Homeowners Guide to Cabinets
Cabinets are in the majority of rooms in your house...
You have kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, laundry room cabinets, entertainment room center cabinets, office cabinets, etc.
When you look at a picture of a beautiful kitchen, you probably aren’t wondering what type of wood the cabinets are made of.
If you remodel and the cabinets aren’t good quality, then you will definitely notice and you will not be happy with the issues.
The challenge is cabinets are expensive, especially in a kitchen where you need a lot of them. If you buy bad cabinets they won't last long and you'll have to redo the remodel down the road.
Because of that, we created this homeowner cabinet guide so you can learn about the types of cabinet construction and what is best for you. We tried to keep it to the basics to not have excessive information that takes too long to read and probably not necessary for homeowners.
Cabinet Timelines
It not a secret that in the home improvement service industry, cabinets have a long lead time.
Most homeowners who haven't remodeled often don't realize how much time is involved, so here is a basic timeline in chronological order:
- 1After we sign the agreement, we schedule a meeting with the cabinet manufacturer to come out and discuss your cabinet layout and style in more detail. We want to ensure the measurements, layout and design are exactly how you want it because if a change needs to be made it can drastically increase your project timeline and cost more money. This appointment is usually scheduled 1-3 weeks after you sign the agreement, depending on everyone's availability.
- 2It usually takes a week for the manufacturer to get the cabinets priced out and provide the number to all of us. The homeowner then has to see if there's any changes they want to make to either increase or lower the cabinet costs.
- 3If there are changes that adds another week usually
- 4If there are no changes then we do the cabinet render to verify the layout that fits within the budget and homeowner's goals. This usually takes 2-5 days.
- 5Then the homeowner reviews the render and approves it which can take 1-14 days.
- 6Once we have an approval for everything we order the cabinets. Depending on the cabinet line and the manufacturers backlog, cabinets can take 5-10 weeks to arrive
So as you can see, there's a lot of back and forth to do the proper planning and ensure you are happy.
From the time that you sign an agreement, it can take 3-4 months for the cabinets to be installed. We try to speed this up in any way we can, but it is important to have the right expectations.
Stock, Semi-Custom & Custom Cabinets
Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets provide a faster and easier option compared to semi-custom or custom. Stock cabinets are made in common cabinet sizes, and are made in specific colors, door styles and finishes.
Stock cabinets usually take 5-7 weeks to be built so they are faster than other options. They are also less expensive because they are made in mass repeatedly. Many homeowners pick stock cabinets because they have plenty of options to choose from and they help keep the cost within their budget.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets are more money than stock cabinets, but less than full custom cabinets. Semi-custom cabinets are available in more styles and options than stock cabinets, allowing you to create a personalized style and look.
Semi-custom cabinets can be ordered in a wide choice of finishes, stains, paints, glazes and specialty finishing styles such as distressing. They are also available with fun and functional storage options and can be embellished with crown molding, cabinet legs and feet, and a range of hardware choices to create a unique style.
Many homeowners choose custom cabinets because they want to add fun storage options or a few extra touches like crown molding.
Custom Cabinets
Custom Cabinets are the most expensive but provide you with endless options. They will definitely take the longest to make, but you can ask for virtually anything if you have the money and time to wait for them.
Most homeowners do not have a need for custom cabinets and if they want one or two custom aspects to their kitchen or bathroom, they simply go with semi-custom cabinets.
Framed VS Frameless Cabinets
There are two main types of front-facing cabinet styles. One is where there is a frame around the cabinet from behind the cabinet door and the other is where there is no frame around the cabinet box and it attaches directly with the cabinet doors.
Framed Cabinet Box Construction
This is the more common option, especially in the United States. It is less expensive than a frameless box construction. Face frames allow for easier installation and door/drawer adjustment.
This adjustment is important to ensuring everything looks right. Framed cabinets also have more options for modifications and sizes.
Frameless Cabinet Box Construction
This style option is more popular in Europe and it will cost you more money. Because there isn’t a frame around the cabinet, there is a small increase in accessibility for items inside the cabinet.
You have to get more cabinet fillers (pieces of wood that go in between cabinet boxes, in the front of the cabinet to provide clearance for drawer and door openings.
Cabinet sides are ordered finished at the factory. There are also fewer options in sizes and modifications due to the difference or limitation of the construction.
Wood Materials Of Cabinets
There are many options for cabinets, many of which are low quality, or ridiculously expensive. We will discuss the 3 main options homeowners are interested in.
One option is cabinets that use natural wood for the cabinet drawers, doors & boxes which is one of the most expensive options. These are usually chosen by homeowners who do not have a maximum budget for their remodel and are looking for the highest quality available.
