Everything You Need To Know About Buying New Kitchen Cabinets

Are you planning to buy new kitchen cabinets for your home? If so, you've come to the right place! Our award winning professionals have summed up everything you need to know about purchasing kitchen cabinets in this blog. From finding the right style and size to choosing materials and finishes, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the best kitchen remodel decisions for your home. The most successful kitchen renovations begin with a clear vision of the final product. As the #1 online kitchen cabinet retailer you can rest assured that our cabinetry and design professionals are nothing but the best! Whether you're looking for a traditional look or something more modern, we'll help you find the perfect kitchen cabinets that fit your budget and match your personal style.

Starting The Process The Right Way

Remodeling your kitchen may seem stressful, but our professionals at Lily Ann Cabinets are here for you every step of the way. We recommend starting your kitchen renovation off with getting a sample of the cabinetry you plan to use so you can see the color and quality of the cabinet for yourself in your space. We also recommend getting a professional 3D design. A professional designer may think of things you did not, and will be able to show you exactly how your new kitchen will look. At Lily Ann Cabinets, we know that a kitchen remodel is expensive, so we offer our samples and professional 3D designs and quotes for FREE! All you need to do is send us your kitchen measurements and any ideas you may have and our award winning designers will create a functional and beautiful kitchen for you to enjoy for the years to come.

Since Lily Ann Cabinets offers many different sizes and styles of cabinetry, we can create a kitchen that is custom to you and your needs. We also offer many kitchen cabinet organizers that will help you save space, have a custom look, and help your kitchen stay organized, so it is important to consider what would best fit you and your space. For example, we always recommend getting a trash can pullout, roll out shelves, spice organizers and cutlery drawer organizers, but if you are an avid baker you may want to add more cookie sheet organizers or more pantry cabinets. Just like our cabinetry, our organizers come in many different sizes, so be sure to tell your designer what you are looking to achieve, so we can create a functional space specially designed for you!

What To Include In Your Free 3D Design

When you are ready to see your new kitchen in a free 3D design, including all of your kitchen's measurements will help the process go quicker. If all of the measurements are included, you should receive your design back in 24 business hours. Be sure to include the measurements of each wall in your space, the dimensions of all of your appliances, window dimensions, your ceiling height, and the style of cabinet you would like to see the design created in. We also recommend uploading photos of your existing kitchen as well to help your designer visualize the space. If you have any special requests such as cabinetry going to the ceiling, glass cabinetry, or a certain cabinet or organizer, be sure to include that information in the comments as well!

What To Include In Your Free 3D Design

FREE 3D Design & Quote

Installation & Assembly

When considering ease of installation and assembly, there are several types of kitchen cabinets available on the market today: frameless cabinets, semi-custom cabinets, and pre-assembled cabinets. At Lily Ann Cabinets all of our cabinetry is Semi-custom which offers you more flexibility with your construction as they can be built to fit any space. Our cabinetry comes RTA, but if you are looking for cabinetry that is pre assembled, we can assemble your cabinetry for you as well!

However, our Semi Custom RTA Cabinets are not just any RTA cabinet. When we created our unique cabinetry we specifically kept our customers in mind when it came to the assembly process. Our durable dovetail assembly is very DIY friendly, and does not require any special tools. With our cabinetry, we offer easy to read assembly instructions along with videos on how to assemble each cabinet on Youtube, and interactive assembly instructions via the BILT app.

In terms of installation our cabinetry can be installed by the homeowner or a contractor. In many cases our customers opt to have a contractor do the installation process for them, but if you are looking to do your kitchen remodel yourself, you can! Our two sheets of plywood on the back of our cabinetry ensure that the cabinets will be very secure on your wall. All you will need to do is place your cabinetry onto the wall and screw your screws through your cabinetry and into the studs!

If you run into any obstacles during the assembly or installation process please remember our professionals are here for you every step of the way. You can always give us a call, send our socials a DM, or video chat with us via our Lily Ann Live feature.

Considering Your Kitchen Space With A Professional

Kitchen cabinets are a relatively permanent fixture in your home and will make a dramatic impact on the feel and aesthetic of your kitchen. Before you choose your new cabinets, ask yourself the following questions:

Are you concerned about how your new kitchen cabinets will affect your home’s resale value?
Do you plan on selling the house in the future?
What is the scope of the project? Are you completely redesigning the space? Will your project include updating appliances, and tearing out sinks? Or are you just replacing the kitchen cabinets?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is important to use a premium cabinet line that will last the test of time. At Lily Ann Cabinets we not only offer premium cabinetry, but we offer it at the best price! Our solid wood, dovetail construction, 12 step paint finish, and premium features such as soft closing doors and drawers are exactly what you want in a cabinet. You do not want to make the mistake of going with a cabinet that is not crafted from premium materials if you want your cabinetry to last and look great for the years to come. When you buy cabinetry from Lily Ann Cabinets you can rest assured that you are making the best choice for your home. Our family business is staffed with very experienced designers, contractions, and home professionals that have scanned the industry to make the best cabinet possible.

