Custom Cabinetry Guide
Things to consider when designing and planning your kitchen
Where to Begin?
Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or any other space, custom cabinetry can transform your home into a reflection of your personal style and functional needs. In this guide, we'll touch on key considerations, such as door finishes, door profiles, handle options, benchtop choices, and appliance integration. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to create cabinetry that’s both beautiful and practical.
The General Design Process
To ensure your cabinetry project runs smoothly and efficiently, we follow a rough systematic process that covers all the essential steps. From selecting appliances to finalising handle choices, each phase is carefully considered to allow your job to be as stress-free as possible.
Follow these steps:
Start by choosing your appliances (fridge, dishwasher, sinks, washing machine, etc.). This is done first so we know what we have to work around as these measurements are not able to be changed. We work off our ‘set measurements’.
Next, select your benchtop material or decide on the thickness. This allows us to set out the cabinetry drawings to the correct height as we normally follow a standard benchtop height.
Choose your door profiles & finishes (shaker, flat-panel, V-Groove). This helps us plan the overall depth of the cabinets as different door profiles may require a different door thickness. Depending on your door profiles, you may be limited with your selection of finishes. However we can advise the best options available to you.
Finally, select your handles.
What Comes Next..
This is where our drafters step in and start drawing your cabinetry up! The process starts with us working closely with you to finalize the design. We ensure every detail aligns with your vision, taking accurate measurements and selecting the best materials to create a cohesive and personalized plan.
Once the design is approved, we use our advanced CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine to cut each piece to precise specifications. This technology ensures accuracy and consistency.
After cutting, our joiners assemble the cabinets in our workshop. Each component is carefully fitted and secured, ensuring the highest quality and durability.
Once the cabinets are assembled, they are carefully packed and delivered to the job site. We take special care to prevent any damage during transit.
Finally, our expert team installs the cabinets at your location. We make sure each piece is perfectly aligned and securely fixed, resulting in stunning and functional custom cabinetry that meets your exact specifications.
Continue scrolling to uncover more information on material choices & the key decisions for your custom cabinetry.Door Profiles
Flat Panel
Flat panel doors are a popular choice. The door material is typically determined during the design process and generally ranges from 18-21mm MDF with a polyurethane paint finish. For a more budget-friendly option, melamine can also be used.
Shaker Panel
The shaker style is a timeless and popular choice among our customers. It adds a touch of character to any space. For this door style, 21mm MDF is the preferred material as it offers additional strength to the doors, given that some thickness is removed to create the ‘shaker’ profile. A polyurethane finish is the most popular paint choice for these doors.
V-Groove
The V-groove door profile is a classic and elegant option that brings a touch of sophistication to any space. This design is particularly favored for its sleek lines and subtle detailing. Typically crafted from 21mm MDF, this material provides the necessary durability while allowing for the precise grooves that define this style. A polyurethane finish is the best option to enhance its refined appearance and durability.
Door Finishes
Polyurethane
Polyurethane paint finish is an excellent choice for cabinet doors, offering a durable and attractive protective layer. This spray-on finish is available in three different finishes—Satin, Matt, and Gloss—allowing you to choose the perfect look for your space. The versatility of polyurethane paint means you can select any color to match your design preferences. The spray application ensures an even, smooth coat and the finish provides strong resistance to scratches, stains, and moisture, ensuring your cabinets maintain their beauty and functionality for years.
Veneer
Timber veneer is a versatile option for cabinet doors, offering a range of choices from various suppliers. These options include both real timber veneer, which is made from thin slices of genuine wood, and imitation veneer, which is designed to replicate the look of natural wood. One of the main advantages of timber veneer is its affordability; you can achieve the elegant appearance of solid wood without the hefty price tag. Additionally, timber veneer is more stable and less prone to warping or cracking compared to solid wood, ensuring the longevity of your cabinetry. The wide variety of wood species, colors, and grain patterns available in both real and imitation veneer allows for extensive customisation to match any design aesthetic.
Melamine
White and solid-colored melamine doors are a fantastic choice for cabinetry due to their modern and clean aesthetic. These doors offer a sleek, uniform finish that can brighten up any space and create a sense of openness. Melamine's durability ensures that the surface is resistant to moisture, heat, and stains, making it perfect for kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The smooth, non-porous finish is easy to clean, requiring only a simple wipe-down to maintain its pristine appearance. Available in a variety of solid colors, melamine doors provide the flexibility to match any design scheme.
Handle Options
Shark Nose Finger Pull
Shark nose finger pull doors are a sleek and contemporary choice for modern kitchens. Usually crafted from 18-21mm MDF, these doors feature a unique recessed edge that allows for easy, handle-free opening, giving your kitchen a streamlined look. During the design process, the material is chosen, and a polyurethane paint finish is often applied to enhance the modern aesthetic and durability.