The next option which is the most popular where you have a combination of plywood box construction with solid wood drawers and then natural wood doors if stained or HDF doors if painted.
Another option is particle board which is one of the least expensive options, but also lower quality and a lot more risks which we will discuss in a moment
Natural Wood Cabinets
Natural wood for all elements of the kitchen cabinet (boxes, drawer sides, drawer faces, cabinet door) is rather expensive and not necessary for 99% of homeowners.
Natural wood has a great look to it but it comes at a price. Many cabinets will have a veneer on them to look like natural wood. This is very common in the inside of cabinets where homeowners want a nice look, but they don’t want to pay the amount of money for natural wood.
The downside to natural wood is you can’t control the look of it because the wood has natural elements to it like knots, bird pecks, burls, wormholes, mineral streaks, gum streaks, and color changes.
So imagine spending a lot of money on your cabinets to find several of them have odd looking sections because of these variants you can’t control. This natural wood look isn't the fault of the cabinet manufacturer or remodeler, so if you don’t like the look you end up having to pay for more cabinets, which is not a good scenario.
Plywood Cabinets
Plywood is generally thought to be the better product when building cabinets. Plywood weighs less than natural wood or particle board, yet it is very strong.
Plywood is often considered the best choice for cabinet boxes because the wood is strong, therefore it holds screws and other fasteners better. Plywood is also more resistant to scratches & dents compared to particle boards.
So Plywood is strong, yet light and can hold unto fasteners quite well. The last thing you want is your cabinet falling down because the wood can’t hold the screws in, which leads us to particle board...
Particle board Cabinets
Particle board is something you probably don’t want in your house. Particle board is made from sawdust mixed with glue and other binding agents and put under pressure to solidify and cure. Because of this method of creation, particle board is not dense which means if you cut into it, you’ll see holes and gaps.
These holes and gaps make particle board weak, creating issues when trying to screw or fasten your particle board cabinets.
Particle board is also rough and does not make it easy to sand down to a smooth look.
It also can swell easily when introduced to water or just moisture. Once it is introduced to moisture particle board gradually disintegrates, making it a bad choice for a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or wet bar, where water is common.
We recommend you stay away from particle boards.
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
MDF is similar to particle board but it is more highly engineered. The size of the particles is very fine, and those particles are bonded together under higher pressure. Because of the smaller particles and increased pressure, MDF is more dense compared to particle board. MDF also sands better than particle board because the particles are small and it can provide a smooth surface.
MDF pros are that it is strong like wood, it won’t warp and it lasts a long time under right conditions. Medium density fiberboard is great for areas that get a lot of moisture like bathrooms. Bathrooms get a lot of humidity and temperature changes and real wood or particle boards don’t do as well in those conditions.
MDF can be fabricated into different shapes and styles easier than other wood types and therefore it is used a lot in cabinet doors. MDF also cuts cleaner and smoother then regular wood or particle board. MDF is also cheaper than natural lumber wood.
MDF cons are that it scratches easily and you can’t repair it because it can’t be sanded the same way you can with natural lumber wood. MDF doesn't do well when exposed to high temperatures, so it isn’t good for Phoenix Garages or outdoor kitchens.
Another con to medium density fiberboard is it doesn’t stain well. It soaks up the stain just like water and can swell and become rough. Another challenge with staining is it doesn’t have any wood grain pattern to show once stained, so it wouldn’t look good.
High Density Fiberboard (HDF)
Also referred to as hardboard, a high density fiberboard (HDF) is a type of engineered wood product. High Density Fiberboard is similar but much harder & denser than particle board or MDF with a density greater than 50 pounds per cubic foot.
The high density of HDF makes it popular in flooring because of the foot traffic and pressure.
HDF creates a smooth and uniform surface wherever it is used. HDF does not have any grain and unlike wood, resists cracking in temperature and humidity changes. This makes it a popular choice for painted finish cabinet doors. HDF is usually more expensive than MDF but less expensive than natural wood.
If a homeowner is interested in any type of painted cabinets, HDF is a fantastic choice to help homeowners get a well priced product that will be durable and last a long time.
So HDF is a great choice for painted cabinets, but you need natural wood for stained cabinets to show off the wood grain.
Our Cabinets
Quality cabinets at an affordable price is really important for us. We have tried many cabinet manufacturers and we have found over the years that Sollid cabinets are the best choice for our homeowners. We also have many cabinet storage options.
