professional advice from:
Steve Tough Masterclass Kitchens
Richard Davonport of Davonport Kitchen
Bridget Donbavand of Kitchen & Bedroom Store
Conrad Henrick of LWK Kitchens
B & Q
Do it yourself
Cabinet that come flat packed and ready to assemble on site are generally cheaper and available in DIY stores such as Homebase, Ikea or B & Q.
In- house designers will help you draw up a CAD (computer-aided design) plan, but you must take accurate measurements of your room to make sure what you buy will fit. It is then a matter of installing the cabinets themselves, or hire builders to do the work for you.
Some DIY stores offer in-house design services. A representative will visit you at home to discuss your options and take accurate measurements of your kitchen.
Browse 10 ideas for kitchens affordable and achievable
Cabinet that come flat packed and ready to assemble on site are generally cheaper and available in DIY stores such as Homebase, Ikea or B & Q.
In- house designers will help you draw up a CAD (computer-aided design) plan, but you must take accurate measurements of your room to make sure what you buy will fit. It is then a matter of installing the cabinets themselves, or hire builders to do the work for you.
Some DIY stores offer in-house design services. A representative will visit you at home to discuss your options and take accurate measurements of your kitchen.
Browse 10 ideas for kitchens affordable and achievable
Masterclass Kitchens
Buy ready-made
ready- assembled cabinets exactly what its name implies. 'Cupboard built with hinges mounted and doors installed, so it is easier if you are doing DIY jobs, "said Bridget Donbavand of Kitchen & Bedroom Store." It also saves time if you have a joiner or a kitchen fitter to install your kitchen, as more time on the job means more load. day rates for employees can add up to quite expensive. "
At Masterclass Kitchens, ready assembled cabinets are manufactured using Computer Numerical Control or CNC machine tools. 'This ensures the panels are produced with tolerances demanded," said Steve Tough Masterclass. "It also ensures ultra holes are cleanly and accurately positioned and, unlike the flat-pack furniture, the drill hole right where they need to be, with no need for a lot of spare parts."
losses to order assembled cabinets is that shipping costs might be more. 'This is usually because the vehicles are sent to deliver a full kitchen, but these will usually outweigh the additional costs time fitting unit flat-pack, "said Donbavand.
ready- assembled cabinets exactly what its name implies. 'Cupboard built with hinges mounted and doors installed, so it is easier if you are doing DIY jobs, "said Bridget Donbavand of Kitchen & Bedroom Store." It also saves time if you have a joiner or a kitchen fitter to install your kitchen, as more time on the job means more load. day rates for employees can add up to quite expensive. "
At Masterclass Kitchens, ready assembled cabinets are manufactured using Computer Numerical Control or CNC machine tools. 'This ensures the panels are produced with tolerances demanded," said Steve Tough Masterclass. "It also ensures ultra holes are cleanly and accurately positioned and, unlike the flat-pack furniture, the drill hole right where they need to be, with no need for a lot of spare parts."
losses to order assembled cabinets is that shipping costs might be more. 'This is usually because the vehicles are sent to deliver a full kitchen, but these will usually outweigh the additional costs time fitting unit flat-pack, "said Donbavand.
Davonport
Tailor-made solution
advantage of choosing to kitchen bespoke rather than something 'of the stake' is that one size does not fit all when it comes to the design of the kitchen. the kitchen is made, every corner of the awkward and unique features of the room can be used for best effect them, maximize available space.
'this creates a finish that is absolutely seamless and ensure space is used in a way that best suits your needs, in a way that is not always possible when the kitchen was purchased from the standard range , "said Richard Davonport, of Davonport kitchen. ' The other great advantage to be gained from a bespoke kitchen is that it will be unique and individual touch and details can be added along the way. "
advantage of choosing to kitchen bespoke rather than something 'of the stake' is that one size does not fit all when it comes to the design of the kitchen. the kitchen is made, every corner of the awkward and unique features of the room can be used for best effect them, maximize available space.
