’s a design out there that’s perfect for you. These really are design elements that benefit the entire family and give your pets a safe place to call their own in the kitchen.

Source

Many designs also offer kenneling in the kitchen, which your best friend will appreciate when you don’t have to send her to the laundry room while you prepare dinner. Pets are important parts of our families, and they love to share in the excitement as much as anyone, so shouldn’t your kitchen have a happy corner for Fido? We think so.

We are delighted to see the trend towards beauty plus functionality truly come together in these lovely kitchen designs. Here at Bath Plus Kitchen, we pride ourselves on offering the most contemporary design options available in the metropolitan area, and creating kitchens that are truly enjoyable is always our goal. To discover your kitchen cabinet style schedule a time to visit our showroom at 1215 King St Alexandria, VA 22314.

Sources:

https://beckiowens.com/design-trend-2018-two-toned-kitchens/

https://houseandhome.com/gallery/green-kitchen-cabinets/

https://www.silestoneusa.com/color/eternal-calacatta-classic/

https://tasklighting.com/featured-products/lighted-power-strip/

https://bathpluskitchen.com/work/washingtondc20009/

https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2017/5/31/how-to-mix-metal-finishes

Furniture Board Vs Plywood Cabinets

Furniture board, particle board, plywood cabinets, oh my! What is best for your kitchen?

When you start a kitchen remodel project, there are a lot of decisions to make! From picking the right appliances and counters to cabinets and colors.

Modern kitchen design offers many options for homeowners. However, one frustrating area is picking the kitchen cabinets.

All cabinets are not equal and installing the wrong ones ruins the look and feel of your kitchen.

This is a major concern for homeowners! Many pros debate over plywood versus furniture board (also known as particle board) for kitchen cabinets.

Three major points we are discussing with the two types of cabinet construction are:

Cost
Durability
Utility

So, let’s take a closer look at plywood and furniture board cabinets and find out which works best for your home.

What is Engineered Wood?

Both plywood and furniture board are considered “engineered wood.”

Engineered wood is “any wood product manufactured by binding or fixing strands, particles, fibers, veneers, or boards of wood together with adhesives or other methods.”

In this article, we are focusing on two specific engineered-wood products – plywood and furniture board.

Did you know that almost all kitchen cabinets are engineered wood?

Pros generally build cabinets using plywood, furniture board, or both.

People often have strong opinions about which is better. This means choosing cabinet materials is stressful, especially if you don’t understand the differences between the two.

Don’t worry – we are here to walk you through the two products and discuss them both!

It is not about finding what is “better,” but about learning which is better FOR YOU and your needs.

Both plywood and furniture board work well as kitchen cabinets. Make the process even easier by knowing the pros and cons of each option.

Also Read:

9 Insider Kitchen Remodel Secrets Revealed

How To Save Big on Kitchen Cabinets

Painted vs Stained Cabinets – How to Compare & When to Use Both

The Difference Between Plywood and Furniture Board

Plywood

Thin layers of wood veneer just 3 millimeters thick form plywood. The pros then glue and bind together the thin layers and compress them with heat making one solid piece of wood. With each new layer, the grain rotates 90 degrees. As a result, it makes for a stronger material with a variety of uses and comes in many different sizes and finishes. Many people think of plywood first when thinking of engineered wood.

Pros and Cons of Plywood

Pros:

Very strong building material.
Lightweight yet sturdy.
Resistant to cracks, warps, and shrinking over time, as well as more moisture-resistant.
Good for wood paneling, cabinetry, furniture, etc.

Cons:

Edges of the board are raw and ugly and can’t be covered easily.
Not suitable for some joints/joining techniques.
Might have natural defects such as knots from using layers of veneer.

Furniture Board (Particle Board)

Pros create furniture board (also known as particle board) from wood chips, mill shavings, and sawdust bound together with a binding agent such as resin and pressed into flat sheets. It comes in different densities. The higher density products are stronger. Cabinet construction often uses this type of wood because of its lower cost and how it is easy to work with.

Pros and Cons of Furniture Board

Pros:

Less expensive than many other materials.
Strong and stable in high-density versions.
Uniform in texture with no gaps or holes.

Cons:

Not as strong as plywood, even the high-density versions. Extra supports are needed if heavy countertops are placed over particle board cabinets.
Less resistant to scratches and dents.
Not as water-resistant as plywood. (However, neither is waterproof. Any major leakage or flooding ruins either type of wood.)

Many pros advise homeowners that kitchen cabinets should only be plywood. Others insist it’s not a needed expense. The truth lies somewhere in between!

Above all, understanding some of the major concerns with each type helps you pick the right cabinets for your kitchen remodel.

Furniture Board and Water Don’t Mix

Most of the debate over plywood and furniture board comes down to one thing – the two materials behave differently when it comes to water.

