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As one of the top cabinet suppliers in the East Bay, we at Distinctive Cabinetry, know a thing or two on how to install kitchen cabinets. Clients from Alamo, Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette & Walnut Creek stop in our showroom to view the wide range of cabinet styles we carry. While it’s exciting for them to visualize modern styles vs. traditional or European cabinets in their kitchen design, we always ask them to consider 5 things before we install kitchen cabinets.

5 Things to Consider Before You Install Kitchen Cabinets:

1. DO YOU WANT TO MAKE USE OF THE TOE KICK SPACE?

The toe kick space is the empty space underneath the cabinets where they meet the flooring. It’s the space left for the feet of the cabinet. Toe kick space is usually left empty, and hidden behind paneling, but it’s valuable space that can be used. Modern kitchen installations offer the option to install pullout drawers and strip lighting in this space. These are important conveniences to have. The drawers can be great places to store unused items, and the strip lighting can make sure you’re able to keep the floorspace close to the cabinets sparkling clean.

2. DO YOU WANT TO INSTALL IN-CABINET OR UNDER THE CABINET LIGHTING?

Cabinets have always remained dark on their own, lighted by the main lights of the kitchen. They don’t need to be this way, however. Modern cabinet designs include automatic in-cabinet lighting, just like refrigerators & under the cabinet lighting. Not only can such lighting help you find your way around your cabinets, it can help you keep them clean as well.

3. CONSERVE SPACE EVERYWHERE YOU CAN.

It’s easy to design a perfectly beautiful kitchen, and then ruin it with clutter. Clutter savers, then, should be designed right into the kitchen from the start. Space-saving kitchen ideas include putting glass holders, electric can openers and wine bottle racks on the undersides of the upper cabinets. With these items off the counter, you’re likely to find it easier to keep it free of the mess that usually comes with having to use it as an all-purpose temporary storage area.

4. PUT APPLIANCES WHERE THEY ARE EASY TO ACCESS.

Microwaves used to go on top of the fridge, or they were hung over the stove. With high-tech ranges and chimney hoods taking up most of the stove area, however, microwaves have been edged out. Usually, microwaves sit out on the counter or in a drawer cabinet, or are set into the kitchen island. Often, the countertop simply doesn’t have space. The microwave has to be placed either close to the ground or high up. Neither location is convenient. These mistakes usually only happen when the microwave is an afterthought. It’s important to carefully consider a great location even as you design your kitchen.

5. THINK ABOUT WHAT SHOULD BE INSTALLED FIRST: CABINETS OR FLOORING?

If you’re going for a complete kitchen remodel, you’re probably going to change the flooring as well as the cabinetry. It makes sense to wonder if you could install the flooring last in order to avoid the possibility of damage from scratches. New flooring needs to go under the cabinets too, however. Putting the flooring down first is the best way to go if you’re getting flooring that is either nailed down or glued down. The only way that you can get new flooring done last is if you get floating floors.

It’s easy to rush with your kitchen cabinetry, simply because there are so many options available. However to make your kitchen cabinet installation quick and pain-free, it’s important to pace yourself and think about every detail.

Distinctive Cabinetry works with quality cabinet manufacturers such as: StarMark Cabientry, Ultracraft Cabinetry, Waypoint, Plato Woodwork, Eclipse Access Cabinetry, Shiloh Cabinetry & W.W. Wood Product Cabinetry. We’re here to help when you need to select kitchen cabinets for your kitchen remodel, kitchen renovation or new construction build.

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