Choosing kitchen cabinets is one of the most impactful decisions you'll make during a kitchen renovation. The right cabinets set the tone for your entire kitchen's aesthetic, affect functionality for years to come, and represent a significant portion of your renovation budget.
1. Determine Your Style
Before anything else, decide on your kitchen's overall aesthetic. The three most popular styles are:
- Traditional/Classic: Raised-panel doors, ornate details, warm wood tones
- Transitional: Shaker-style doors, clean lines, neutral colors
- Modern/Contemporary: Flat-panel doors, handleless designs, bold colors or wood grain
The Shaker style remains the most versatile and timeless choice for Montreal homes.
2. Choose the Right Material
Cabinet materials range from solid wood to MDF to particle board. For the best balance of quality and cost, look for:
- Plywood box construction: More durable and moisture-resistant than particle board
- Solid wood or MDF door fronts: Both work well; MDF is more stable in humid environments
- Quality hardware: Soft-close hinges and full-extension drawer slides should be non-negotiable
3. Consider Your Layout
Work with your kitchen's dimensions to maximize storage. Common layouts include:
- L-shaped kitchens: Maximize corner space with lazy susans or pull-out shelves
- U-shaped kitchens: The most storage-efficient layout
- Galley kitchens: Focus on vertical storage and deep base cabinets
4. Factory Direct vs. Retail
Buying factory-direct from suppliers like Jasen Cabinetry can save you 30–40% compared to buying from a traditional showroom. You get the same quality cabinets without the retail markup.
Budget Tips
- Upper cabinets cost less than base cabinets
- Drawer banks are more expensive than door cabinets
- Stock sizes (standard dimensions) cost less than custom sizes
- Simple door styles (shaker, slab) cost less than elaborate profiles