If you’ve ever seen furniture board that’s wet for a long amount of time, you’ve seen a swollen, spongy, soft material which crumbles in your hand. In contrast, plywood handles moisture better, though it weakens and deforms over time.

For many, this is the reason for choosing plywood construction. However, they may be overlooking something when making a decision too quickly.

If your kitchen leaks or is flooded, having plywood won’t save you from ruined drywall, flooring, or damaged cabinets. This brings the question of money into play.

Not that plywood cabinets are a waste of money. Certain cabinet components should ALWAYS be plywood because of its moisture resistance. For example, under-sink cabinets should not be furniture board. This area sees more moisture on a regular basis and needs the protection plywood offers.

For areas with lower moisture, furniture board is cheaper and a good option.

Plywood Cabinets for Added Strength

Plywood is stronger than furniture board, and quality plywood cabinets maintain a strength advantage over their lifetime. This means less sagging and deflection over time.

Many homeowners worry about furniture board cabinets being weaker. However, it is still strong enough for use in your kitchen for a very long time.

But if you do opt for furniture board kitchen cabinets, here are some things to know.

Furniture board comes in many densities, and the density relates directly to its strength. High-density furniture board is heavier and stronger than a low-density board. Also, the high-density furniture board holds screw fasteners more securely.

In addition, low-density cabinets do not hold up well over time. If you want the best value from furniture board, do not waste money on a cheap, low-density product. If you do, you get sagging shelves and broken hardware within a few years.

When it comes to cabinet strength, construction and installation are very important.

Even solid wood cabinets won’t be strong if the components aren’t joined correctly. Construction methods matter far more in quality cabinetry than board strength. This is important. Focus on getting well-made kitchen cabinets instead of overthinking the materials.

Note: If you plan to use frameless cabinetry, make sure you only choose high-density furniture board or plywood. Because of the way hardware is mounted on frameless cabinetry, you need the strength and holding ability of high-density material.

A Question of Value – Cost

Where cost is concerned, there is a big difference between the two materials.

Many builders consider plywood cabinets an upgrade in a kitchen build. They charge up to an extra 10 – 20% for them! Many cabinet pros believe this is too high of a price difference. 20 percent more for cabinets is a lot of money when remodeling. As a result, it leaves less money in other parts of your new kitchen design, such as flooring and lighting.

Conclusion

Consider all points above when looking at materials for kitchen cabinets. Also, make sure you understand the pros and cons of different building materials. Consider your design and the functions you want, in addition to cost.

Also, consider your location. Living in a very humid area or one prone to flooding means moisture-resistant plywood cabinets are better. Furniture board cabinets are often better for rental properties or one you plan to remodel again someday.

Talk to a pro and ask questions. Do research!

It comes down to what you value as a homeowner.

Is the added strength and water resistance of plywood worth the cost? Is cost savings a larger factor?

Neither option is a bad choice! It is simply which option suits your needs and your kitchen better.

Looking for a custom kitchen design for your home? Contact Bath Plus Kitchen today!

33 Kitchen Cabinets Accessories – Secrets Revealed!

Bookmark this kitchen cabinet accessory page – for the sake of your cabinets!

Spice Organizers

Love to cook? Do you have a hard time finding the spice you want?

Waste Containers

We’ll give you two popular waste container options. If you have lots of trash contact us, we have some options for you.

Pull Out Organizers:

Double 35 Qt. Pull-Out Black and Chrome Waste Container
Single 35 Qt. Pull-Out Black and Chrome Waste Container with Rear Basket
Metal Door Mounting Kit for Wire Sink and Base Units

Knives & Utensils

Organize your knives & utensils. Satisfy your inner chef!

Cabinet Pull-Outs:

Pull-Out Wood Base Cabinet Utensil Organizer with 3 Bins and Soft-Close Slides
Pull-Out Wood Base Cabinet Organizer with Knife Block and Soft-Close Slides

Drawer Inserts:

Large Cabinet Drawer Wood Cutlery Tray Insert
Wood Knife Block Insert

Pots and Pans

Stop putting your pots on the floor. Give your pots and pans proper treatment.

Pull Out Under Cabinet Sliding Shelf
Medium Wood Base Cabinet Pull-Out Drawer
Pull-Out Wood Base Cabinet Tray Divider with Foil & Wrap Organizer
Pull-Out Chrome 2-Tier Wire Basket
Pull-Out 2-Tier Base Cabinet Cookware Organizer

Other Storage & Efficiency Items:

Plastic Bags

Talk about clever, you’ll love this kitchen accessory.

Wall Mount Grocery Bag Dispenser, Stainless Steel

Small Appliances

Like to bake but hate to lug your heavy mixer? Then buy this mixer lift, your back will thank you.

