Important Considerations for Kitchen Cabinetry

Designing a kitchen is a big investment, and it’s not something you want to redo anytime soon. That’s why it’s essential to carefully plan every aspect, especially your kitchen cabinetry. The right kitchen cabinets aren’t just functional—they shape the entire look and feel of your kitchen, providing the foundation for both style and usability.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we know kitchen cabinetry is the backbone of any kitchen design. Cabinets aren’t just storage; they’re the defining element that makes your kitchen practical, durable, and visually appealing. Choosing cabinetry isn’t a decision to take lightly; from materials and layout to finishes and storage solutions, each detail plays a role in creating a kitchen you’ll love for years to come.

In this guide, I’ll discuss the key considerations when selecting kitchen cabinetry for your Perth home. From durability to design, I’ll share actionable tips to ensure your kitchen remains both beautiful and functional.

Key Takeaways

• Kitchen cabinetry is the most crucial element of a kitchen, and selecting durable materials like HMR board for carcasses ensures longevity.
• Ensure your chosen cabinetry supports your desired kitchen layout and can accommodate all necessary appliances.
• Cabinet designs should align with your kitchen’s style, whether minimalistic, traditional, or modern.
• Soft-closing doors and drawers are a desirable modern feature, and you should confirm if they’re standard or come at an additional cost.
• Check if cabinets are delivered assembled or as flat packs, and confirm whether hardware like hinges and handles is included.

What material are the cabinets made from?

When it comes to choosing kitchen cabinetry, the materials used are crucial for longevity and durability. A kitchen is an investment meant to last, so selecting cabinets made from high-quality materials can save you from frequent replacements and repairs.

For durable cabinets, look for carcasses made from High Moisture Resistant (HMR) board, a type of melamine board that’s designed to withstand exposure to moisture—perfect for kitchens where humidity and spills are common. Cheaper, non-HMR boards can swell or degrade over time, so HMR is a wise choice for the carcass, or main structure, of your cabinetry.

As for doors and drawer fronts, Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) is a popular and practical choice. MDF provides a smooth surface that’s ideal for finishes like paint or laminate, ensuring a refined look that withstands daily use.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we use HMR board for our cabinet carcasses, ensuring moisture resistance and durability. We use MDF for our cabinet doors and drawers, ensuring a smooth, stylish finish that is easy to clean and maintain. By carefully choosing the right materials from the outset, you can ensure that your cabinets remain in excellent condition for years, even amidst the hectic activities of a busy kitchen.

Can I achieve my desired kitchen layout?

Your kitchen layout plays a pivotal role in how functional and enjoyable your space will be. A well-thought-out layout maximises space, improves workflow, and makes daily tasks easier, so it’s essential to consider this aspect carefully when designing your cabinetry.

Start by identifying which kitchen layout shape best suits your space and lifestyle. Popular layouts include the L-shape, U-shape, galley, and island configurations, each with unique benefits and challenges. For example, an L-shape layout works well in smaller spaces by opening up one side, while an island layout offers additional workspace and storage, perfect for larger kitchens or open-plan designs.

If you’re not sure which layout is right for you, check out our guide on How to Choose the Right Kitchen Layout Shape, which offers practical insights to help you decide.

To achieve your desired layout, think about the work triangle—the relationship between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Ideally, these three elements should form a triangle, keeping everything within easy reach and ensuring smooth movement between tasks.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, our modular kitchen cabinetry range is versatile, allowing you to create a layout that suits your unique space. If you’re unsure, our design specialist Fiona can help you plan a layout that maximises functionality while bringing your vision to life. Simply call us on (08) 9378 2233 to book an appointment. Alternatively, use our free 3D kitchen planner to play around with layouts to see which best suits your space.

Will my appliances fit into them?

Ensuring your kitchen cabinetry accommodates all your appliances is crucial for a smooth renovation. From refrigerators and dishwashers to ovens and microwaves, each appliance needs a designated space that fits perfectly into your kitchen layout.

Start by measuring your appliances accurately before planning your cabinets. Knowing the exact dimensions helps you design cabinetry that’s custom-fit to each appliance. For more guidance on how to take these measurements accurately, see our article How to Measure Your Kitchen for Renovation.

When planning kitchen cabinetry around appliances, keep the following in mind:

• Allow Clearance: Certain appliances, like refrigerators and ovens, require extra clearance around them to ensure ventilation and ease of access. For instance, leave a few centimetres of space on each side of your fridge to prevent overheating and provide room for door swing.
• Plan for Built-In or Freestanding: Make a decision on whether to integrate appliances into the cabinetry or leave them freestanding. Built-in appliances, such as ovens and microwaves, are ideal for creating a streamlined look but require precise cabinetry dimensions.
• Height and Depth Adjustments: Check the height and depth of cabinetry around taller or bulkier appliances like refrigerators. Make sure these spaces are tall enough to accommodate larger appliances and deep enough to keep them flush with the surrounding cabinetry.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a range of cabinet sizes and customisation options to help you fit any appliance seamlessly into your kitchen. We ensure that each piece of cabinetry perfectly aligns with your appliance needs, ensuring a cohesive and smooth operation of your kitchen.

Can I achieve my desired kitchen design style?