When considering the purchase of your new kitchen cabinets, the first thing you need to take into account is the size and layout of your kitchen. Measure your space and sketch it, noting any existing appliances or fixtures that will remain in the room. This will help you determine the types of cabinets that will best fit into your space, as well as how much storage you need. Once you have a rough idea of what you want in your kitchen, let your designer know! If you are having trouble knowing what to add into your kitchen, let your designer know that as well! Our designers are happy to use their expertise to design your kitchen if you know exactly what you want or have no idea at all! Keep in mind you can make changes to your free 3D design to see your new kitchen in different ways until you are happy with the final product.

If you’re planning a major renovation, consider the overall style of your home. What kind of flooring and wall color are you going for? Are there any existing furniture pieces that you want to match with your cabinets? Do you have a vision for the overall look and feel of the kitchen? Thinking about all these elements before you begin shopping can help ensure that you select the right cabinets for your kitchen. Remember that your free Lily Ann Cabinets sample will allow you to place your cabinetry with other pieces of your kitchen to see if you like the color and styles together! If you need help deciding on which color combination to go with for your kitchen, ask your designer for help as they have each designed thousands of different kitchens or check out our mood boards here!

For More Mood Board Ideas

Time Frame

When it comes to ordering your new cabinets, be sure to know when you will need your cabinetry. Do you need your cabinetry now? Or do you need your cabinetry in the next few months? Fortunately, Lily Ann Cabinets can get your cabinetry to you no matter what your timeframe is! Our in-stock cabinetry ships out within 72 hours! If you are in the local states of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, or Florida, you can get your cabinetry delivered on our own trucks as soon as the very next day. If you are local to our Adrian, MI, warehouse or Largo, FL, warehouse you can even pick up your cabinetry the same day of ordering! We understand that disasters such as floods or storms happen, so if you need your cabinetry ASAP please be sure to let us know! In regards to when is the proper time to start considering your cabinetry, it is entirely up to you! We recommend giving yourself a few months to be sure you like your design, do not have any changes, are happy with your free sample, and do not have any more questions about the process. We also recommend that you receive your cabinetry before you book an appointment for a contractor to assemble and install.

Cabinet Types: Wall, Base, Pantry, and Oven

Base Cabinets

Base cabinets are the most common type of cabinet in any kitchen. These cabinets rest on the floor and are usually 34.5” tall, with a depth of 24”. These cabinets come in various widths, from 6” up to 42” and they can be used to store items such as dishes, pots and pans, small appliances, food items, and more. Since Lily Ann Cabinets offers semi-custom cabinetry please keep in mind we can customize the depth of your base cabinets as well to perfectly fit your desires and space! Most homes built before 1970 do require customizations. This is due to the fact that cabinetry used to be built on the job site as the plumbing and building structure was done differently than the standard is today. Finding a cabinetry company such as Lily Ann Cabinets that offers more than just standard RTA cabinets is crucial for many homeowners living in the USA as every home does not fit the standard cabinet sizes.

Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets mount to the wall and are usually around 30” tall. However, Lily Ann Cabinets has many sizes to choose from including 30”, 36”, 42”, and 39” tall with a depth of 12”. These cabinets can be used to store items such as glassware, dishes, spices, cookbooks, etc. Wall cabinets are typically mounted above countertops, but they can also be mounted above refrigerators, ovens, and other kitchen appliances which is why we offer more than the standard wall cabinet. We also offer cabinets such as 12” glass stacker cabinets, 18” solid door stacker cabinets, wall diagonal corner cabinets, and wall blind corner cabinets. Lily Ann Cabinets can also modify the depth of their cabinets if you are looking for your cabinets to be a different depth. Lily Ann Cabinets is a great choice as they bring you semi custom cabinets without the hefty price tag and long wait times!

Pantry Cabinets

Pantry cabinets are tall and narrow cabinets that provide storage space for food items such as canned goods, cereals, and other non-perishable items. Our pantry cabinets come 84”, 90”, 96”, and 93” (for select cabinet lines) tall and are usually 12” to 24” deep. We also offer our pantry cabinets in 30”, 24”, and 18” wide.

Oven Cabinets

Oven cabinets are typically installed to hold a single wall oven. The cabinet will include three bottom drawers and two top doors sitting side by side above the oven for additional storage for baking supplies and cookie sheets. The oven cabinet can also be modified on site to accommodate a double oven or a wall microwave oven combo. These cabinets are 33” wide and come in 84”, 90”, 96”, and 93” tall for some select cabinet lines.

Cabinet Assembly Type

When shopping for new kitchen cabinets, it is important to consider the type of assembly used. If you are looking for a sturdier, more durable cabinet, opt for one with a dovetail assembly. Our Semi-custom RTA cabinets feature dovetail construction, so they require minimal tools and assembly is straightforward. With this type of assembly, there is no unsightly metal hardware visible when using the kitchen cabinets.

Alternatively, you can also opt for cabinets assembled with metal clips. These cabinets may not be as durable as our dovetail-assembled cabinets and some of the metal clip assembly will be visible when using the kitchen cabinets. Lily Ann Cabinets does offer two cabinet styles with metal clip assembly, their Summit Shaker and Key Largo White, so check out those cabinet lines if you are looking for metal clip assembly! Ultimately, choosing the right assembly type for your kitchen cabinets will depend on your budget, taste, and expectations.

