Choosing Your New Kitchen Cabinets
Choosing Your New Kitchen Cabinets (Without Paying Luxury Prices for “Fancy Boxes”)
Cabinets are one of those purchases where you can spend “reasonable money” or “are we buying the whole street?” money. And the tricky part is that two kitchens can look almost identical in photos… while the cabinets behind those doors are built very differently.
This is the builder’s guide to choosing cabinets in a way that holds up to real life: kids, pots, humidity, slammed drawers, and the occasional “I’m just going to sit on this open door for a second” decision. (No judgement. We’ve all seen it.)
Start Here: The 3 Cabinet Decisions That Affect Your Life Every Day
Most people start with door style and colour. That’s normal… but it’s backwards. If you want a kitchen you still love five years from now, start with these three:
1) The cabinet box (what you don’t see)
This is the structure that carries the load. A beautiful door on a weak box is like a new hood on a rusty truck. It looks great… until you hit the first pothole.
2) The layout (how you move)
A kitchen can be gorgeous and still feel annoying. Layout is what decides whether cooking feels smooth or like a hallway traffic jam.
3) The hardware (what you touch)
Soft-close, full-extension, good hinges—these are daily quality-of-life upgrades. Cheap hardware is where “new kitchens” start feeling old.
Cabinet Boxes: What You’re Actually Buying
The “box” is the cabinet carcass—sides, top, bottom, back, and shelf supports. This is where durability comes from. When quotes vary a lot, box construction is often the reason.
| Material | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood box | Strong, good screw-holding, handles humidity well when built properly | Higher cost; not all “plywood” is equal—grade and thickness matter |
| Furniture board / particleboard | Stable and cost-effective; can perform well in many kitchens | Moisture is the enemy; edge protection and quality finish matter a lot |
| MDF (often for doors/panels) | Very smooth finish for paint; stable; great for shaker-style painted doors | Heavier; doesn’t love water if edges are damaged |
Builder rule: If you’re trying to “save money,” do it with door style or accessories—not by gambling on the box structure and hardware.
Indoor Air Quality: Yes, Cabinets Matter (Formaldehyde & Composite Wood)
Cabinets often use composite wood products (think particleboard, MDF, certain plywood cores). These materials can emit formaldehyde—especially when raw edges aren’t properly sealed or when products are not built to modern standards.
Canada has regulations specifically aimed at reducing indoor-air exposure to formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products sold or imported in Canada. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Those regulations set emission limits for common panel types like hardwood plywood, particleboard, and MDF. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The practical homeowner takeaway is simple: ask what the cabinet boxes and panels are made from, and whether they meet low-emission standards. You don’t need to become a chemist—just don’t treat “indoor air” as somebody else’s problem.
If you want the government reference (useful when you’re comparing suppliers), here are the official resources: Health Canada: Formaldehyde :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} and Formaldehyde Emissions Regulations (Canada). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Door Styles: Pick the One You Won’t Hate in 6 Months
Door style is the “face” of the kitchen. But here’s a secret: the best door style is the one that matches your house and your lifestyle. (And the second-best is the one that’s easiest to clean.)
Shaker
The safe bet. Works with modern, transitional, farmhouse, and most “Ontario practical” kitchens. It also gives you flexibility if you change hardware or lighting later.
Slab / Flat-panel
Very modern. Clean lines. Great for contemporary homes. If you have kids, fingerprints become a lifestyle. Choose finishes accordingly.
Raised panel / Traditional
More detailed, more classic. Looks great in the right home, but it can feel busy in a smaller kitchen.
Quick test: If your door style needs constant explaining (“It’s European minimalism!”), it might not be the one.
Finishes: Painted, Stained, or “Somewhere In Between”
A cabinet finish is what protects the doors from moisture, oils, cleaning products, and “life.” Here’s how to choose:
- Painted: clean, bright, modern. Best with a good-quality coating system. Touch-ups are possible, but chips will show.