Full Height Base Cabinet Heavy Duty Mixer Lift

Tupperware

How many hours have you lost trying to match container to lid? Stop doing that, take back your!

Food Storage Container Organizer, Natural

Under Sink Storage & Organization

Ah yes, that pesky sink cabinet. What to do? These cabinet accessories make your sink base cabinet sing.

Trays with Hinges

White Polymer Tip Out Sink Front Trays and Hinges

Towel Holder

Towel Holder, Chrome

Door Organizer

Door Storage Cabinet Organizer Tray Set

Sliding Organizer

Undersink Sliding Organizer, Chrome

Base Cabinet Pantry System

10x your base cabinets.

Base Cabinet Swing Out Complete Pantry System, Natural

File Storage

Do you have important files laying on your countertop? Protect them from sauce stains and keep them organized for easy access.

Two-Tier File Drawer System with F/E slides

Cleaning Tools

It takes a lot of tools to keep your home looking clean! Mops, Swiffer’s, brooms, and more. This great wall mount system allows to you keep all of these tools, off the floor and all in one place for easy access. You can mount this system to the inside of a door or to a wall.

Gripper Holders For Mop Broom Handles and Heads with Hooks

Corner Cabinet Solutions

Want to actually use your corner cabinet? Yeah, we thought so.

Half Moon Shelving

Half Moon Pivot & Slide Out, White

Wire Shelving

Corner Cabinet Pull-Out 2-Tier Wire Basket Organizer

Access to High Cabinets

You did it didn’t you? You paid for tall cabinets but now you don’t use the top third. Do yourself a favor, buy this ladder.

Steel Frame Stool with Hand Grip and Plastic Steps

Like what you see here? Want to see more? There’s always more, lots more. Contact us now, mention this report and we’ll send you a free cabinet door sample of your choosing. We design and ship kitchen cabinets nationwide.

Painted Vs Stained Cabinets Making The Big Decision

Painted vs stained cabinets, having a hard time decided what’s best for you? Don’t worry, I have provided you with a complete guide to make your decision easy.

Painted vs Stained Cabinets – What would I do?

Most people are leaning one way or another based on personal preferences. Personally I love painted cabinets. Heck I love stained too. Especially walnut cabinets.

Because of my love for all things cabinetry I often marry the two. Typically I’ll do a lighter paint color such as white or gray on the perimeter with stained cabinets used for the kitchen island. The stained cabinet provides a warmer feel and breaks up the monotony.

What’s The Trend In Kitchen Cabinetry, Painted vs Stained Cabinets

You should know there is a massive painted cabinet trend out there. Today, almost 3 out of every four cabinets are painted. Of these the majority are white or off-white. Gray cabinets have been growing in popularity. We’re even seeing a wave of green kitchen cabinets. Just a few short years ago, it was the opposite, 3 out of 4 cabinets were stained. This is because many people prefer an all white kitchen and the clean look it portrays. It’s a timeless look. It also helps that costs have come down.

Painted vs Stained Cabinets Costs – What’s The Difference?

As with everything in cabinetry it depends. Most cabinet lines have a base wood species. This is usually maple or birch. Both of these species can be painted or stained.

Because maple and birch show much less grain than oak or walnut cabinets they are perfect for painting. The species provide more of a blank canvas. That makes your cabinet more about the paint color and less about the characteristics of the wood grain.

Now if you were to compare a maple stained cabinet versus a maple painted cabinet the stained cabinet would be more affordable. Typically you’ll see a paint uncharge of 15% for standard paints and 20% for custom paints. It is a more costly process comparatively. There are more steps involved. A well-made painted cabinet will have 2 coats of primer. The primer should match the color of the paint. Then your cabinet should get two coats of paint. Finally, there’s a top coat, put onto the paint. Compare this to staining a cabinet where there are two coats of stain finished with an oil based polyurethane.

Painting cabinets requires larger investments in shop equipment. High-end cabinet companies such as Plain & Fancy Cabinetry have massive warehouses filled with spraying machines. In-fact Plain & Fancy has imported their painting machine from Italy. They invested $4 million into their painting equipment.

How the cabinet is painted will impact pricing and the quality of the paint. If the cabinet is hung and manually painted with a sprayer you’re bound to see more imperfections in your cabinets. The proper way to paint cabinet doors and cases is by flat laying them. This will protect your cabinet from streaks.

Also Read: How To Mix Kitchen Cabinet Finishes, Paint & Stain Cabinets Living Together

Other factors to consider are the types of kitchen cabinets. The better understanding your designer has on how your kitchen is used on a daily basis the better they can guide you on all of these intricacies. Also not all cabinet companies do a great job with painted cabinets. You’ll want to check with your designer to ensure the cabinet company has a good reputation.

What’s Your Style?