Cabinet Box Construction

When it comes to kitchen cabinet box construction, the type of wood and assembly method can indicate the overall quality of your cabinets. At Lily Ann Cabinets, we only use 1⁄2” solid furniture-grade plywood for our boxes with real birch or maple for the face frames in our RTA kitchen cabinets. Other RTA cabinet brands may use particle board or cheap fillers to save money, which results in a flimsier kitchen cabinet that won’t be nearly as durable. If you want your kitchen cabinets to feel sturdy and look great for years to come, make sure that you invest in an all-real wood cabinet like the ones we sell at Lily Ann Cabinets.

Cabinet Hardware types

Hinges

Choose soft-closing hinges for your kitchen cabinets, as they are specifically designed to close slowly and evenly. This makes it much less likely that you’ll accidentally slam a cabinet door or drawer. At Lily Ann Cabinets, all of our premium cabinetry includes soft closing hinges.

Drawer Glides

Like the hinges, it is best to opt for soft-closing drawer glides, which can keep your drawers from slamming shut. If possible, look for full extension drawer glides, like we use at Lily Ann Cabinets as these are more versatile and easier to use.

Knobs & Pulls

When it comes to knobs and pulls, you have plenty of options. You can select hardware made of glass, metal, plastic, or ceramic, in styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Lily Ann Cabinets offers many high quality knobs and pulls in a variety of popular colors. Click here to shop our knobs and pulls. If you would like to see any of our hardware before you purchase, you can get a free sample as well.

Wood Used in Kitchen Cabinets

Birch

Birch is a great choice for cabinets because it is extremely strong and durable. Its tight grain pattern adds character to any kitchen, while its natural light-colored stain works well with modern design styles. Most of our cabinetry is created from birch wood to ensure the quality and longevity of our cabinetry.

Maple

This wood is one of the most popular for kitchen cabinets due to its uniform grain and smooth finish. Maple cabinets can be either natural or stained, depending on the desired look. If you are looking to go with a maple finish, please know we have a few maple lines to choose from!

Cherry

Cherry is a rich hardwood with a deep color that creates a warm and inviting feel in the kitchen. It’s one of the more expensive woods, but its warm tones make it worth the investment.

Hickory

If you’re looking for a unique style, Hickory is the way to go. Its knotty grain offers a unique look and it's deep color tones create a rich atmosphere.

Oak

Oak is a classic wood that is durable and comes in a variety of stains. Oak is an excellent option for rustic kitchen cabinets, as it will look great with wood floors, cabinetry, and furniture. The downside to oak wood is that it is one of the more expensive types of wood.

Pine

Pine is a soft wood with a natural yellowish-brown color that brings a rustic charm to the kitchen. It’s less expensive than many of the other woods mentioned here, making it a good choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

When it comes down to quality and longevity we recommend opting for a birch or a maple cabinet. When pursuing such a big ticket item, you want to ensure that the entirety of your cabinet will look great for years to come. Using a cheap wood or particle board in the kitchen will ensure that the cabinet will swell and will not have the best finishes on the paint resulting in cracked paint and overall, a cabinet you will have to replace sooner than later. Keep in mind that Lily Ann Cabinets is 50% less than big box stores and offers their cabinetry at the factory direct price.

Cabinet Door and Drawer Styles

There are a variety of different cabinet door and drawer styles available for your new kitchen cabinets. When it comes to doors, the two most popular styles are full overlay and regular overlay. Full overlay doors/drawers will cover the majority of the cabinet face frame, creating a more contemporary look which is what we offer at Lily Ann Cabinets. Regular overlay doors/drawers will only cover part of the overall frame and can be used to create a more traditional look.

Another popular cabinet door style is slab, which is a single flat panel without any detailing or frames. Slab doors are typically used in contemporary kitchens and can help to create a sleek, modern look. There are also shaker-style doors, which feature recessed panels and square raised frames that offer a classic look.

When it comes to drawers, you have a few different options. Soft-close drawers are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience and for their ability to reduce noise. For added storage, you can also opt for pull-out drawers with adjustable shelves, which can help maximize the storage space of your kitchen cabinets.

You're Ready To Buy Kitchen Cabinets!

That just about covers what you will need to know before you buy kitchen cabinets! You can now kick off the process by getting a free sample, and free 3D design from the only 5-star family business in the industry! We have showrooms in Adrian, MI, Temperance, MI, and Largo, FL if you are interested in seeing our cabinetry! However, if you are not local, do not fret! We offer the option of virtually seeing our showroom and talking to a designer through our Lily Ann Live feature!

If you would like to learn more about us and cabinetry check out our social media pages. On our social media pages we answer many FAQs, show inspiration, give remodel tips, and show the different cabinetry we offer! Our Tiktok account features many comparisons of cabinetry from different cabinet companies, so if you are interested in seeing our content or have a question you would like answered in a video, check us out!

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