Yes, achieving your ideal kitchen design style is very possible with the right cabinetry choices and complementary elements. Kitchen cabinets are a foundational part of the overall design, so choosing cabinetry that aligns with your desired style is essential.

Gloss white cabinets can serve as a versatile canvas for achieving a sleek modern look, a cosy farmhouse feel, or a timeless Hamptons-inspired space. Accents like hardware, benchtops, and splashbacks can dress up or down the clean, bright look of gloss white finishes, which suit both contemporary and traditional styles. To explore style options, check out our guides on Kitchen Design Styles and Kitchen Design Trends.

For a modern kitchen, pair gloss white cabinets with stainless steel accents, minimalist fixtures, and neutral tones. For a more classic or Hamptons style, combine white cabinetry with natural elements like timber benchtops, brushed brass hardware, or subway tile splashbacks. If your taste leans towards a rustic or farmhouse style, add touches like vintage-style handles and a wooden island bench.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a range of 2-pack coated gloss white kitchen cabinetry that work beautifully in various design styles. Our team can help you choose the best pieces to bring your vision to life, no matter the look you’re after. With the right design choices, your kitchen will reflect your style and create a space you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Do they feature soft-closing doors and drawers?

When choosing kitchen cabinetry, soft-closing doors and drawers are a feature worth considering. Soft-closing mechanisms prevent doors and drawers from slamming shut, reducing noise, wear and tear, and even the risk of pinched fingers. This feature not only adds a touch of luxury to your kitchen but also extends the lifespan of your cabinetry by preventing abrupt impact.

The design of soft-closing hinges and drawer slides cushions the closing motion, making them particularly useful in busy kitchens. They can make your kitchen more functional, especially if you have young children or want to maintain a calm, quiet space.

Soft-closing doors and drawers are a standard feature of our kitchen cabinets at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. When shopping for cabinets, ask about this feature to ensure your kitchen cabinetry meets both your practical needs and aesthetic preferences. Read our Kitchen Drawer Guide for more information.

Are they pre-assembled or a flat pack?

When choosing a kitchen cabinetry supplier, it’s important to consider whether cabinets are offered pre-assembled or in flat pack form. Both options have their benefits, so the right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and DIY skill level.

Pre-Assembled Cabinets: Pre-assembled kitchen cabinets come ready to install, which can save you time and effort. With pre-assembled cabinets, you’re receiving fully built units, often constructed with precise alignment, ensuring durability and stability. This option is ideal for homeowners who want a quicker installation or prefer professional installation without extra assembly steps. Many kitchen cabinetry suppliers offer pre-assembled options, though they may be a bit more expensive due to the added convenience.

Flat Pack Cabinets: Flat pack kitchen cabinets arrive in pieces, allowing you to assemble them on-site. Flat packs are often a more affordable option, making them ideal for budget-conscious renovations. They’re also easier to transport and are a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. However, flat packs require more assembly time, and precise installation is key to ensuring structural integrity. If you have a smaller kitchen space or prefer flexibility in layout, flat packs can be useful as they allow for customisation during assembly.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a range of pre-assembled kitchen cabinets that save you time and eliminate the need for DIY assembly. Our pre-assembled units provide quality and ease, helping you achieve a professional finish with minimal hassle. When selecting your cabinetry, weigh the benefits of each option to choose what best suits your project and skill level.

Is hardware included or additional?

When buying kitchen cabinetry, it’s essential to know whether the necessary hardware is included or if you’ll need to purchase it separately. Cabinet hardware—such as handles, hinges, and mounting brackets—plays a crucial role in the functionality and style of your kitchen. Ensuring it’s included in your cabinetry package can save you both time and money.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, all of our pre-assembled kitchen cabinets come equipped with high-quality hardware, including hinges and essential fixtures, so you don’t have to worry about sourcing additional parts. Each cabinet also includes modern chrome handles for a sleek, contemporary look. If you’re after a more customised finish, we offer handle upgrades to matte white or matte black for a small additional fee, allowing you to personalise your cabinetry to suit your style.

When considering other cabinetry suppliers, check if they include all necessary hardware or if additional purchases are required. This can impact both your budget and installation timeline. Choosing a cabinetry provider that includes hardware helps streamline the installation process, ensuring your new kitchen is both functional and stylish from day one.

For more FAQs about our kitchen cabinetry, be sure to visit our Cabinets FAQ’s section.

Conclusion

Choosing the right kitchen cabinetry involves careful thought and planning, from the materials and design style to practical considerations like size, hardware, and functionality. Kitchen cabinets are a long-term investment that define both the look and efficiency of your kitchen, so it’s essential to weigh all factors carefully.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’re committed to helping you create a kitchen that’s both stylish and functional. We design our range of high-quality, pre-assembled kitchen cabinets with durable soft-closing hardware and modern chrome handles, offering customisable options, to ensure a seamless kitchen renovation. With years of expertise and a focus on quality and value, we’re here to support you in every step of your kitchen journey.

Whether you’re designing a brand-new kitchen or updating an existing one, keep these key considerations in mind to ensure your cabinetry meets your needs today and for years to come. Investing time in choosing the right cabinets now will result in a kitchen that’s not only beautiful but built to last.