'this creates a finish that is absolutely seamless and ensure space is used in a way that best suits your needs, in a way that is not always possible when the kitchen was purchased from the standard range , "said Richard Davonport, of Davonport kitchen. ' The other great advantage to be gained from a bespoke kitchen is that it will be unique and individual touch and details can be added along the way. "
Brian O'Tuama Architect
Perfect fit
quality of the fit is the most important elements of any kitchen project. It is important fit is confident in what they do. 'Reseller you will be able to recommend someone if they do not have the builders themselves on the board, 'suggesting Tough.' always looking for a recommendation and always ask to see samples of their previous work. "
Davonport added," Do not just pick first installer who came together because they are cheap, as you may eventually have to hire a new installer or pay more money for a kitchen unit is new, simply because they were not professionally equipped to a high standard. "
quality of the fit is the most important elements of any kitchen project. It is important fit is confident in what they do. 'Reseller you will be able to recommend someone if they do not have the builders themselves on the board, 'suggesting Tough.' always looking for a recommendation and always ask to see samples of their previous work. "
Davonport added," Do not just pick first installer who came together because they are cheap, as you may eventually have to hire a new installer or pay more money for a kitchen unit is new, simply because they were not professionally equipped to a high standard. "
Neil Norton Design
in the story
carcass is the basis of every kitchen cabinet. It's hidden behind a door and panel end and, although invisible, the carcass is important for the longevity and durability of the cabinet.
The thickness of the carcass of the kitchen, generally, either 15mm, 16mm or 18mm. 'While the difference between the highest and lowest 3mm specifications not a huge amount, 18mm cabinet will eventually be stronger than the 15mm one,' suggested Devonport.
Be aware that some companies will use the board backs 3mm in their kitchen units, which do not tend to last long. 'The majority Davonport cabinet interior is made of high quality MFC (melamine faced chipboard),' continue to Devonport. 'These moisture-resistant material lends itself very well to the interior of the kitchen cabinets because it is easy to clean and will not stain. "
carcass is the basis of every kitchen cabinet. It's hidden behind a door and panel end and, although invisible, the carcass is important for the longevity and durability of the cabinet.
The thickness of the carcass of the kitchen, generally, either 15mm, 16mm or 18mm. 'While the difference between the highest and lowest 3mm specifications not a huge amount, 18mm cabinet will eventually be stronger than the 15mm one,' suggested Devonport.
Be aware that some companies will use the board backs 3mm in their kitchen units, which do not tend to last long. 'The majority Davonport cabinet interior is made of high quality MFC (melamine faced chipboard),' continue to Devonport. 'These moisture-resistant material lends itself very well to the interior of the kitchen cabinets because it is easy to clean and will not stain. "
Cue & Co. of London
Di-frame vs. frameless
kitchen door was good in-frame or frameless. 'A door-frame refers to the traditional style joinery where the center door panels are inset, and surrounded by a frame around the outside of the door fascia, "said Conrad Henrick of LWK Kitchens. 'The door is hinged with butt hinges, which is visible on the outside of the cabinet. "
For those who prefer a more contemporary look, choose a door without a frame that eliminates frame the face, giving aesthetic slim.
kitchen door was good in-frame or frameless. 'A door-frame refers to the traditional style joinery where the center door panels are inset, and surrounded by a frame around the outside of the door fascia, "said Conrad Henrick of LWK Kitchens. 'The door is hinged with butt hinges, which is visible on the outside of the cabinet. "
For those who prefer a more contemporary look, choose a door without a frame that eliminates frame the face, giving aesthetic slim.
Tom Howley kitchen
solid material used to door and panel
- solid wood generally used for more traditional in-frame kitchen cabinet. 'The natural wood graining add character and warmth to the kitchen and is suitable for both traditional and modern space, "said Tough. Generally available in a variety of stains, lacquers and painted, solid wood choices range from cherry and oak for poplar and pine. Investigate the pros and cons of different forest before making your final decision. Some are more durable than others.
- solid acrylic door, as Parapan, described as solid as they are entirely made of 18mm-thick acrylic all the way through. 'Therefore, they produce even color, with a smooth and highly reflective, comparable with kitchen gloss lacquer, "said Henrick.' Kitchens acrylic solid also very hard-wearing, stain-resistant and non-porous. They are easy to wipe clean, but the cleaning agent non-abrasive is important as acrylic surface can be susceptible to scratches. If this happens, the good news is that the acrylic easily repaired and scratches can be buffed out. "
Kitchen Architech
composite materials used for doors and panels
- Less expensive than solid wood, plywood made of thin layers of wood are placed one above the other and held together by adhesives. Sapwood, or ply, usually positioned with its grain runs at right angles to the next layer, so that a strong material. You can find plywood in various types of wood.
- Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is generally less expensive than plywood and made by bonding together wood waste fiber using a resin, heat and pressure. MDF super-smooth surface, so you do not have to worry about the knots on the surface. As a result, it's a great surface for painting, but always apply a primer first.
- The particles are made of wood particles mixed with resin and bonded by pressure. The development of technology has enhanced resin, which means that the particles are now stronger than it has been before. However, it is the flimsiest of these materials.