All of our cabinets have:
Here are some of the cabinet styles we offer:
DESIGNER SERIES
We hope this homeowner cabinet guide was helpful. This should help with choosing good kitchen, bathroom cabinets that will save you money without running the risk of bad cabinets that won't last long. If you are also interested in flooring, check out our flooring buying guide.
If you haven’t already checked to see if we will be a good fit for each other, find out below:
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Use the blue button below to pick a time to talk with our remodel expert. By scheduling the discovery call, it ensures everyone gets a call back at an exact time that works for both parties.
Our Manager will review your remodel needs, provide advice, answer your questions, and provide a price estimate. If it s a good fit at the end of the call, we schedule the in-home evaluation and then provide a written proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should Homeowners Consider Before Choosing New Cabinets?
Homeowners should consider layout, storage needs, door style, finish, cabinet construction, and how the cabinetry supports the full remodel design. Cabinets affect workflow, appliance placement, countertop planning, lighting, and the overall feel of the room. Phoenix Home Remodeling uses a planning-first design-build process so cabinetry is selected as part of the full design rather than as an isolated product choice. All projects begin with a Feasibility, Planning, and Design phase before construction starts, which helps align the cabinet plan with the room’s function, budget, and finish selections.
How Do Cabinets Affect the Overall Cost of a Kitchen Remodel?
Cabinets are one of the most important cost drivers in a kitchen remodel because they influence storage, layout, finish level, countertops, hardware, and installation planning. A kitchen remodel with Phoenix Home Remodeling typically ranges from $50K-$100K, depending on the size of the space, cabinet scope, selections, and related design decisions. PHR provides the final price only after design and selections are complete, which supports planned pricing and a defined scope before construction begins. This helps homeowners understand how cabinetry choices fit into the full kitchen remodel rather than reviewing them separately from the overall project.
What Is the Difference Between Cabinet Replacement and Cabinet Refinishing?
Cabinet replacement changes the cabinetry layout, boxes, doors, drawers, and storage function, while cabinet refinishing mainly changes the surface appearance. Replacement is typically considered when the existing layout does not support how the homeowner uses the space, when storage needs have changed, or when a remodel includes new countertops, appliances, lighting, or plumbing fixture locations. Phoenix Home Remodeling focuses on full interior remodel planning, so cabinetry is reviewed in the context of the room’s long-term function. If a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or living area needs a new layout, cabinet replacement may support a more complete design solution.
How Long Does Cabinet Planning Take During a Remodel?
Cabinet planning usually happens during the 6-10 week Feasibility, Planning, and Design phase before construction begins. During this phase, Phoenix Home Remodeling reviews storage goals, measurements, layout options, finish selections, hardware, countertop coordination, and 3D renderings. Design first. Build second. This approach allows homeowners to see how cabinetry fits with the rest of the remodel before a single wall is touched. Once the design and selections are complete, PHR provides a final price and construction plan, which helps reduce uncertainty before the project moves into the build phase.
Can 3D Renderings Help Homeowners Choose Cabinets?
3D renderings can help homeowners choose cabinets by showing layout, scale, finish direction, island proportions, storage placement, and how the room will feel before construction begins. Phoenix Home Remodeling provides 3D renderings before construction begins so you see your space before a single wall is touched. This is especially helpful for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and entertainment walls where cabinet depth, door style, and visual balance matter. Renderings also help homeowners compare design options during planning, making cabinetry decisions easier to understand before the final scope and price are set.
What Cabinet Features Improve Kitchen Storage?
Cabinet features that improve kitchen storage include deep drawers, pantry cabinets, drawer organizers, tray dividers, pullout shelves, appliance storage, waste pullouts, and carefully planned corner storage. The best choices depend on how the homeowner cooks, entertains, shops, and moves through the kitchen. Phoenix Home Remodeling’s design-build model allows cabinetry storage to be planned alongside appliance placement, countertop space, lighting, and circulation. One team from concept to completion means the cabinet plan is not handed from a designer to a separate contractor without shared project context.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel With New Cabinets Cost?
A bathroom remodel with new cabinetry typically falls within the bathroom remodel ranges used by Phoenix Home Remodeling, with primary bath remodels at $40K-$75K and guest bath remodels at $18K-$25K. The final cost depends on vanity size, storage needs, countertop selections, plumbing fixture coordination, lighting, tile, and the full scope of the remodel. PHR does not price cabinetry in isolation because the cabinet plan affects the entire room. Instead, the team completes design and selections first, then provides a final price based on the complete defined scope.
How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take When Cabinets Are Included?