- Stained wood: warmer, hides little dings better, and looks richer over time. Grade of wood and consistency matter.
- Thermofoil / laminate: can be very durable and consistent; quality varies widely. Great option in the right product tier.
Ask the supplier one key question: “What’s the finish system?” A high-quality sprayed finish (or a proven laminate/foil system) can be fantastic. A cheap finish is how “new” becomes “tired” fast.
Hardware: The Cheapest Place to Feel Like You Bought Expensive Cabinets
Hardware is the most underrated part of a kitchen because it’s not glamorous… until you live with it. Full-extension drawers and good hinges change everything.
- Soft-close hinges: protects doors and reduces “slam wear.”
- Full-extension drawer slides: you can actually reach the back of the drawer.
- Drawer depth & width: big drawers for pots/pans are a life upgrade (and reduce upper cabinet clutter).
- Pull-outs: garbage, recycling, spice, tray dividers—choose the ones you’ll truly use.
Builder truth: A kitchen with “average doors” and excellent drawers feels better than a “designer door” kitchen with cheap slides.
Layout and Clearances: Where Kitchens Succeed or Fail
Cabinets don’t live alone—they live inside a kitchen layout. And layout is where I see homeowners accidentally “design a beautiful inconvenience.”
Kitchen planning guidelines commonly recommend work aisle clearances in the 42″ range for one cook and 48″ for multiple cooks. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} The NKBA’s kitchen planning guidelines are a useful reference for clearances and accessibility considerations. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
You don’t have to turn your kitchen into a textbook, but you do want:
- Enough aisle space so two people can pass without playing “excuse me… sorry… sorry… sorry.”
- Clear landing zones beside fridge, sink, and cooktop.
- Drawers and doors that don’t collide in tight corners.
- Trash/recycling located where you actually prep food.
Pro move: Tape the kitchen layout on the floor (yes, seriously). Walk it. Open imaginary doors. Your feet will catch problems your eyes miss.
Cabinet Quotes: How to Compare Without Losing Your Mind
If you’re building a new home or doing a major renovation, you’ll often get cabinet pricing that looks like it came from three different planets. Here’s how to compare quotes fairly:
- Confirm scope: Does it include boxes only, or doors, panels, fillers, crown, toe-kicks, and installation?
- Confirm hardware: What hinge brand/line? What drawer slide line? Soft-close included?
- Confirm interiors: Melamine? Veneer? Plywood? Edge banding? (This affects durability.)
- Confirm accessories: Pull-outs, trash, spice, organizers—are they included or options?
- Confirm install: Scribes, panels, levelling, fillers, crown, and final adjustments.
If you want to keep your whole custom build budget organized (cabinets included), use this planning tool: Custom Home Building Calculator. It helps you see where “one upgrade” starts stacking into “ten upgrades.”
Timeline: When to Choose Cabinets So They Don’t Delay the Build
Cabinets aren’t something you pick at the last second. They affect electrical, plumbing, backsplash layout, hood requirements, fridge panels, island size, and sometimes even window placement.
If you’re building new, your cabinet design should be “locked enough” early so trades can rough-in correctly, and final cabinet measurements can be confirmed at the right time.
Simple schedule advice: Make your layout decisions early. Confirm final measurements after drywall. Then build/install without rushing—rushing is how kitchens get “almost right.”
If you’re doing work that changes walls, plumbing, or structure, permit requirements may apply. This page helps you understand the Ontario permitting process: How to Get a Building Permit in Ontario.
Sustainability: A Simple Way to Choose Better Wood
If sustainability matters to you, look for credible third-party certification. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is commonly referenced as a widely used certification for responsibly sourced wood products. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} You don’t have to be perfect—just aim for “better than random.”
Here’s the FSC reference if you want it: FSC and furniture/wood sourcing. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
What We Recommend (The No-Regrets Cabinet Checklist)
If you want the simplest “do this and you’ll be happy” checklist, here you go:
- Prioritize box + hardware quality before fancy door details.
