Key Takeaways:
Know Your 3 Options
- Stock cabinets: Cheapest, limited sizes
- Semi-custom: More choices, mid-range price
- Custom cabinetsDefinition: Cabinets built to specific measurements and designs to fit a unique kitchen layout. Why ...: Perfect fit, highest cost
Measure Twice, Buy Once
Your kitchen layout determines what works - galley kitchens need solutions that are different from open concepts.
Material Matters
- Plywood = most durable
- Particleboard = budget but risky
- Solid wood doors = beautiful but high-maintenance
Function First
Prioritize:
- Soft-close hingesDefinition: Cabinet hinges that prevent doors from slamming shut, offering a smooth and quiet closin...
- Adjustable shelves
- Smart storage (lazy susans, deep drawers)
Style Should Match Your Life
Shaker = timeless
Slab = modern
Glass-front = decorative
Don't DIY Installation
Bad measuring = costly mistakes - trust kitchen remodeling contractors in Los Angeles
Budget Smart
Spend where it counts:
- Splurge on lowers, save on uppers
- Wait for January sales
- Good cabinets last 50 years
Your Complete Guide to Selecting Kitchen Cabinets in Los Angeles
Picking kitchen cabinets might seem simple until you're staring at a wide variety of options. Do you go with ready-made? Semi-custom? Full custom cabinetry? And what about materials, styles, and all those little details?
After helping hundreds of Los Angeles homeowners with their kitchen remodeling projects, we've learned what works (and what doesn't). Here's everything you need to know to choose your perfect cabinets without the stress.
1. Understand Your 3 Main Options
Not all kitchen cabinets are created equal. Here's the breakdown:
Stock Cabinets
- Come in standard sizes (usually 3-inch increments)
- Limited cabinet styles and finishes
- The cheapest option ($100-$300 per linear foot)
- Quickest to install
Best for: Tight budgets or rentals where custom fits aren't needed
Semi-Custom Cabinets
- More size flexibility than stock
- Better quality materials
- More design styles to choose from
- Mid-range price ($300-$600 per linear foot)
Best for: Most homeowners who want some customization without full custom cabinet prices
Custom Kitchen Cabinets
- Made exactly for your kitchen space
- Unlimited variety of kitchen cabinet designs
- Highest quality cabinets
- Most expensive ($500-$1,200+ per linear foot)
Best for: Unique spaces, high-end homes, or when you want specific cabinet doors and features
2. Consider Your Kitchen Layout
Your kitchen layout affects your cabinet choices:
- Galley kitchens: Need slim, space-saving designs
- L-shaped kitchens: Benefit from corner solutions like lazy Susans
- Open concept: Cabinets should complement the living space
Pro Tip: Bring your kitchen design plans when shopping for cabinets.
3. Pick the Right Materials
What your cabinet box is made of matters:
- Plywood: Strong, stable, best for custom cabinets
- Particleboard: Cheaper but swells if wet
- MDF: Smooth finish, but not great for humid areas
For fronts (cabinet doors), consider:
- Solid wood (beautiful but needs care)
- Thermofoil (budget-friendly, easy to clean)
- Painted finishes (modern look)
Remember: High-quality materials last decades, cheap ones show wear fast.
4. Don't Forget Functionality
Pretty cabinets that don't work well will drive you crazy. Think about:
- Upper cabinets with adjustable shelves
- Deep drawers for pots and pans
- Special inserts for spices, trays, or trash
- Soft-close hinges (worth every penny)
Smart Upgrade: Add cabinet lightingDefinition: Various types of lighting fixtures used in kitchens, including task lighting, ambient li... to see what's inside.
5. Choose a Style That Fits Your Home
Your kitchen cabinet design should match your:
- Personal style (modern, traditional, farmhouse?)
- Home's overall look
- Other elements in your kitchen remodel
Popular types of kitchen cabinets in LA right now:
- Shaker styleDefinition: A simple, functional design characterized by flat-paneled doors with rail frames. Why Yo... Read More (timeless)
- Slab fronts (for modern kitchens)
- Glass-front uppers (to show off dishes)
6. Work With the Right Pros
Good kitchen remodeling contractors in Los Angeles will:
- Offer a wide selection of cabinets
- Have a design team to help visualize
- Provide 3D renderings to bring your vision to life
- Handle precise measuring and installation
Warning: Cheapest installers often make costly measuring mistakes.
7. Budget Wisely
Kitchen cabinets typically eat 30-40% of your remodel budget. To save:
- Use semi-custom cabinets for most, splurge on one custom-made kitchen cabinet showpiece
- Choose stock for uppers, custom for lowers
- Wait for sales (many places offer discounts in January)
Remember: Well-made cabinets last 20-50 years - this isn't where to cut corners.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Kitchen Cabinets?
At Bradco Kitchen & Bath, we make choosing cabinets easy with:
- Wide range of stock, semi-custom, and full custom options
- An expert project manager to guide you
- Premium materials at affordable prices
- Free initial consultation with our design team
Let us help bring your dream kitchen to life with cabinets that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Schedule Your Free Cabinet Consultation Today
There you have it - everything you need to pick kitchen cabinets you'll love for years. Remember, the right cabinets transform your functional kitchen into the heart of your home!
Bradco Kitchens & Baths
