If you’re remodeling your kitchen, then you should plan for 20 to 40 percent of your budget to go towards new cabinets. Because they are such a large part of your budget, you want to make your investment worthwhile.

The best kitchen cabinets for your project need to meet several requirements. You want to make sure that they convey the right look and style. To help you get started, we’ve created a buying guide.

Keep reading to learn what you need to look for when shopping for your new cabinets.

Budget

Before you start shopping for cabinets, you need to figure out what your budget is. This will help you narrow down your options. Use your budget to decide if you want full custom, semi-custom, or stock cabinets.

Stock cabinet options are the most affordable but can be limited on options. Semi-custom are slightly more expensive, but give you more flexibility when it comes to design and features. Full custom cabinets are the most expensive but allow you to create the exact cabinets you want and built to the specs of your kitchen.

Style

You’ll need to decide between framed or frameless cabinets. Framed cabinets are the more traditional American style. Frameless is the European method of building cabinets.

Frameless is a more modern look and gives you increased access. Framed cabinets are sturdier, though.

Construction

Quality built cabinets will have dovetail joints, full extension drawer guides, and solid wood drawers. Lower quality cabinets use stapled particleboard and integrated rails.

Pay attention to the doors. Lower quality doors will have veneered particleboard or medium-density fiberboard. High-quality doors will use solid wood frames and use plywood; you can shop them here.

Features

Be prepared to add features that will increase the cost of your cabinets. But some features may be well worth the additional cost. For example, a pull-out trash can or built-in charging station can increase the space and functionality of your kitchen.

Other options could be a spring-loaded shelf that swings out or a lazy susan for the corner cabinet. These increase the amount of storage space you have in your cabinets.

Refacing Your Current Cabinets

If your current cabinets are a quality build, then you have the option of refacing them. This process involves replacing the doors and veneer on the cabinets.

While you’re at it, you can make your old cabinet like new by adding features to them. You could install a trash can system in one cabinet or pull out shelves in another.

Buy the Best Kitchen Cabinets

By considering these factors, you can be sure to buy the best kitchen cabinets for your remodeling project. Start by figuring out your budget. This will help you narrow down how custom you can go.

From there you can decide on the style and construction you want. Then you can think about the features you want/need your cabinets to have.

Be sure to check out our Home/DIY section for more articles to help you get inspired.