Mowlem & Co
finish where?
If your budget stretches to solid wood, or you opt for less expensive materials, how it is finished will have a bearing on the longevity, durability and ease of maintenance.
Give your kitchen space wow factor
If your budget stretches to solid wood, or you opt for less expensive materials, how it is finished will have a bearing on the longevity, durability and ease of maintenance.
Give your kitchen space wow factor
B & Q
Foil wrap or vinyl?
Foil and vinyl wrapped doors are very similar and each started as MDF door panels, which are then wrapped in what can only be described as an industrial-style clingfilm in the color of the finished product. The film can be a gloss or matt, and made both of PVC vinyl or special foil, wrapped to face the door and glued in place.
"About 10 or 15 years ago glue used to stick wrap to the door reacted with MDF wood, resulting in omission bad odor," said Henrick. 'Over the years companies door blame the manufacturers of MDF for this, and MDF producers blame the company glue. for a long time there was no determination and enterprise kitchens consequently the most notable change suppliers of doors, or stop supplying the finish is correct, for the sake of finished acrylic, or equivalent. "
Indeed, German engineers developed a solution that is much more powerful and cost-effective, lacquered kitchen door (see below). It is really past the pack in both cost and quality.
'However, vinyl wrap doors is still a huge industry,' Henrick continues, ' because they are very cheap to make. You can mimic almost any finish to the door 'Do not always check the quality before you buy, though: typical tell-tale sign of a bad wrap vinyl doors made is what is known in the industry as a'. Orange peel effect ', which is a very small ripples or bumps on the surface of the door.
Foil and vinyl wrapped doors are very similar and each started as MDF door panels, which are then wrapped in what can only be described as an industrial-style clingfilm in the color of the finished product. The film can be a gloss or matt, and made both of PVC vinyl or special foil, wrapped to face the door and glued in place.
"About 10 or 15 years ago glue used to stick wrap to the door reacted with MDF wood, resulting in omission bad odor," said Henrick. 'Over the years companies door blame the manufacturers of MDF for this, and MDF producers blame the company glue. for a long time there was no determination and enterprise kitchens consequently the most notable change suppliers of doors, or stop supplying the finish is correct, for the sake of finished acrylic, or equivalent. "
Indeed, German engineers developed a solution that is much more powerful and cost-effective, lacquered kitchen door (see below). It is really past the pack in both cost and quality.
'However, vinyl wrap doors is still a huge industry,' Henrick continues, ' because they are very cheap to make. You can mimic almost any finish to the door 'Do not always check the quality before you buy, though: typical tell-tale sign of a bad wrap vinyl doors made is what is known in the industry as a'. Orange peel effect ', which is a very small ripples or bumps on the surface of the door.
bulthaup by Kitchen Architecture
How is laminate?
a finished laminate Formica is a buildup layer, which is very solid polymers. 'Door Laminate has come a long way from the old-style 1960s or 1970s, "said Henrick.' It has completed pearlescent which means that they look sparkly little distance. Combined with a rough texture, the effect is such that the door is often looked low quality. historically, the edges of these doors also have a tendency to peel off. qualities such as giving the door laminate reputation really bad.
this reputation is still not resolved today, but of a manufacturer of good quality, door laminate is actually now a few doors yet reached the most durable you can buy, and very resistant to marks and scratches. "
Look laminated textured, which began life just the same as normal kitchen laminate doors, but then pressed to dye 0 pounds, where texture is embossed into the laminate, creating effects such as wood fiber or tile print.
a finished laminate Formica is a buildup layer, which is very solid polymers. 'Door Laminate has come a long way from the old-style 1960s or 1970s, "said Henrick.' It has completed pearlescent which means that they look sparkly little distance. Combined with a rough texture, the effect is such that the door is often looked low quality. historically, the edges of these doors also have a tendency to peel off. qualities such as giving the door laminate reputation really bad.
this reputation is still not resolved today, but of a manufacturer of good quality, door laminate is actually now a few doors yet reached the most durable you can buy, and very resistant to marks and scratches. "
Look laminated textured, which began life just the same as normal kitchen laminate doors, but then pressed to dye 0 pounds, where texture is embossed into the laminate, creating effects such as wood fiber or tile print.
James Dawson Interior Design
How veneer?
a great way to get the look of expensive or exotic wood without the cost associated , veneer can be applied on the basis of chipboard or MDF. 'Veneers wood is basically a thin sheet of real wood, pressed onto MDF board for extra stability, making selection of durable, "said Donbavand.' It can then be stained and varnished to a wide range of colors and tones.
