Kitchen Remodeling for Dummies

Are you considering a kitchen remodel but don’t know where to start? We give you our guide to kitchen remodeling, affectionately known as Kitchen Remodeling for Dummies.

We’ll tell you where to start, what you need to consider, and how to choose the right components of your new kitchen.

Getting Started with Kitchen Remodeling

First, think about what you want out of your new kitchen…

What are your current kitchen pain points?
Do you lack counter space to cook up excellent meals?
Is the traffic area in your kitchen too tight?
Do you need a dining area for snacks, homework, and family dinners?
Or are you just tired of your current kitchen countertops and floors and want a change?

By assessing your overall needs, you’ll be able to decide if you need to reconfigure the layout of your kitchen or keep it the way it is.

Changing Your Kitchen Layout

If you decide to change your kitchen layout completely, you’ll want to choose a kitchen design plan. The classic kitchen designs are:

L-Shaped Kitchen
U-Shape Kitchen
G-Shape Kitchen
Single Wall Kitchen
Galley Kitchen
Kitchen Island

Once you decide, you can use free kitchen design software or opt for a physical design package, where you use cardboard cut-outs to design your dream kitchen. If you don’t want to go the DIY design route, you can hire a kitchen designer to mock-up your new kitchen layout.

There are many things involved with changing your kitchen layout. We will tackle what to think about if you decide to stay with your existing kitchen floorplan. Look out for more resources on changing the design of your kitchen.

Wants Vs. Needs with Your Kitchen Remodel

If you’ve decided to keep your existing kitchen floorplan, you still have a lot of decisions to make. It is helpful to make a list of things you want in your kitchen, prioritized by importance.

This will be the basis of your “wants vs. needs” list. Doing this will also help you stay on budget. Do a “brain dump” of all the possible features you might want in your new kitchen. Then go back through that list and label each a want or a need.

Be honest! It will save you time and money in the long run.

Choosing Your Kitchen Remodel Components

If you’re not changing the kitchen structure, you don’t have to worry about moving electric wires, plumbing, etc.

You do, however, have to think about kitchen floors, kitchen cabinets, appliances, hardware, and more. Check that needs list to start identifying what components you will need to purchase.

Changing Your Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets are one of the first things noticed in a kitchen. But kitchen cabinets are more than just eye candy. They provide much-needed storage in your kitchen and can be customized to meet your specific needs.

You have several choices when it comes to changing your kitchen cabinets, including:

Refacing your existing cabinets
Replacing your cabinet doors
Installing new kitchen cabinets

If you’re on a tight budget, refacing your existing cabinets may be best. This involves replacing the door and drawer fronts and adding new veneer to the cabinet boxes.

If you have a little more money to spend, you can replace your cabinet doors and drawer fronts and add new hardware. This will give your kitchen an updated look without breaking the bank.

For a complete kitchen makeover, you can install new kitchen cabinets. This is the most expensive option but will give you the most bang for your buck in function and style.

When choosing your kitchen cabinets, you first decide on whether you want custom kitchen cabinets or prefabricated cabinets. Custom cabinets are made to order and will fit your specific kitchen space. Prefabricated cabinets are mass-produced and come in standard sizes. They can be adapted to suit your kitchen but may not utilize the space as efficiently as custom cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinet Styles and Materials

Next, you’ll choose the style of your kitchen cabinets. The most popular types are:

Shaker
Flat panel
Raised panel
Inset

You’ll also choose the material for your kitchen cabinets. The most popular materials are:

Wood
Laminate
Thermofoil
Metal

Once you’ve made your decisions, it’s time to move on to your next choice.

Choosing a Kitchen Floor

The kitchen floor is one of the essential choices when remodeling your kitchen. The type of flooring you choose will set the tone for your entire kitchen.

There are many types of kitchen floors to choose from, including:

Hardwood
Tile
Linoleum
Vinyl
Cork
Bamboo

The most popular type of kitchen flooring is hardwood. Hardwood floors are beautiful, durable, and easy to care for. They can be refinished if they become scratched or damaged.

Tile is another popular choice for kitchen floors. Tile is available in various colors, styles, and materials. It’s also durable and easy to care for.

Linoleum and vinyl are two more durable kitchen flooring choices. They’re both easy to clean and resist stains. They come in various colors and styles, so you can find one that fits your kitchen’s style.

Cork is a newer type of kitchen flooring that’s becoming popular because it’s durable, easy to care for, and environmentally friendly.

Bamboo is another newer type of kitchen flooring becoming popular because it’s beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly.

When choosing your kitchen floor, you’ll need to decide on the material, style, color, and price that fits your needs.

Other Kitchen Remodel Choices

Kitchen cabinets and kitchen floors are big choices. You also must choose appliances, cabinet pulls, lighting fixtures, and decor. No matter your kitchen needs, B+M Cabinetry can help you make those tough decisions and make the kitchen you want a reality.