It’s important to consider what type of overall look you want for your kitchen. Painted cabinets offer a sleek, clean design with a smooth, flawless finish. Classic white cabinets are the most popular color. Selecting cabinets with a painted finish opens up numerous color options for you to select from, unlike stained cabinets. Paint is thicker than stain and sticks well to the surface of the wood to covers knots and grains – making the focus on the color and not the texture of the cabinet.

Stained cabinets on the other hand are a great choice for homeowners who enjoy the look of wood grains and knots. Since stain is thinner than paint it soaks into the surface, giving the cabinet some color all while preserving the natural textures.

Also Read: Furniture Board vs Plywood Cabinets

You’ll also want to consider the type of flooring, countertop, and backsplash tiles for your kitchen. You’ll want to choose cabinets that flow with the rest of your selections. By working with a designer you’re likely to have a kitchen with a cohesive look.

What’s easier to maintained? Painted vs Stained Cabinets

When making a big investment on new cabinets you want to be sure that what you are buying will be easy to maintain and will hold up over the years. That being said, you should be aware that painted cabinets can show every day smudges and dirt more easily than a stained wood tone cabinet will. It’s also important to know it is possible for paint to chip if the cabinet is struck by a hard object. While you can get touch-up kits from some manufactures they may not blend well depending on the type of finish. On the other hand, it is much easier to find touch-up markers for stained cabinets. Even without an exact match you can often rely on the grains of the cabinet to help disguise a touch-up spot and help it to blend in.

Also Read: 10 Best Kitchen Remodel Secrets, Don’t Remodel Without Reading This!

Once you’ve put some thought into the pros and cons of each option it’s up to you to ultimately decide if you prefer painted kitchen cabinets or stained kitchen cabinets. Still need some help deciding? Our team of design experts can work with you to help create the kitchen of your dreams. Contact us today for a consultation.

What Is The Durability of Painted Cabinets?

Most importantly, it’s all in how the cabinets are finished. If you live in a mild climate or maintain your house between 65 and 75 degrees year-round then you can consider painted cabinets. However if you don’t have AC or keep your thermostat low in the winter you’ll likely want to avoid the idea. This is because wood is always in a state of expansion and contraction.

Painted cabinets will show imperfections such as hairline fractures more readily. Your cabinet door has joints. It’s where the stiles and rails connect. Usually they are joined through mortise and tenon construction at a 90 degree angle. Mitered joints meet at a 45 degree angle.

The stiles run vertically and the rails run horizontally. They meet to frame out the center panel of your cabinet door. The place where the stiles and rails join is most prone to hairline fractures. If you have a white cabinet you’re bound to see these fractures at some point. That’s even if you keep your house at a consistent temperature. Because the cabinets are white a crack is more apparent than if the cabinets were stained.

Picking the Perfect Kitchen Cabinet Doors

If you are planning to update your kitchen cabinets you might just be surprised by the amount of choices that you will have to make! In our previous blog post we explained the difference between the different types of cabinets that you could select from. In this post we will be reviewing many of the different cabinet door selections available for you to select from. Yes, cabinet doors – you’ll be surprised by the number of choices you have.

Raised Panel

Raised Panel doors fit well with a more traditional kitchen design style. These doors are raised in the middle, creating a groove between the doors center panel and frame. Raised Panel doors add dimension and detail to the space. You will often times see them in homes with a transitional, country, or rustic feel to them.

Recessed Panel

One of the most popular styles that you are probably already familiar with is the Shaker-style cabinet door, which is a type of recessed panel cabinet door. This style is a homeowner favorite because it features clean, simple lines and fit with most décor styles. These doors work well with variations in wood species, stains, paint colors and hardware. Shaker doors are a great budget friendly option to consider for your new kitchen.

Flat Panel

Looking for a modern or contemporary kitchen? Then Flat Panel cabinet doors might be the best choice for you. This style features hard lines and is great for achieving a minimalistic look. These cabinets simple look like a flat, smooth piece of wood (but they also come in laminate if you are looking to save a little bit of money). Flat Panel doors are even sometimes referred to as Slab doors.

Now that you are familiar with the different styles of doors it is important to figure out how to pick the best one for your home. Below are a few questions to ask yourself before deciding on a final selection.

1. What style kitchen have you decided on? – Traditional, Modern, Contemporary, Rustic?
2. What types of trim and moldings are currently throughout your home?
3. What cabinet door styles are throughout the rest of your home? Unless you are remodeling your whole home you might want to keep the look consistent throughout.
4. What details/accessories are you considering? Glass inserts, beadboard, specific knobs or pulls?

If you aren’t 100% sure what will be the best decision for your home you can always contact the design team at Bath Plus Kitchen and we can walk you through every step of your renovation project – from design/layout to installation/completion.