Handles
Cabinet doors with traditional handles offer several practical benefits for any kitchen. Handles provide a secure and comfortable grip, making it easier to open and close doors, especially when your hands are wet or full. They also add a decorative touch, allowing you to personalize your kitchen with various styles, finishes, and materials. Handles can help prevent smudges and fingerprints on the door surface, keeping your kitchen looking clean and tidy. Overall, handles enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your cabinetry.
Push-To-Open
Push-to-open doors and drawers offer a sleek, handle-free look, perfect for modern and minimalist kitchen designs. One of the main benefits is the convenience of a seamless surface, making cleaning and maintenance easier. With just a gentle press, the doors and drawers open smoothly, which is particularly handy when your hands are full or dirty. This mechanism also reduces the need for visible hardware, allowing for a cleaner and more streamlined aesthetic.
Benchtop Options
Selecting the right benchtop material is crucial for both the functionality and aesthetic of your space. Factors such as the size of slabs, maintenance requirements, and durability all play a vital role in making the best choice. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of natural stone, the versatility of engineered stone, or the affordability of laminate, understanding these considerations will help ensure your benchtop meets your needs. Curious to learn more about the specifics of different materials and our suppliers? click ‘Learn more’ for more details.
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries due to its many advantages. It is highly durable, resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making it ideal for high-use areas. Its non-porous surface ensures easy cleaning and maintenance, while also being more hygienic than natural stone. Additionally, engineered stone is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing for versatile design options that can complement any style.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is a popular choice due to its timeless beauty and unique characteristics. Each piece of natural stone is one-of-a-kind, offering a luxurious and elegant appearance that adds value to any space. However, natural stone requires more upkeep compared to engineered stone. It is porous, which means it can stain and harbor bacteria if not properly sealed and maintained. Regular sealing and special cleaning products are necessary to keep it looking its best. Despite the extra maintenance, many homeowners appreciate the unmatched charm and durability that natural stone brings to their homes.
Laminate
Laminate is a versatile and budget-friendly option. It offers a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, including designs that mimic the look of natural stone and wood. Laminate is easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for busy households. Its non-porous surface is resistant to stains and bacteria, contributing to a hygienic environment. However, laminate is less heat-resistant and durable compared to natural or engineered stone, and it can be prone to scratches and damage from sharp objects. Despite these limitations, laminate remains a popular choice due to its affordability and design flexibility.
Corian
Corian is a highly adaptable and durable material, making it an excellent choice for your space. Its non-porous surface is resistant to stains, bacteria, and mold, ensuring a hygienic environment with minimal maintenance. Corian is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing for seamless and visually appealing designs. It can be easily shaped and molded, providing unique design possibilities.
Timber
Timber brings a natural warmth and character to kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries, making it a favorite among those who appreciate organic aesthetics. Each timber piece has unique grain patterns and colors, creating a one-of-a-kind look. Timber surfaces can be sanded and refinished, prolonging their life and allowing for a refreshed appearance over time. However, timber requires more upkeep compared to other materials. It is susceptible to water damage, scratches, and dents, and needs regular sealing and proper care to maintain its beauty.
Porcelain
Porcelain brings an elegant and refined touch to kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries, making it a popular choice for those who value sophisticated aesthetics. Each porcelain piece offers a smooth, consistent finish, creating a sleek and polished look. Porcelain surfaces are highly durable and resistant to water, stains, and scratches, ensuring their pristine appearance lasts over time. However, porcelain can be brittle and may crack or chip if subjected to heavy impacts. Despite this, its low maintenance and ability to withstand daily wear and tear make it a practical and stylish option for various spaces.
Appliances
Integrated
Integrated appliances are great for creating a seamless and cohesive look in modern kitchens. These appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens, are designed to be built into the cabinetry, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the overall kitchen design. The sleek, minimalist aesthetic of integrated appliances enhances the visual appeal of the kitchen while providing the same functionality and performance as their freestanding counterparts. Additionally, they offer the flexibility to customize and match the appliance fronts with the cabinet doors, ensuring a harmonious and elegant look throughout the kitchen.
Not integrated
Freestanding appliances are a versatile option for any kitchen design. These appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers, are not built into cabinetry, allowing them to be easily moved and replaced as needed. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for renters or those who like to update their kitchen frequently. Freestanding appliances come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and finishes, making it easy to find options that match your décor and meet your functional needs. They can also be used as a statement piece if that is something you are after.