- Use more drawers on lowers (pots, pans, dishes, garbage). Drawers are function.
- Plan clearances so the kitchen works with two people.
- Ask about low-emission panels and sealed edges for indoor air quality. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Don’t over-accessorize—buy the pull-outs you’ll actually use every week.
If you’re building a new home and you want the entire project coordinated (site, structure, systems, and finishes like cabinetry), this is what we do: ICFhome.ca – Custom Home Construction.
Bottom Line
The “best” kitchen cabinets aren’t the ones with the fanciest brochure. They’re the ones built on a solid box, with great hardware, in a layout that works—finished in a way that survives real life. Do that, and your kitchen won’t just look good on day one… it’ll still feel good years later.
And if you’re budgeting a new home build and want to keep cabinetry in the bigger picture, start here: New Home HST Rebate Calculator (Ontario) and Custom Home Building Calculator.
Scroll sideways to see more. Cards stay the same height (no messy uneven rows).
I think it is a great idea to go to home improvement stores and see the cabinet displays before making any decision on what kind of cabinets to buy. I also think that you should keep in mind why you want new cabinets. In my case it is because I don’t have enough storage space for everything in my kitchen. So I am in the process of measuring my existing cabinets and trying to figure out how much more space I need. I can’t imagine anything worse than getting my cabinets only to find out that I have less space than I started with.
This is some really helpful advice for anyone planning a kitchen renovation, of any kind. I liked your point that not every kitchen renovation has to involve changing everything, and that something like replacing cabinets is definitely a remodel. I also loved your point about getting your first pick, and I completely agree that you should never settle, because you do have to use these cabinets for years to come. Thanks so much for writing!
I have always really like the idea of having a custom set of cabinets in our house. We have been planning on renovating our kitchen for some time, but just couldn’t find the right cabinets. I will have to make sure that we look into the custom design and see what we can find.
The picture of the green cabinets are so cute! They add such a great splash of color, but yet it’s not too overwhelming. I really like what you said about looking at cabinets at the store so you know what you like, but then looking for a good deal on cabinets.
Love the new look!!! I have decided to paint my cupboards and you have given me some great tips. Thanks so much for your post!!!
I love those purple cabinets in the second picture. I’m hoping to find someone local to make me some cabinets. I’m not sure what the price difference is between custom and buying from a store.
I agree that you would need to consider the use of a kitchen cabinet before you get them commissioned. I would imagine that especially with custom cabinetry it would be important to know each unit’s exact function. I’m remodeling my kitchen so I’ll be sure to map out what things I will be putting in which cabinet before I order them.
We really want to replace the cabinets in our kitchen, but weren’t sure what kind to choose. I really like the idea of choosing them for what you will be using them for the most. Since we will be storing most of our dishes up there, it might be nice to know that they won’t end up falling out.
I agree that it is essential to make sure that you choose the right cabinets when remodeling your home because of how long you will be seeing them. I am going to take your advice and go to a home improvement store to look at different colors and designs so that we can choose the best cabinet color and style for our home. I can’t wait to remodel.
That point about taking into account what the kitchen cabinet will be used for was really helpful. I’m planning on having my kitchen remodeled. However, I’ve been stuck trying to decide if I want custom cabinets or not.
I like that you mentioned to think about what you want to use your cabinets for when choosing them. We have a large family, and that means a lot of dishes. We need our cabinets to have a lot of storage space. We are remodeling our kitchen this summer, so I will keep that thought in mind as we search for new cabinets.
I agree that when choosing new kitchen cabinets you shouldn’t make any impulse purchase as you point out. You will have to live with whatever decision you make for at least the next few years. Better to take the time now and make a great decision that make a snap decision and regret it down the road. Thanks for the great post.
My wife and I just moved and want to install new custom cabinets in our kitchen. I like that you recommend choosing a model for the specific use of a cabinet. We’ll have to plan out which cabinets will be used for what and make some measurements so we don’t get stuck with cabinets that are too small. Thanks for the helpful tips!