A kitchen remodel with cabinets typically takes 4-7 weeks for construction after the design phase is complete. Before construction, Phoenix Home Remodeling completes a 6-10 week Feasibility, Planning, and Design phase to confirm layout, selections, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, lighting, and the final project scope. This planning-first approach helps the team coordinate cabinet details before the build begins. Homeowners also have a dedicated project manager and homeowner portal, which helps keep communication organized once the remodel moves from design into construction.
Are Custom Cabinets Always Needed for a Remodel?
Custom cabinets are not always needed, but they may be the right fit when the space requires specific dimensions, storage solutions, finish details, or layout adjustments. Some remodels can be well served by semi-custom cabinetry when the design goals and measurements align. Phoenix Home Remodeling helps homeowners evaluate cabinetry during the design phase so the final selection supports both function and appearance. Because the team plans the full remodel before construction starts, cabinet decisions can be coordinated with countertops, tile, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and the overall room layout.
What Cabinet Finishes Work Well in Arizona Homes?
Cabinet finishes that work well in Arizona homes often balance durability, natural light, dust visibility, and the home’s architectural style. Many homeowners prefer finishes that coordinate with desert tones, stone-look countertops, warm flooring, and bright natural light common across the Phoenix metro area. Phoenix Home Remodeling helps homeowners review cabinet finish samples in relation to the full room design rather than choosing a color by itself. The goal is to select cabinetry that supports the surrounding materials, the home’s style, and the way the space is used every day.
How Does Phoenix Home Remodeling Manage Cabinet Decisions?
Phoenix Home Remodeling manages cabinet decisions through a planning-first design-build process that connects design, selections, pricing, scheduling, and construction under one team. Cabinetry is reviewed during the Feasibility, Planning, and Design phase along with layout, storage needs, renderings, finishes, and the rest of the remodel scope. Once selections are complete, PHR provides the final price before construction begins. The company is licensed under ROC 313636 and has 200+ reviews, giving homeowners a documented design-build process for cabinetry and the larger remodel around it.
Can Cabinets Be Included in a Whole-Home Remodel?
Cabinets can be included in a whole-home remodel when kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, living areas, or storage zones are part of the project scope. Whole-home remodeling with Phoenix Home Remodeling typically ranges from $150K-$300K and construction usually takes 1.5-3 months after design is complete. Cabinetry can help create a more unified look across multiple rooms while improving storage and daily function. During planning, PHR reviews how cabinet styles, finishes, hardware, countertops, and built-in features can connect the home’s interior design from one space to the next.
What Cabinet Options Are Helpful in Laundry Rooms?
Helpful laundry room cabinet options include upper cabinets, tall storage, folding surfaces, utility storage, hanging areas, hamper storage, and cabinetry that fits around appliances. Laundry room remodels with Phoenix Home Remodeling typically range from $10K-$25K, depending on the scope, layout, cabinetry, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and finishes. Cabinet planning is especially important in laundry spaces because the room often needs to support cleaning supplies, linens, pet items, and daily household routines. PHR designs cabinetry as part of the full room plan so storage and function are considered together.
How Can Cabinets Support an Entertainment Wall Design?
Cabinets can support an entertainment wall by adding storage, display space, equipment organization, visual balance, and a finished focal point for the living area. Entertainment wall and living room remodels with Phoenix Home Remodeling typically range from $15K-$30K, depending on the scope, cabinetry, finishes, lighting, and feature details. During the design phase, the team can plan cabinet dimensions around the television, fireplace features, media components, and surrounding furniture layout. 3D renderings are especially helpful for these projects because proportions and symmetry are easier to evaluate visually before construction begins.
What Happens If Cabinet Choices Change During Planning?
Cabinet choices can be refined during planning before the final price and construction scope are set. Phoenix Home Remodeling’s process is designed for those decisions to happen during the Feasibility, Planning, and Design phase, not after construction has started. This helps homeowners review door styles, finishes, storage accessories, layout adjustments, and related selections while there is still time to coordinate the full design. PHR’s documented 2.1% change order rate reflects a planning-first approach that emphasizes completed selections, defined scope, and a final price before the build phase begins.
Do Cabinet Remodels Include a Warranty?
Cabinet work included in a Phoenix Home Remodeling project is supported by the company’s 2-year warranty for the remodel. Warranty coverage is part of the larger design-build experience, which includes planning, selections, construction coordination, a dedicated project manager, and homeowner portal communication. Because cabinetry often connects to countertops, tile, lighting, and plumbing fixture planning, PHR treats it as part of the complete remodel rather than a separate item. Homeowners can also view completed remodel examples at before-and-after home remodeling pictures to see how cabinetry appears in finished spaces.