'you can also have what is called a book-matched veneer, where the pattern of the wood texture is continuous throughout your unit,' he continued. 'the book-matched veneer can be expensive, but it looks incredible and very high end. "
a great way to get the look of expensive or exotic wood without the cost associated , veneer can be applied on the basis of chipboard or MDF. 'Veneers wood is basically a thin sheet of real wood, pressed onto MDF board for extra stability, making selection of durable, "said Donbavand.' It can then be stained and varnished to a wide range of colors and tones.
'you can also have what is called a book-matched veneer, where the pattern of the wood texture is continuous throughout your unit,' he continued. 'the book-matched veneer can be expensive, but it looks incredible and very high end. "
Hobsons Choice
Try lacquer
Not only the finish is applied wood and wood veneer door to create a protective layer of durable, lacquer can also be used to finish MDF in almost any color well in matt or high-gloss finish.
lacquering process can be quite time consuming because of the multiple layers that were spray painted onto the surface. The result is that the generally durable lacquered doors, though, as with anything, they must be well maintained. 'If they receive a "bang", they can dent or chip but so will a new car if you do not take care of him,' Donbavand explained. There are specialist companies as well as DIY kit available in case repairs are needed.
lacquer produced with fewer layers available, but do not be tempted by the cheaper price. The process for making them faster and the result is often a slightly dimpled surface. 'Lacquered doors can be cleaned with warm soapy water. It is not recommended to clean them with abrasive products, "he added Donbavand.
Not only the finish is applied wood and wood veneer door to create a protective layer of durable, lacquer can also be used to finish MDF in almost any color well in matt or high-gloss finish.
lacquering process can be quite time consuming because of the multiple layers that were spray painted onto the surface. The result is that the generally durable lacquered doors, though, as with anything, they must be well maintained. 'If they receive a "bang", they can dent or chip but so will a new car if you do not take care of him,' Donbavand explained. There are specialist companies as well as DIY kit available in case repairs are needed.
lacquer produced with fewer layers available, but do not be tempted by the cheaper price. The process for making them faster and the result is often a slightly dimpled surface. 'Lacquered doors can be cleaned with warm soapy water. It is not recommended to clean them with abrasive products, "he added Donbavand.
LWK Kitchens London
consider acrylic-faced and laser doors
A more affordable alternative to acrylic solid door acrylic face. "It was produced by bonding acrylic on MDF board, which is then sealed on the edge, "said Henrick. 'Door-faced acrylic is a much cheaper option, but the quality is also low, which means they are more difficult to maintain. Doors can sometimes prove soft, making them vulnerable to damage if not handled with care. "
A door laser alternatives that are more durable. It is a hybrid lacquer-laminate, which means that the door color is printed, on the surface of the lacquer is applied.
A more affordable alternative to acrylic solid door acrylic face. "It was produced by bonding acrylic on MDF board, which is then sealed on the edge, "said Henrick. 'Door-faced acrylic is a much cheaper option, but the quality is also low, which means they are more difficult to maintain. Doors can sometimes prove soft, making them vulnerable to damage if not handled with care. "
A door laser alternatives that are more durable. It is a hybrid lacquer-laminate, which means that the door color is printed, on the surface of the lacquer is applied.
Brayer Design
sober
handle complete the look of your unit and can actually change the way the kitchen looks as a whole. 'If you have chosen a Shaker-style kitchen and wanted to see a more traditional, for example, then you may need to go for a cup handle on a drawer unit and match knobs on your cabinets. Whereas if you use the handle bar, suddenly the contemporary kitchen, 'suggesting Donbavand.' Think about the overall finish you want to achieve before you make your choice. '
handle complete the look of your unit and can actually change the way the kitchen looks as a whole. 'If you have chosen a Shaker-style kitchen and wanted to see a more traditional, for example, then you may need to go for a cup handle on a drawer unit and match knobs on your cabinets. Whereas if you use the handle bar, suddenly the contemporary kitchen, 'suggesting Donbavand.' Think about the overall finish you want to achieve before you make your choice. '
Martins Camisuli Architect
Go to handle free
sleek and smart handleless doors can look good in the kitchen where you want a sleek, contemporary look.
SAY ...
What has been your experience buying kitchen cabinets - good and bad? Share in the comments below.
sleek and smart handleless doors can look good in the kitchen where you want a sleek, contemporary look.
SAY ...
What has been your experience buying kitchen cabinets - good and bad? Share in the comments below.