Choosing the right cabinets for your kitchen is as overwhelming as buying clothes for your marriage ceremony. Well, there are wholesale kitchen stores where you can see, analyze, and take help from the professionals—finally decide what to buy and what is suitable or not. Kitchen remodeling should not be boring, it should be fun. You should have patience to behold something beautiful after some days. It’s always a great idea to hire kitchen remodeling contractors for your renovation process as they have years of experience and you can accomplish it in a budget.
For your kitchen remodeling,selection of kitchen cabinet is one of the important part but it is so easy to select the new kitchen cabinet. First you have to decide the kitchen cabinet styles and trends and you choose the best material so that durability and longevity of the materiel will be maintained. Hardwood style also matters a lot so you have to choose the best door type and color but that should be according to your needs and preferences. Another important point is first make budget plan. It is better for choosing your new kitchen cabinet you should hire a professional contractor.
I like how you mentioned that no matter how good looking a cabinet is as long as it wouldn’t fit the kitchen it would be of no use. That is why I’m making sure to get our cabinets customized so that it would look how I want it to be while still fitting perfectly in the kitchen. Having a custom cabinet would surely add the much-needed kick in the aesthetics that we’ve been looking for. Thanks!
Thank you for pointing out that you should make an impulse decision when it comes to your kitchen cabinets. My husband and I are wanting to get wooden cabinets and need to find the best ones for us. Hopefully, I can do some research and find the best cabinet company in my area.
I thought it was great that you said to keep in mind what you want to use your kitchen cabinets for when replacing them. My wife has been wanting to remodel our kitchen so that she can host more dinner parties for our friends. It would be great if we could find a company that can give us recommendations and install a new set of cabinets for our kitchen.
Thanks for pointing out that when choosing your kitchen cabinets it’s smart to keep in mind what you will be using your kitchen cabinets for. My husband and I are thinking about remodeling our kitchen because we want to update the look of it and we are trying to choose the right cabinets to help us do that. I think that it might be smart to look into getting custom cabinets so that we can make sure that they work for what we need to use them for and that we can still get the design that we want.
It’s great that you talked about how you should consider the kitchen cabinet’s size when choosing one. Recently, my wife and I decided it was time for a house makeover. We want to change our kitchen’s style, so we’re renovating it, and we think your article will help us choose the best cabinets for it. We appreciate your tips about considering the cabinets and the kitchen size when improving your home’s kitchen.
Choosing new kitchen cabinets is a daunting task, and this article by Builders Ontario provides invaluable insights to simplify the decision-making process. The comprehensive guide covers everything from materials and styles to practical considerations like storage needs and budget constraints. The emphasis on understanding personal preferences and lifestyle requirements is particularly helpful, ensuring that the chosen cabinets align seamlessly with the homeowner’s taste and daily routines. I appreciate how the article breaks down the pros and cons of different cabinet materials, aiding readers in making informed choices that not only enhance the kitchen’s aesthetics but also guarantee durability. The inclusion of real-life examples and case studies adds a practical dimension, making the information relatable and applicable to a diverse range of kitchen projects. Kudos to Builders Ontario for offering such a well-rounded resource for anyone embarking on the exciting journey of selecting new kitchen cabinets!
This article on choosing new kitchen cabinets is a fantastic guide for anyone embarking on a kitchen renovation journey. The comprehensive breakdown of cabinet styles, materials, and finishes is incredibly helpful in navigating the myriad of choices available. I appreciate how the article emphasizes the importance of considering both functionality and aesthetics when selecting cabinets, catering to various lifestyle needs. The inclusion of real-life examples and images provides a visual reference that complements the informative content. As someone in the midst of planning a kitchen upgrade, this piece has been a valuable resource, shedding light on factors I hadn’t initially considered. Thanks for sharing these insightful tips!
Choosing your new kitchen cabinets can make all the difference in your home’s look and functionality. Thanks for this helpful article!